Busch Gardens has announced an exciting line-up of events for 2023, offering guests never-ending fun and entertainment options including one-of-a-kind seasonal festivities, a world-class line-up of concerts and events included with park admission and thrilling attractions such as the award-winning Iron Gwazi and the new Serengeti Flyer opening in Spring 2023.
Mardi Gras
14 January – 5 March (select dates)
Inspired by the vibrant colours and delectable flavours of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens will transport guests to a festive realm of bayou inspired fanfare featuring Cajun inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, multicoloured beads, an authentic brass band playing live and spirited entertainment offerings for the entire family. Mardi Gras is included with daily park admission.
Real Music Series
17 January – 26 February (weekly; Tuesdays-Sundays)
Busch Gardens’ longest running concert series returns with All-New acts! The Stanleyville Theater will host fantastic live performances including artistic renditions of some of the best-known classic rock, rhythm & blues, and pop bands. Real Music Series is included with daily park admission.
| 17 – 22 Jan | New! - The Kings of Queen |
| 24 – 29 Jan | New! - Face 2 Face, Elton & Billy |
| 31 Jan - 5 Feb | New! - Foreigners Journey |
| 7 – 12 Feb | New! - Steve Michaels as Elvis |
| 14 -19 Feb | New! - Direct from Sweden the Music of ABBA |
| 21 – 26 Feb | New! - The Purple Xperience |
Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends
27 January – 12 February and 28 April – 21 May (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends at Busch Gardens is the place for kids and parents to join in on the fun. Now including Fridays, families have an additional option to meet and greet their favourite furry friends at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area for story time, interactive dance parties, arts & crafts and much more. New limited-time festivities happen each weekend of the event, all included with park admission.
Food & Wine Festival
10 March – 21 May (select dates)
Each weekend the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival offers delectable dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails. While indulging in the event’s vibrant culinary delights, guests will also enjoy some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The event and all concerts are included with daily park admission. The line-up for 2023 includes:
| 11 Mar | Kansas |
| 12 Mar
18 Mar |
Maddie & Tae
SWV |
| 19 Mar | Dustin Lynch |
| 25 Mar | Rodney Atkins |
| 26 Mar | Flo Rida |
| 2 Apr | MacKenzie Porter |
| 8 Apr | +Live+ |
| 9 Apr | The Fab Four (Beatles Tribute Band) |
| 15 Apr | 38 Special |
| 29 Apr | Hoobastank |
Musical performances on 1, 16, 22-23 and 30 April will be announced soon.
Cinco de Mayo
5 – 7 May (Friday - Sunday)
Guests can enjoy tasty Mexican cuisine, authentic music and festive entertainment while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens. Included with daily park admission.
Viva la Música
5 – 21 May (Friday, May 5; Saturdays and Sundays)
Busch Gardens hosts a celebration of Hispanic music food and culture. Every Saturday and Sunday, plus Cinco de Mayo, guests can dance to live musical performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic cuisine and more. Viva la Música is included with daily park admission. The line-up for 2023 includes:
| 5 May | Ultimate Selena Experience - The Como La Flor Band |
| 7 May | El Gran Combo |
Musical performances on 6, 13-14 and 20-21 May will be announced soon.
Summer Nights
25 May – 6 Aug (daily)
The thrills continue after dark at Busch Gardens where summery fun mixes with Florida’s top thrilling attractions and a festive ambiance. The vibrancy of Summer Nights is powered by electrifying entertainment including new shows, an updated ice-skating show and more, available throughout the park from opening and extended way past sunset. Fireworks will be available on select nights. Summer Nights is included with daily park admission.
4th of July Celebration
30 June – 4 July (Friday - Tuesday)
Celebrate the Independence of the United States. The event features a synchronised fireworks spectacular set to an emotive soundtrack, entertainment and more. Included with daily park admission.
Bier Fest
21 July – 4 Sept (Friday – Sunday plus Labor Day)
Bier Fest offers the ultimate jaw-dropping combo, a delectable blend of food and favourite craft beers from around the world as well as local favourites. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bier Fest is included with daily park admission.
Howl-O-Scream
8 Sept – 31 Oct (select nights)
Busch Gardens is transformed into a nightmare of inescapable fear for Howl-O-Scream 2023. Spine-chilling scares and haunted houses, devious creatures lurking in every dark corner and pulse-pounding rides in the absence of daylight returns on select nights. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event.
Spooktacular
8 Sept – 31 Oct (Fridays – Sundays plus 30-31 October)
At Spooktacular, guests will step into a whimsical world of enchantment full of not-so-spooky Halloween fun. This family-friendly event features a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating. Spooktacular is included with daily park admission.
Christmas Town
13 Nov – 7 Jan 2024 (daily)
A celebration of Yuletide traditions, Christmas Town is the holiday winter wonderland for guests to enjoy millions of lights, heart-warming treats, festive entertainment and the perfect set for a family photo. Christmas Town is included with daily park admission.
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