For a limited time only, buy a Busch Gardens Annual Pass and get three months free! From world-class rollercoasters and Broadway-style entertainment, to one-of-a-kind, up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues to deliver some of the biggest thrills anywhere… and next year will be no exception.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to announce a line-up of unique events scheduled to run now through 2017. Some of the perks of being a Busch Gardens Pass Member include access to these special events, no blockout dates, free parking and exclusive monthly Instant Rewards valued at over $300.
Additionally, some of the unique special events included with Annual Pass admission:
Christmas Town: Select dates November 25-December 31
Unwrap a beautiful family tradition at Christmas Town, where Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a wonderland of entertainment and attractions, holiday shopping, festive treats and more than two million twinkling lights. New in 2016, the Christmas cheer begins with the all-new Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland where guests can meet Rudolph, Bumble, Yukon Cornelius and other characters from the classic family Christmas television special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It continues at Santa’s House presented by Coca-Cola, where Santa himself takes a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with families in his private study. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience some of Busch Gardens’ most popular thrill rides, including Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Falcon’s Fury and the newest family spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse.
NEW! Sesame Street Safari of Fun “Halloween” Kids Weekends: October 22, 23, 29, and 30
Sesame Street Safari of Fun is hosting a Halloween party on the last two weekends of October! Enjoy festive arts and crafts, trick-or-treat candy stations and a hay bale maze. During the “The Count Weekend” & “Monsters & Fairies Weekend” guests will encounter character parades, dance parties, everyone’s favorite and Sesame Street friends like the Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby!
Pass Member Appreciation Event: November 5
Free for annual Pass Members, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay takes a moment to recognize and thank our loyal guests. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pass Members can enjoy coasters in the dark, behind-the-scenes shows, meet-and-greets with our Wildlife Docs, a fireworks celebration and exclusive offers including free dessert with purchase of entrée, 50% off draft beers and more!
For 2017, the following events are scheduled:
Real Music: January 9 – March 4
Busch Gardens’ longest-running concert series returns Mondays through Saturdays from Jan. 9 to March 4. With two shows a day, the show features live music that spans six decades, from the 1950s to today. Musical fare includes soul, blues, country, pop and rock ‘n roll. Lineup includes:
- Week of January 9 – Shirley Alston Reeves: Original Lead Singer Of The Shirelles
- Week of January 16 – The Diamonds
- Week of January 23 – The Platters
- Week of January 30 – Fernando Varela
- Week of February 6 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- Week of February 13 – Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band
- Week of February 20 – Micky Dolenz
- Week of February 27– Lee Greenwood
Food & Wine Festival: Saturdays and Sundays, March 4 – April 30
Next spring, Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival returns with an extended week of new 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 4 through April 30. Food and beverage is not included, but is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages. Line-up up to be announced at a later date.
NEW! The Wildlife Docs Live: Launching May 2017
Inspired by The Wildlife Docs television series, this inspiring visual journey combines 3-D projection technology, live animals, and Broadway-style performance to transform the theater and transport the audience to experience a one-of-a-kind journey. Join your guide, as they illuminate the unique connection that exists between the many wonders that live in the water, on land, the treetops, and the sky. Directed by acclaimed Broadway director and choreographer, Jeff Whiting.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids Weekends: May 6, 7, 13, and 14
Created just for kids, the Sesame Street Safari of Fun events feature animal encounters, parades, dance parties and even a few special guests. The first weekend will feature the cookie connoisseur himself, Cookie Monster and the second weekend will include a scavenger hunt for Ernie’s Rubber Duckies throughout the Safari of Fun play area. Character parades will take place at the top of every hour of the event. Plus, guests can expect kid-friendly music along with the chance to meet with Busch Gardens’ animal ambassadors.
Jack Hanna Weekend: May 27 – 28
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.
Summer Nights: Select dates June 16 – August 6
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kicks summer fun up a notch with extended hours, all-new entertainment and thrill rides – including the one-of-a-kind family spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse. Guests can challenge world-class thrill rides in the DARK and end the night with a stunning finale.
Howl-O-Scream 2017: September 22 – October 29
This adult-targeted event transforms Busch Gardens into a late-night party with haunted houses, scare zones and a live show. This event requires an admission ticket separate from daytime admission to Busch Gardens. Daytime admission to Busch Gardens is not included nor required.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun “Halloween” Kids Weekends: October 21, 22, 28, and 29
Sesame Street Safari of Fun is hosting a Halloween party on the last two weekends of October! Enjoy festive arts and crafts, trick-or-treat candy stations and a hay bale maze.
Christmas Town: Select dates November 24-December 31
Unwrap a beautiful family tradition at Christmas Town, where Busch Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland of Christmastime entertainment and attractions, holiday shopping, treats and more than two million twinkling lights.
Busch Gardens will offer guests additional events and festivals throughout 2017, so stay tuned for more details.
The Busch Gardens Annual Pass is $168.00 and is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2017. Annual passes, Fun Cards and single-day tickets are available online at buschgardens.com,
