One of the things we toadally love about SeaWorld Orlando is that there is always something to celebrate! Its sister park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, also hosts a variety of fun events year-round. Whether you visit SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa, chances are there is a fun event hoppening at the parks! The SeaWorld Orlando events bring special entertainment, splashin' good fun and seasonal food and drink to the aquatic theme park. The same goes for the safari-themed Busch Gardens. With that said, let's look at all the SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa events for 2023!
Most of the events are included in the cost of admission, although some activities (and food and beverage) cost extra. The only exception is Howl-O-Scream, which is a separately ticketed event at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando. Single-day tickets are date-specific and can be purchased online in advance. If you happen to have a Fun Card or annual pass, most of these special events are included with your pass. (Psst ... you can save money when you purchase discount SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tickets through Undercover Tourist!) Now, let's dive in!
The Full Lineup of SeaWorld Orlando Events in 2023
Seven Seas Food Festival — Thursdays through Sundays, Feb. 3 to May 7, 2023
Sip and sample your way around the world with exciting flavors and local craft beers, plus live performances. Learn all about this mouthwatering event in our Seven Seas Food Festival guide.
Cinco de Mayo — Select Dates, April 27 to May 7, 2023
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic music, delicious Mexican cuisine, and festive entertainment as part of their Seven Seas Food Festival.
Viva La Música — Weekends, May 13-21, 2023
Experience this festive, tadpole-friendly Latin celebration in a new way as you dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors, shop for authentic souvenirs and much more. Enjoy live performances at the Nautilus Theater from Rey Ruiz on May 13, Grupo Mania on May 14, Jon Secada on May 20 and Melina León on May 21.
Guy Harvey Weekend — May 19-20, 2023
Join Guy Harvey for meet-and-greets, autographs, photo opportunities, and more.
Summer Spectacular — Select Dates, May 27 to Sept. 4, 2023
When the sun goes down, the night comes to life with electrifying dance music, colorful lights and a fireworks spectacular! We can't wait to experience this brand new summertime celebration!
Craft Beer Festival — Select Dates, July 28 to Sept. 4, 2023
Enjoy over 100 craft beers from breweries across the state of Florida, plus a few domestic craft favorites. Read all about this boozy and bubbly celebration in our complete guide to the SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival.
Howl-O-Scream — Select Nights, Sept. 8 to Oct. 31, 2023
A new terror has surfaced ... and there's nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream will wash ashore once again at SeaWorld Orlando and, this time, the fear is everywhere. Read all about this spine-tingling separately ticked event in our ghoulish guide to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando.
Halloween Spooktacular — Select Dates, Sept. 16 to Oct. 31, 2023
Trick-or-treat and meet silly Halloween characters during this family-friendly daytime event. Wehopover to SeaWorld year during spooky season. Lily loves posing with pumpkin princesses and making memories with magical mermaids — not to mention all the delicious candy she fills her bag to the brim with every year! Read all about this festive celebration in our bewitching guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular.
Christmas Celebration — Select Dates, Nov. 10 to Dec. 31, 2023
This is where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment. Read all about the holly jollyhoppeningsin our complete guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration.
Guy Harvey Weekend — November 24-25, 2023
Join Guy Harvey for meet-and-greets, autographs, photo opportunities, and more.
New Year's Eve — Dec. 31, 2023
Celebrate New Year's Eve at SeaWorld with a spectacular fireworks display offering viewing areas around the park.
The Full Lineup of Busch Gardens Tampa Events in 2023
From Mardi Gras to the holidays, Busch Gardens Tampa has an exciting year filled with festive and fun events planned out.Here's a full list of this year's events.
Food & WineFestival — SelectDates, March 10 to May 21, 2023
Sip and savor your way through flavorful eats, mouthwatering treats, tasty brews and delicious cocktails as you enjoy a diverse concert line-up, featuring acts for all tastes. Food and beverage locations are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to park close. On our visit, we loved trying all the mouthwatering dishes Busch Gardens' culinary artists cooked up, such as the Lamb Lollipop with a Mint Demi-glaze, Mushroom Ravioli with Truffle Cream Sauce and Iron Gwazi Cupcake. The refreshing drinks, such as the Serengeti Flyer Punch and Island Grove Wine Company, Blueberry Moscato were also big hits!
Be sure to purchase a Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard to make the most out of your stroll through the Gourmet Gardens. Save up to 40% with a 10-item sampler or, for the best value, save up to 50% with a 15-item sampler. As always, we recommend using your sampler lanyard on food items as those will be the same size regardless. Drinks are going to be served in smaller cups if you order with the lanyard.
Don'tfroget tohopinto the brand new Springs Taproom where they're serving up Tuna Poke, farm-to-table wines and a variety of beers just waiting to be sampled.
Food & Wine Festival Concerts — Select Dates, March 11 to May 21, 2023
The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music on select dates during the event. Concerts are free with park admission!
Sesame Street Kids' Weekends — Fridays through Sundays, April 28 to May 21, 2023
Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and all of your favorite Sesame Street friends for fun-filled weekends featuring story time, interactive dance parties, arts and crafts and much more!
Cinco de Mayo — May 5-7, 2023
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a party zone, festive dancing, food and beverages.
Viva La Música — Select Dates, May 12-21, 2023
Dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors in dishes such as Ceviche Peruano and Mole Beef with Sweet Plantains and more at Busch Gardens' newest Latin celebration.
Guy Harvey Weekend — May 26-27, 2023
Meet Dr. Guy Harvey and learn about his dedication to conversation and passion for marine wildlife. While you're there, purchase some of Guy's artwork and merchandise for him to sign at the Excursions gift shop. (On Saturday, for an added fee, you can hear tales from Guy's travels around the world in a small group setting while enjoying brunch, mimosas and Bellinis — and even get a signed lithograph!)
Pin Trading Event — May 28, 2023
Trade and explore new and rare pins during a special pin trading event.
Summer Nights — May 26 to Aug. 6, 2023
Celebrate summer throughout the day and night with electrifying entertainment. Learn all about this dazzling celebration in our Summer Nights guide.
4th of July Celebration — June 30 to July 4, 2023
Enjoy dazzling entertainment, seasonal eats and some of the best fireworks in Tampa.
Bier Fest — Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day, July 21 to Sept. 4, 2023
Sip and savor seasonal brew offerings and new beer-inspired recipes at Bier Fest.
Howl-O-Scream — Select Dates,Sept. 8 to Oct. 31, 2023
If you prefer the thrills and tricks over the treats of the spooky season, you'll love Busch Gardens Tampa's Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream. The bravest of frogs face a number of specially themed haunted houses and scare zones scattered throughout the park on select nights. Additionally, you can hop on any of the thrilling roller coasters at night, or catch one of Busch Gardens' signature stage shows. For these reasons, Howl-O-Scream is not recommended for young tadpoles. Catch a glimpse at all of the frightful fun that Flora and I had during the event in our Howl-O-Scream guide.
Spooktacular — Fridays through Sundays, Sept. 8 to Oct. 29, 2023
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and more during this family-friendly event. Join a witch-in-training as she shares her journey into becoming a real witch, purchase a reusable bag to score some candy at the trick-or-treating stations, take part in a colorful costume parade and pop a squat for a spooky storytime!
Christmas Town — Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, 2023
Christmas lights? Check. Festive food? Check. Lots of fun holiday entertainment? Check! Celebrate the holidays at Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town event. The park is decorated with dazzling Christmas lights in every land, including an entire tunnel's worth of flashing lights. Special guests, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus, spread holiday cheer. Find hot chocolate, warm chocolate chip cookies and all of the seasonal flavors at Christmas Town Village. Tune into the special entertainment, ranging from carolers in the Three Kings Journey show to ice skaters starring in Christmas on Ice. Top off a jolly good night with a special fireworks show! Find out more details in our ho-ho-hoppin' Christmas Town guide.
We are so frogcited about the upcoming Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando events. Fun is hoppening all year long! Keep hoppingback for specific dates, details and updates as these events approach.
Don't froget that all of this fun is included with general park admission, so buy our discounted SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa tickets for your frog squad now and hop on down to experience some events! Which event are you hopping to? Let us know in the comments section below.
Related: Our Top SeaWorld Orlando Tips for Your Next Visit
Keep hopping!
FAQs
How far is it from Seaworld to Busch Gardens? ›
Yes, the driving distance between Seaworld Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is 73 miles. It takes approximately 1h 18m to drive from Seaworld Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Does Seaworld own Busch Gardens Tampa? ›Busch Gardens is the name of two amusement parks in the United States, owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The original park is in Tampa, Florida, and the second park is in Williamsburg, Virginia.
How far is it from Orlando to Busch Gardens? ›Yes, the driving distance between Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is 84 miles. It takes approximately 1h 29m to drive from Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
What new rides are coming to Busch Gardens Tampa? ›Serengeti Flyer will open on February 27, 2023 to all guests, but Busch Gardens pass members will get to ride first on February 24, 2023.
Is SeaWorld Orlando a full day? ›SeaWorld Orlando is one of the last maritime theme parks left in the nation. It's an aquatic park in Orlando that can be done as a half-day or whole-day park. This depends on your goals for that day.
How many days do you need at Busch Gardens Tampa? ›There's a lot to do at Busch Gardens Tampa. And much of it, like the animal exhibits and gardens, take time to enjoy. If you'd really like to see and do absolutely everything, and do it well, we suggest you plan for two days. That being said, the vast majority of people who go to the park only go for a day.
Can I use my SeaWorld cups at Busch Gardens? ›In fact, you can even take these cups to any of the SeaWorld parks nationwide (Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld San Diego), and they'll work for refills there, too.
Are Busch Gardens and SeaWorld connected? ›owns and operates three SeaWorld locations in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio, as well as the two Busch Gardens locations in Williamsburg and Tampa. The rights to the Busch Gardens parks were acquired by SeaWorld's ownership group for $2.7 billion in 2009.
Why did Budweiser sell SeaWorld? ›(BEC), the second-largest U.S. entertainment park operator. The widely anticipated deal is seen as a way for the Belgian brewer to pay down debt following its $52 billion takeover of Anheuser-Busch last year.
What days are best to go to Busch Gardens? ›On most days the park opens at 10 am – confirm our opening time by viewing our Park Hours & Show Times page here. Visit during the weekday: Although the park typically has lighter traffic on weekdays (and this can vary), Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally tend to have lighter crowds and shorter wait lines.
Which is better Disney world or Busch Gardens? ›
There are just more rides, attractions, shows, and entertainment offerings at Disney World. Busch Gardens has better thrill-seeking roller coasters and you also get admission to the attached zoo, but besides that, I think Disney World offers a better value.
How do I get from Orlando to Busch Gardens without a car? ›Shuttle Service from Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Mears Destination Services offers daily round-trip motor coach transportation from several convenient Orlando area locations to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Transportation is complimentary with any paid Busch Gardens admission ticket.
SheiKra - Floorless Dive Roller Coaster | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Why is Falcon's Fury closed 2023? ›So, then why was Falcon's Fury grounded for more than a year? The theme park says when it closed the ride for maintenance, there was a problem getting parts and supply chain issues created a longer than expected delay.
Does Busch Gardens have a dark ride? ›Escape the storm on the ALL-NEW DarKoaster™, North America's first all-indoor straddle coaster, now open at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg. Traveling on snowmobiles across 2,454 feet of track, daring explorers race through total darkness while changing course to avoid the elements.
What day is SeaWorld least crowded? ›What is a Good Time and Day to Visit SeaWorld Orlando? The best time to visit SeaWorld Orlando is during the week, and in the morning. With the best days being on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
What is the slowest day of the week for SeaWorld? ›Weekends, Thursday, and Friday are busy days at this park. Monday through Wednesday are usually better days to visit because tourists coming for a week in Orlando go to the Disney and Universal parks early in their stays, saving SeaWorld for the end, if at all.
What day is best for SeaWorld? ›The best time to visit SeaWorld Orlando is Tuesday-Thursday right when the park opens. Weekdays in general are typically much less crowded and visitors from all over the world plan their trips around the weekend.
What is the slowest day at Busch Gardens Tampa? ›Weekdays in winter, late spring, and fall typically have the lowest crowds. Because most of the attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa are outdoors, a day with extended inclement weather will often reduce crowd levels.
What day is Busch Gardens least crowded? ›The best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa is during the week, and in the morning. With the best days being on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
What day is Busch Gardens the slowest? ›
The least busy day at Busch Gardens is typically Mondays and Tuesdays.
Can you bring snacks and water into Seaworld Orlando? ›No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into SeaWorld Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula.
How much are popcorn buckets at Seaworld? ›Buy a refillable popcorn bucket
A similar program is available with the SeaWorld popcorn bucket. It costs just $4.79 and comes filled. If you want additional refills you can pay just $1.99.
The rest of Sea World (except the parking lot and adjacent public areas) has a regular beer, wine, and distilled spirits license. This means you can carry your concession-stand beer anywhere within the park's walls, as if you were in your local tavern.
How far is SeaWorld from Busch Gardens Tampa? ›Yes, the driving distance between Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to Seaworld Orlando is 74 miles. It takes approximately 1h 20m to drive from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to Seaworld Orlando.
Is SeaWorld owned by Budweiser? ›The parks were bought in 1989 by Busch Entertainment Corp., the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch, which is best known for brewing beer. In 2009, Busch Entertainment was sold to the Blackstone Group and subsequently renamed SeaWorld Entertainment.
Does SeaWorld in Orlando have water rides? ›Rush the rapids on SeaWorld's all-new river ride Infinity Falls™. Climb aboard your raft and prepare to get soaked while reaching peak excitement on Infinity Falls™, only at SeaWorld® Orlando.
Why is SeaWorld being sued? ›San Diego to sue SeaWorld for $10M in back rent that went unpaid during pandemic. The city of San Diego, frustrated by its failure to get SeaWorld to pay back rent it owes, is planning to sue the marine park.
Why did Busch sell Busch Gardens? ›Anheuser-Busch InBev had been seeking a buyer for its theme parks since completing the $52 billion merger of beer giants InBev and Anheuser-Busch last year. Executives have said they want to sell off non-core assets to use the proceeds to pay down debt stemming from the merger.
Who bought SeaWorld? ›In September 1989, Busch Entertainment purchased Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Park Group which included Boardwalk and Baseball, Cypress Gardens and the SeaWorld theme park chain.
Does Busch Gardens Tampa still have free beer? ›
TAMPA, Fla.
Guests that aren't Pass Members can still join the fun with one free seven-ounce beer per visit.
The Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular will be offered on select nights at 9 p.m. at Festival Field.
How should I dress for Busch Gardens? ›Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a family destination, and requires that guests wear appropriate clothing while in the park. Shirts, skirts or pants (including jeans or shorts) and shoes must be worn at all times. Costumes and masks are not permitted in the park.
What is the most expensive park in the world? ›Located in Tampa, Florida, Busch Gardens opened to the public in 1959. According to ticket-price data gathered by The Family Vacation Guide in May 2022, Busch Gardens is the most expensive theme park in the world just above Disney World.
What 3 parks are best at Disney World? ›Q: What are the three best parks at Disney World? A: The three best Disney World parks are: #1 – Magic Kingdom, #2 – EPCOT, #3 – Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios comes in at fourth on our list because it is very busy with long lines and better suited for teens.
Which Disney park in Florida has the best rides? ›Disney's Magic Kingdom has 24 rides.
Magic Kingdom is Disney World Resort's best theme park and the single most popular theme park in the world. It opened in 1971 as Walt Disney World's first theme park and, today, is more popular than ever before. If you love the classic rides, then you'll love Magic Kingdom.
The animals are great, the staff are top notch, the shows are worthwhile but the best deal is the dining plan. We bought our tickets on line and included the dining plan. We walked in at 9 am and out at 7pm and did not spend a dime on food or drink.
How long does it take to walk around Busch Gardens? ›To totally enjoy the park, plan on spending at least 4 to 6 hours.
Is Busch Gardens all rides? › What ride drops straight down at Busch Gardens? ›335-foot freestanding drop tower. It's one thing to drop 300 feet. It's a whole other for your seat to pivot 90° – then drop you face-first at 60 mph. The height Falcon's Fury® reaches offers an incredible view stretching well past downtown Tampa and encompassing all of Busch Gardens.
What is the oldest ride at Busch Gardens Tampa? ›
Python opened on July 1, 1976, as the first roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa.
What is the slowest roller coaster at Busch Gardens? ›Scorpion
It originally opened in 1980 as part of the Timbuktu section (now Pantopia). However, it's also the slowest and the shortest coaster at Busch Gardens, which is why we've ranked it so far down.
Serengeti Flyer will open on February 27, 2023 to all guests, but Busch Gardens pass members will get to ride first on February 24, 2023.
What rides are open at Busch Gardens Tampa? › What happened to the Skyride at Busch Gardens Tampa? ›History. The ride was manufactured by Von Roll of Berne, Switzerland and opened at the park in 1974. The Skyride needed to be closed beginning in 2010 to build the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster, which opened May 27, 2011.
Do you have to wear a mask at Busch Gardens Florida? ›Health and Safety FAQs
Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors. What is considered an acceptable face covering? Face coverings that fit within the CDC guidelines are considered appropriate for guests when experiencing our parks in indoor locations.
No the park does not prohibit it.
Does Busch Gardens Florida have water rides? ›Congo River Rapids Water Ride | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
How long does it take to walk around SeaWorld? ›Stay at least 6 to 8 hours. Staying for this amount of time will allow you to see all of the shows, animal exhibits and encounters, and rides. Avoid walking near the amphitheaters towards the end of shows as crowds will pour out around that time.
Can you use a SeaWorld Cup at Busch Gardens? ›In fact, you can even take these cups to any of the SeaWorld parks nationwide (Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld San Diego), and they'll work for refills there, too.
Does SeaWorld Orlando have a lazy river? ›
Enjoy our sandy beaches or our lazy river, Loggerhead Lane. While you float, check out the incredible underwater views of fish and visit our Commerson's dolphins.
Are there rides at SeaWorld Orlando? › What is the slowest day of the week at Busch Gardens? ›The least busy day at Busch Gardens is typically Mondays and Tuesdays. Most guests plan their vacations around the weekends due to school & work schedules, which frees up the park during the weekdays.
What are the slowest days at Busch Gardens? ›Weekdays in winter, late spring, and fall typically have the lowest crowds. Because most of the attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa are outdoors, a day with extended inclement weather will often reduce crowd levels.
Do you get free beer at Seaworld Orlando? ›Visitors who are 21 years old and older can pick up one free 7-ounce beer per visit at Waterway Grill Bar starting at 11 a.m. until one hour before the park closes. Pass members can receive two free beers per visit.
Can you bring water bottles into Seaworld Orlando? ›No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into SeaWorld Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula.
Can you bring reusable water bottles into SeaWorld? ›You are allowed to bring a refillable water bottle into Seaworld San Diego, Seaworld San Antonio, and Seaworld Orlando, providing it is made of stainless steel, copper or plastic. Glass containers are not allowed. No other outside food and drinks, plastic straws, or coolers are permitted.