Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing the spirit of the Big Easy back to Tampa with the return of Mardi Gras, running January 24 through March 1, 2026, every Saturday and Sunday.
This limited-time seasonal celebration blends New Orleans-inspired entertainment, bold Cajun cuisine, and the park’s signature thrills into one festive experience that’s included with park admission.
Guests can enjoy returning Mardi Gras-style entertainment throughout the park, including The Queen’s Mardi Gras Jamboree, a lively procession filled with music and celebration, the fan-favorite Bead Balcony where guests can catch classic Mardi Gras beads, and Brass Animals, a high-energy band performing jazz classics straight from Bourbon Street.
Food is once again a major highlight, with more than 25 Cajun-inspired dishes available throughout the event. New and returning menu items include favorites like Crawfish Boudin Balls, Shrimp and Grits, warm beignets, and handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the festive atmosphere. Guests looking to sample multiple offerings can purchase a five-punch sampler lanyard for $34.99, making it easy to taste their way through the celebration.
In addition to Mardi Gras festivities, visitors can pair the event with Busch Gardens’ world-class roller coasters and animal encounters, making it a full-day experience for the whole family.
For those planning multiple visits, Busch Gardens is also offering a Fun Card deal for a limited time, which includes Adventure Island free and provides unlimited visits to both parks through 2026.
Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay runs weekends from January 24 to March 1, offering a perfect mix of food, fun, and thrills to kick off the 2026 season.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.