Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Busch Gardens Christmas Town returns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area offering brand new experiences to celebrate the holidays and create memories to cherish for a lifetime. Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions such Iron Gwazi every day from Nov. 14 through Jan. 9. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is included with park admission.

New Activities

• New! Holiday in the Sky – The evening sky comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks while an added spectacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights.   
• New! A mesmerizing and enchanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building. Guests will not want to miss this spectacle, which will run daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m.  
• Christmas with the Celts – A wonderful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance will captivate guests with the spirited and energetic entertainment of Christmas with the Celts. The renowned group of vocalists, musicians and dancers will perform live at Stanleyville Theater’s stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 16 through Dec. 25. 
• New! Land of the Sweets – At this sweet winter wonderland, guests will findthe Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier, the newest characters to join the Sugar Plum Princess in her magnificent new realm.  
• New! Right in the heart of Jungala, guests will be in awe with a new 32-foot-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a red and white winter wonderland.  

Returning fan-favorites include:

• Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola, a unique experience where jolly elves guide guests to interact with Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season. Parked outside, guests will see Santa’s sleigh for the merriest photo opportunity.
• Joyful songs fill the air and holiday tales come to life for Storytime with Mrs. Claus.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is joined by Clarice and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, where guests get to meet and greet to find the most famous reindeer of all.
• “Christmas on Ice” – The Moroccan Palace Theater is the home of Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show, a winter-wonderland on ice and an unmissable skating show set to classic holiday tunes.  
• Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Guests can join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show. 
• Three Kings Journey – The musical tale of the three wise men famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated at Dragonfire Grill. Only during select nights from Nov. 18 through Jan. 8. 
• Holly Jolly Express – All aboard for Christmas Cheer! The merriest train will transport guests into the celebration as they loop around the park aboard this sing-along journey playing the favorite songs of the season.  

There are lots of new and returning entertainment options but I was really hoping that “Christmas Is..”, “The Most Wonderful Time”, or “Christmas from the Heart” music spectaculars would be returning. I don’t ride many rides at Busch Gardens so the shows are what make me happy.

Of course we will be riding the Holly Jolly Express, that is a family must-do as is singing at the top of our lungs the entire ride. We are a family of musicians so its a lot of fun!

New Seasonal Menu Items

• New! Red Curry Shrimp and Jasmine Rice  
• New! Wild Mushroom Tart with Boursin Cheese Crema 
• New! Braised Beef and Roasted Garlic Smashed Potato  
• New! Unique cabin serving Wine and Chocolate Truffles  
• New! A “Decorate Your Own Cookie” Cabin for kids 

And because the holidays are all about tradition, guests will also enjoy the signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate located in various locations throughout the park. YUM! Christmas Town Hot Cocoa is a requirement on our visit! Hopefully having additional locations will make it easier to get. We have often waited in 30+ minute lines to get hot cocoa on a warm Florida night.

The absolute best way to experience the jolliest of all seasons at Busch Gardens is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $40 and redeemable at the numerous cabins located throughout the entire park, Samplers offer the best value for guests and will be available in quantities of five and 10. An exclusive 12-item Sampler for the same price as a 10-item is available for all Pass Members. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.   

For as low as $14 per month and with exclusive benefits valued at more than $400, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass will allow guests to get a sneak preview of this year’s Christmas Town. Also, pass members get to be the first to ride Serengeti Flyer, the park’s all-new 2023 ride opening in 2023, and have unlimited visits to the park’s seasonal events that are included with admission. 

For a limited-time, guests looking for not just the best gift but also great savings can pay for a day with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Fun Card which provides unlimited access to the park’s world-class attractions, award-winning entertainment, up-close animal encounters, and vibrant seasonal events through 2023 with the rest of 2022 free.  

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With more weekends to celebrate safely, Busch Gardens is getting jazzed up with music, beads and more for open-air festivities with French-Quarter flair. Guests will have the opportunity to catch some beads from physically distant New Orleans street performers periodically strolling throughout the day. There will be plenty of room to dance through spacious walkways while enjoying festive tunes from live musicians while flavorful dishes and cocktails tempt the senses.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Dates and Times

The Mardi Gras celebration will be held select dates and run from noon to closing time. Most of those dates are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, with a few Mondays, and of course Fat Tuesday as well.

• January 16 noon-9pm
• January 17 noon-9pm
• January 18 noon-7pm
• January 22 noon-6pm
• January 23 noon-8pm
• January 24 noon-6pm
• January 29 noon-6pm
• January 30 noon-8pm
• January 31 noon-6pm
• February 5 noon-6pm
• February 6 noon-8pm
• February 7 noon-6 pm
• February 12 noon-6pm
• February 13 noon-8pm
• February 14 noon-8pm
• February 15 noon-8pm
• February 16 noon-5pm

Feast like Kings and Queens on Classic Cajun Cuisine at Busch Garden Mardi Gras

Busch Gardens has brought the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay with Mardi Gras-inspired food including a signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya, and hot and fresh beignets. Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering, which can be best enjoyed with a Mardi Gras Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard with a 10-punch option and an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for Pass Members, Sampler Lanyards make it easy for guests to embrace that “Fat Tuesday” feeling!

Returning Spring Events

Sesame Street Kids Weekends, January 30 – February 14

For kids and kids-at-heart, there are more special moments with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and the rest of their Sesame Street friends coming up this season! Fans won’t want to miss new physically distant celebrations for Elmo’s birthday and Valentine’s Day this year.

Food & Wine Festival, Friday to Sunday, February 20 – April 25

Taste buds will bloom this spring with a delicious menu of dishes and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park’s thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests will also enjoy a taste of local musical talent throughout the open-air festival to accompany their sweet and savory samples.

Busch Gardens Health and Safety

The Busch Gardens team has consulted with medical experts to offer modified events with required reservations and limited capacity for safe celebrations. All seasonal events feature open-air entertainment throughout the park’s more than 300 spacious acres as well as enhanced health and safety measures including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, face covering requirements and physical distancing. Reservations are required and limited and can be made at www.BuschGardensTampa.com.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on visiting Busch Gardens Right Now

We plan to attend Mardi Gras, not sure of which date yet. We purchased Busch Gardens Fun Passes last year on Black Friday. We attended Christmas Town in December, our favorite Busch Gardens event. I shared on my personal Facebook wall then, and I am sharing publicly here, if you have fears of crowds because of Covid, Busch Gardens isn’t the place for you.

I don’t know what percent of capacity they are at but, it was crowded, like a normal Christmas Town night. Workers were not enforcing the proper wearing of masks, as other theme parks are. There was an occasional message over the PA speakers reminding everyone to wear masks and social distance, but that was it.

There were few social distancing markers throughout the park, in ride queues, or in food areas. If you are immune compromised or living in fear, stay home. I am neither and I will be visiting again soon.

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Christmas Town,

To bring the merriment to life, Busch Gardens’ creative team has consulted with medical experts to offer a modified event with required reservations and limited capacity that celebrates the spirit of the season safely. This seasonal event features open-air entertainment and experiences as well as enhanced health, safety and sanitation measures, including temperature checks, face covering requirements and physical distancing. Included in park admission, park guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist, from millions of twinkling lights throughout the park’s 335 acres to physically distant holiday shows, breathtaking animal encounters and contact-free visits with Santa and Rudolph® the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Heartwarming Holiday Entertainment

A warm-weather winter wonderland awaits park guests with a variety of holiday programs offered throughout the event. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which programs are available each date.

• NEW “Spark the Night” Fireworks Show: This year, guests will have several opportunities to enjoy festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling display. Fireworks are offered select nights throughout the event at the Festival field, offering plenty of space for guests to spread out and enjoy the sights.
• “Christmas on Ice”: For the first time ever, park guests can enjoy Busch Gardens’ longest-running holiday show at a NEW outdoor location on the Festival Stage. This fan-favorite skating production will perform awe-inspiring delights on real ice for physically distant audiences every Friday through Sunday and additional holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
• Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Families can sing and dance with their favorite furry friends in this fun holiday show. Celebrate the Christmas spirit with Sesame Street in the outdoor Sunny Day Theater with physically distant seating.
• Three Kings Journey: The musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem is now offered alongside festive eats at the spacious Dragon Fire Grill.
• Holly Jolly Express: All aboard for Christmas Cheer! With limited capacity, this locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with favorite songs of the season as guests venture through the park in festive fashion. **A Schultz family favorite**

Contact-Free Photo Ops

• Santa’s Merry Meet & Greet: Jolly elves guide guests to see Santa for a physically distant photo at a spacious new outdoor location this holiday season.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Jingle all the way to Pantopia to Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all and snap some contact-free pictures with Rudolph and Clarice.
• Original Christmas Town Characters: For moments that sparkle, guests will encounter the Poinsettia Princess, Sugar Plum Princess, Ice Princess and jolly snowmen throughout their Christmas Town journey.
• Sesame Street Friends: Enjoy physically distant photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends in their festive holiday attire.

Christmas Town Food and Shopping

As guests dash through the night between iconic rollercoasters, they can explore the Christmas Town Village: a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an all-NEW chef and mixologist created holiday menu. Beyond a selection of fan-favorite seasonal beers and mulled wine, guests can also choose from a variety of NEW holiday inspired beverages rooted in classic Christmas traditions. These unique, limited time options include specialty cocktails like the “Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy” made with winter cider, honey whiskey and a chai infusion and the festive “Spiked Hot Cocoa” with gingerbread crumbles, caramel and whipped cream.

The spirit of the season is in every bite of holiday dishes throughout the park such as sliced pork tenderloin, smoked turkey legs with pumpkin cider glaze, harvest turkey and prosciutto sliders and a variety of peppermint desserts.  The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard. Pass members can enjoy an extra special offer with an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for the price of a 10-punch lanyard to sip and savor throughout the event.

After fueling up for festive fun, guests can check everyone off their holiday shopping list from dazzling ornaments to charming nutcrackers with Busch Gardens exclusive 2020 holiday merchandise which is only available during this special event. 

We LOVE visiting Christmas Town to help kick off our family holiday season. We love the lights and music, food, visiting Santa, and a ride on the Holly Jolly Express is a must-do.

Give the Gift of Busch Gardens

I am all about giving experiences as gifts whenever possible. A Busch Gardens Fun Card or Annual Pass makes a great gift. If any of my friends or family are reading this….Ron and I would love Annual Passes for Christmas

For a limited time, buy a 2021 Fun Card and get the rest of 2020 FREE or upgrade to an Annual Pass starting as low as $11.50 per month with no down payment. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits, now with the best benefits ever such as FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, Pass Member VIP Ride Nights, an exclusive 2020 Pass Member Ornament, and up to 50% savings on merchandise, photo prints, Quick Queue, and more.

The Fun Card gives park-goers unlimited access to the park to visit again and again for the remainder of 2020 calendar year and all of 2021¹ for one low price, but does not include the additional pass benefits!  Visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards or Annual Passes.

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Contact Free Trick or Treating

Children can dress up in their Halloween costumes to enjoy traditional trick-or-treating that is safe with physical distancing at Busch Gardens Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends this fall. Candy stations will be spread out throughout the park’s spacious, open play area where ambassadors wearing gloves and protective masks will distribute candy in a contact-free manner. As an additional safety measure, guests who participate in Trick-Or-Treating will be asked to purchase a new reusable bag to prevent contact between individuals.

New Sesame Street Experiences at the Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends

After collecting their candy, families can enjoy physically distant photo opportunities with Sesame Street friends like Big Bird, Oscar and Grover in their finest Halloween attire and upgrade their day with the NEW Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster. “C” is for cookie when you join Cookie Monster to decorate his favorite snack! This fun-filled family experience features physically distanced photo opportunities and new measures to keep the cookie decorating safe and fun, including single-party tables with ample spacing and enhanced cleaning procedures. 

The Count’s Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show

The Count’s Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show is sure to entertain the whole family in the outdoor, Sunny Day Theater with physically distant seating. In this Sesame Street Halloween show, Count von Count serves as the master of scare-emonies as he leads his friends through some of his favorite tunes. With help from his friends—Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover, Oscar and Elmo—The Count produces a not-too-spooky Halloween show that features song and dance numbers that get everyone involved! You can “count” on fun for the whole family during this spirited Halloween show.

Expanded health and safety measures visit: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/park-info/park-safety/

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Sloth Encounter

Super fans can take it slow with the animal care team as they get up close with one of Busch Gardens’ amazing sloths! The behind-the-scenes 30-minute tour of Animal Connections provides guests the opportunity to see where the resident sloths like to hang out as they learn about their unique diets by helping to feed one of the world-famous sloths. This inside look also includes hands-on opportunities alongside the keepers who provide daily sloth care.

Rhino Encounter

Get nose to “rhinose” with one of the largest land animals in the world. This tour embarks on a 45-minute off-road tour, getting closer than ever to the two species of rhino that call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay home. An expert guide will take guests behind-the-scenes to see the park’s animal care in action and have the opportunity to touch one of the park’s white rhinos. Then, the tour travels to the center of the 65-acre veldt to meet Jody, an endangered black rhino, for an opportunity to give her one of her favorite snacks! On this tour, guests will get an inside look at the healthcare and habitats of the resident rhinos and learn about current conservation efforts to protect these species in the wild.

These two new animal encounters are part of a dynamic line-up of 10 animal experiences now offered at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including a comprehensive “Keeper for a Day” program.  From penguins and gorillas to elephants and tigers, park guests now have more options than ever to see their favorite animals up-close, making this season at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the wildest summer ever.

Reservations are now being accepted for the two new tours, starting at $59.99 per person. Advance reservations are encouraged as space is limited on all tours. To book a reservation and learn more, call 813-884-4FUN (4386) or visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com.  Among many annual and monthly perks, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pass Members receive a 10% discount on animal tours, including the new rhino and sloth encounters.

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NEW! Pass Member Exclusive Ride time on Tigris:

Saturdays & Sundays, May 4-12 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest roller coaster, Tigris, is now open. For the first two weekends in May, Pass Members are invited to exclusively enjoy the thrill of Tigris, including a 150-foot skyward surge, forward and backward launches, and an inverted heartline roll, before the park opens.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends:

Saturdays & Sundays, May 4-19 Busch Gardens is celebrating Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary with spring weekend events and a new friend! Meet Julia, a sweet and curious 4-year-old girl with autism, who recently joined her friends Elmo and Abby Cadabby at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Guests can meet Julia and friends in our all-new area, Abby Cadabby’s Garden, located on the pathway to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Also NEW this year, families can enjoy build-your-own ice cream sundaes at the Sesame Kids’ Pavilion. For $6.99 per person, guests can choose from vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or pineapple soft serve as the base of their creation with a number of favorite toppings available.

Created with children in mind, each weekend offers interactive entertainment and activities. From character dance parties to scavenger hunts, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

In addition, each weekend is themed to fan-favorite characters:

Rubber Duckie Weekend, May 11 & 12: Join the search for Ernie’s favorite rubber duckie! Guests will experience all Sesame Street Safari of Fun has to offer while spending quality time with Bert and Ernie!

Cookie Monster Weekend, May 18 & 19: Look for cookies among the flowers with the one and only Cookie Monster and his closest friends. Guests can enjoy arts and crafts and more during this special family-friendly weekend.

Guy Harvey Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay:

Saturday & Sunday, May 11 – 12 Guests will have the chance to meet world-renowned artist and conservationist Guy Harvey through autograph sessions and meet and greets on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. In addition, Guy Harvey will host a special Conservation Connections session highlighting his partnership with SeaWorld Parks and his conservation efforts.

Pass Member Exclusive! Meet and Greet with Guy Harvey On Sunday May 12, Busch Gardens Pass Members can participate in an exclusive meet-and-greet from 9 to 10 am at the Xcursions gift shop and enjoy a 20% discount on Guy Harvey merchandise.

Jack Hanna Weekend:

Saturday & Sunday, May 18 – 19 Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay for one-of-a-kind shows, autograph signings, special meet-and-greets, and more! The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales throughout the day at Stanleyville Theater. The daily shows are included with park admission.

Tails and Tales Cocktail Hour Guests can book more time with Jack Hanna at an exclusive cocktail hour complete with autographs, photo opportunities and animal ambassadors. The night ends with Jack Hanna sharing stories and his animal expertise. The Tails and Tales experience costs $99.99 – Pass Member discounts are available.

VIP Meet and Greet with Jack Hanna For the ultimate Jack Hanna fan, guests can book a VIP Meet and Greet with Jack including up-close encounters with animal ambassadors. VIPs will also receive a commemorative photo, autograph and reserved seating to the Jack Hanna show. The VIP Meet and Greet costs $34.99 – Pass Member discounts are available.

NEW! Memorial Day Weekend Pin Trading Event:

Saturday & Sunday, May 25 – 27 Park guests can check out the latest collections arriving just in time for the unofficial kick-off to summer. In addition to new retail collections and a new pin kiosk in Stanleyville, park ambassadors will offer rare pins to trade at different locations around the park.

Also, for this weekend only, all guests who participate in an animal insider tour will receive 30% off their pin purchase at Serengeti Outpost to commemorate their experience.

Summer Nights:

Every night starting May 31 through August 11 The thrills go late and the fun lasts longer during Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Each night from May 31 through August 11, park guests can take on their favorite thrills in the dark, now including Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster. Guests can dance the night away in themed party zones and enjoy a fireworks finale each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night all summer long.

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NEW! Turn It Up! Ice Show

The Moroccan Palace is now home to the hottest show on ice, Turn It Up! This all-new ice show vibrantly celebrates summer with electric performances set to today’s hottest hits.

NEW! Party Zones

Summer Nights will feature three uniquely themed party zones at Cheetah Hunt® Plaza, Pantopia®, and Stanleyville. Guests can dance into the night at each location and indulge in spectacular summer fare inspired by the party zone itself.

¡Fiesta Festa!

Cheetah Hunt Plaza transforms into the ¡Fiesta Festa! party zone, complete with an immersive and authentic Latin experience including lively entertainment and a flavor-packed menu, including slow roasted mojo pork, jerk chicken empanadas, and chicharróns. The party zone will also feature several drink options including sangria, margaritas and international and domestic beer selections.

Luau

Pantopia becomes the Luau party zone with entertainment inspired by the islands, and a Hawaiian-inspired menu, including huli huli chicken, Hawaiian barbecue ribs, and pineapple cheesecake parfait as well as tropical cocktails, craft brews and much more!

Vibin’ Village

The Vibin’ Village party zone takes over Stanleyville and will transport guests to Africa with an immersive experience of tribal entertainment and an authentic cuisine featuring craft beers, artesian wines and cocktails, chicken mafi with peanut sauce, tamarind shrimp watermelon cooler and a smoked chicken pocket with harissa.

NEW! Busch Gardens Summer Nights Sampler Lanyards

The best way to savor sensational Summer Nights cuisine is with Busch Gardens convenient 8-item Summer Nights sampler lanyard, modeled after the guest-favorite Food & Wine Festival lanyards. Guests can enjoy park-wide summer samples from themed party zones and select food locations throughout the park, including Twisted Tails, Garden Gate Café, Serengeti Overlook Pub and more. The Summer Nights lanyards are $34.99 each with Pass Member discounts available.

Thrill Rides in the Dark

It’s not summer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay without thrill rides in the dark. Florida’s top thrill rides will be open during Summer Nights, including favorites like Falcon’s Fury®, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra® and Busch Gardens’ newest spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com.

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“We are excited for the second year of our acclaimed Food & Wine Festival. Our guests gave last year’s event rave reviews and this year promises to be even better, with one of the best concert lineups of 2016,” said Jim Dean, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival takes place starting Saturday, March 5 and runs through Sunday, April 24. The event is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. For more information, visit buschgardens.com.

Best Busch Gardens Values For Florida Residents:

• Now through February 29, guests who buy a Fun Card to Busch Gardens also will receive a FREE Fun Card to Adventure Island.
• For those that want even more VIP offerings, the Annual Pass offers unlimited admission all year, free parking, no blockout dates and special benefits. NEW this year for Pass Members is enhanced Instant Rewards – a 12-month calendar of exclusive offerings each month such as discounts, ticket offers and free gifts. With a new reward each month, there is incentive to purchase early and enjoy the full year of offers. With EZ Pay, Annual Passes start at just $14 per month for one park, and $18 per month for both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or stay connected and join the conversation using #corksandcoasters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I wasn’t able to attend last year’s Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, I hope to get there this year. I’d love to see Huey Lewis & the News in concert too! Which concert would you most like to see?

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The 2016 Fun Card now is available for purchase. With the 2016 Fun Card, guests pay for one day and get all of 2016 free. Plus, as a special offer commemorating the Fun Card launch, guests who purchase their 2016 Fun Card now also can visit Busch Gardens for the remainder of 2015 for no additional cost, including the popular Christmas Town event. The 2016 Busch Gardens Fun Card is $99 and is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2016. 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.

Busch Gardens Tampa 2016 Events

Real Music: Jan. 4-March 5
Busch Gardens’ longest-running concert series returns Mondays through Fridays from Jan. 4 to March 5 with live music that spans six decades, from the 1950s to today. Musical fare includes swing, blues, pop, jazz and rock ‘n roll.

• January 4-9 Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
• January 11-16 Jay and The Americans
• January 18-23 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• January 25-30 The Drifters
• February 1-6 Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
• February 8-13 The Diamonds
• February 15-20 Strawberry Fields
• February 22-27 The Glenn Miller Orchestra
• February 29 – March 5 Chubby Checker

Food & Wine Festival: Saturdays and Sundays March 5-April 24
Next spring, Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival returns with wild flavors and concerts for every taste. The park will be tempting guests with a variety of cuisine, wine, craft beer and live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays from March 5 through April 24. Food and beverage is not included, but is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Summer Nights: Select dates June – Aug.
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens is returns with more heat, featuring an end-of-night show packed with live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Their thrilling performance – along with modern music and fire effects – will pump up the crowd every night. Plus, summer nights are a great time to cool off with the rush of Busch Gardens’ world-class thrill rides, including Falcon’s Fury, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower.

Jack Hanna Weekend: Sept. 10 & 11 (dates subject to change)
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.

Busch Gardens will offer guests additional events and festivals throughout 2016, so stay tuned for more details.

NEW in 2016 Cobra’s Curse
Busch Gardens puts a spin on family thrills in 2016 with Cobra’s Curse. This one-of-a-kind spin coaster features a 70-foot vertical lift and takes riders on a whirlwind adventure of exciting explorations. Come face-to-face with an 80-foot snake icon, trek over the park’s Serengeti Plain and discover the mysteries of an Egyptian archeological excavation.

I am not a huge coaster enthusiast but I am so excited for Cobra’s Curse! I cannot wait to ride this rollercoaster!

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Celebrating the box office success of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, which has grossed more than $740 million at the worldwide box office, Alex the Lion and friends will party while on vacation with guests at Busch Gardens Tampa® and SeaWorld® throughout 2013.

The 20-minute musical show follows the antics of Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the Penguins during a vacation adventure. The show will feature rock/pop music performed by a live band and include both classic and original songs. The characters also will conduct meet and greets with park guests. Additionally, special co-branded merchandise exclusive to the parks, will be available.

These two locations will be the only theme parks in the U.S. where fans can see the characters of Madagascar live. The new show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” premieres in the following locations:

•   Busch Gardens Tampa^® May 18, 2013.
•  SeaWorld San Diego June 15, 2013.

The company also has the opportunity to expand the show to other parks in the SeaWorld family in the future.

“Audiences around the world have embraced the characters of Madagascar, and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks are the ideal places for families to enjoy this immersive live entertainment experience,” said DreamWorks Animation’s Head of Worldwide Licensing & Consumer Products, Kerry Phelan.  “The entire creative team behind this uniquely original version of “Madagascar Live!” has done an impressive job of translating the beloved world from screen to stage, bringing it to life for young park guests and family audiences alike.”

“Our parks both entertain and inspire guests to care about animals,” said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Likewise, the Madagascar movies also inspire animal lovers, but in a different way with their inimitable charm and humor. We welcome these characters to our family with open arms and look forward to working with DreamWorks Animation on this incredibly funny and engaging new show.”

Madagascar is one of the most successful CG animated movie franchises of all time, grossing more than $1.8 billion at the worldwide box office. In 2012 “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” grossed over $740 million at the global box office, becoming the highest grossing film of the series.

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