From world-class rollercoasters and live entertainment to one-of-a-kind, up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues to deliver as the area’s premier attraction. Next year will be no exception, with a stellar lineup of events and irresistible reasons to visit and a new thrill slide at Adventure Island®, Vanish Point®.
For a limited time, guests can pay for a day and get two parks now through 2018 FREE! The two-park Fun Card offers unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay through Dec. 31, 2018 and to Adventure Island through the 2018 season. Offer ends March 25, 2018 and costs $104.99 per person ages 3+.
The two-park Fun Card includes admission to an incredible lineup of events ranging from familiar favorites like the Food & Wine Festival to all-new events like BierFest:
2017 Special Events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Christmas Town: Select dates Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
Christmas Town beams with twinkling lights, Yuletide shows, holiday shopping and even a visit to Santa’s House presented by Coca-Cola®. Plus, the beloved characters from the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ television special return with special surprises. The Christmas cheer begins on select dates from Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, with a new holiday event, Three Kings Celebration from Jan. 1-6.
NEW! Three Kings Celebration: Jan. 1 – 6
Busch Gardens unfolds the famed journey to the humble town of Bethlehem during a new Three Kings Celebration event from Jan. 1 – 6. This cultural celebration boasts authentic Latin traditions, live entertainment honoring the three wise men and Busch Gardens’ dazzling display of twinkling lights.
2018 Special Events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Real Music, Real Masters: Monday – Saturday Jan. 8 – March 3
The longest-running concert series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay returns in January with a new twist on its winter music series. Guests can enjoy incredible live music spanning from the 1950s to today, all-new entertainment including pop and country artists, a dazzling cirque show and a rhythmic Irish dance group. Live performances are scheduled throughout the day in the climate-controlled Stanleyville Theater. Lineup includes:
- Week of January 8 – Cirque Vertigo featuring The Wallenda Duo
- Week of January 15 – Michael Cavanaugh Performing the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John
- Week of January 22 – The Diamonds
- Week of January 29 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- Week of February 5 – Pam Tillis
- Week of February 12 – Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
- Week of February 19 – Magic Moments featuring Leonard, Coleman & Blunt: Lead singers from The Temptations, Drifters and Platters
- Week of February 26– Rhythm in the Night, the Irish Dance Spectacular
Food & Wine Festival: Saturdays and Sundays, March 3 – April 29
Next spring, Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival returns with unique culinary offerings and bigger concerts than ever! The park will be tempting guests with a variety of cuisine, wine, craft beer and live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays from March 3 through April 29. Food and beverage is not included, but is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages. Musical acts to be announced at a later date.
Sesame Street® Safari of Fun Kids Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays, May 5 – May 20
Created just for kids, the Sesame Street® Safari of Fun events feature animal encounters, character parades, dance parties, kid-friendly crafts and even a few special guests. The party takes place at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area with different themes each weekend led by everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more from May 5 through May 20.
Jack Hanna Weekend: May 26 and 27
Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for two days of wild animal shows, autograph signings and special meet-and-greets when he visits Busch Gardens. The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales during animal shows at the Stanleyville Theater.
Guy Harvey Weekend: June 2 and 3
Meet Guy Harvey, renowned artist and conservationist on June 2 and 3 at Busch Gardens for meet-and-greets, autographs with your favorite gear and exclusive Guy Harvey merchandise!
Summer Nights: June 15 – Aug. 5
Busch Gardens kicks summer fun up a notch with extended hours, eclectic entertainment and Florida’s top thrill rides in the DARK – including Cobra’s Curse®, Falcon’s Fury®, Cheetah Hunt® and SheiKra®.
NEW! Bierfest: Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 25 – Sept. 16
More than 200 years of Oktoberfest traditions come to life at Busch Gardens in 2018. Raise your stein to toast the end of summer and enjoy a variety of beers from across the globe, including your favorite local breweries on Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 25 through Sept. 16. This four-weekend festival will feature a great selection of worldly brews, traditional German cuisine and festive music as you immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind Bavarian celebration.
Sesame Street® Safari of Fun Halloween Kids’ Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 6 – Oct. 28
Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street® friends every Saturday and Sunday in October during Sesame Street Safari of Fun Halloween Kids’ Weekends. Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our fall festival area. The party takes place at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area with different Halloween themes each weekend from Oct. 6 – 28.
Christmas Town: Select dates Nov. 17 – Dec. 31
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay beams with twinkling lights, holiday shows and even a visit to Santa’s House during Christmas Town, where a beautiful family tradition awaits for select dates from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.
Busch Gardens will offer guests additional events and festivals throughout 2018, so stay tuned for more details.
NEW at Adventure Island- Vanish Point: Spring 2018
Dare to drop down an epic free-fall at Vanish Point, Adventure Island’s newest attraction that will sweep guests off their feet for its 2018 season. This 70-foot drop slide lets riders choose between two skyboxes, each sending them through 425 feet of spiraling tubes until they reach the splash run finale. Will you #VowtoVanish?
The 2018 Busch Gardens + Adventure Island Fun Card is $104.99 and is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2018 at Busch Gardens and through the 2018 season at Adventure Island. Fun Cards, Annual Passes and single-day tickets are available online at buschgardens.com, at the Busch Gardens’ front gate or by calling (888) 800-5447.
Leave a Reply