Mardi Gras is Back At Busch Gardens Tampa with Festive Fun, Flavorful Bites, and Live Entertainment

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing the excitement of New Orleans to Florida with a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration.

Guests can experience the energy of the Big Easy with dazzling parades, lively music, and the thrill of catching festival beads—all included with park admission. This high-energy event transforms the park with colorful entertainment, mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, and festive drinks, making it a can’t-miss experience for visitors of all ages.

A Feast Fit for a King (or Queen!)

Indulge in the bold flavors of New Orleans with a mouthwatering menu of Cajun-inspired favorites. Guests can savor iconic dishes such as Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Étouffée, and Po’ Boy Sandwiches, along with the ultimate sweet treat of Mardi Gras—warm, powdered-sugar-dusted beignets.

The celebration also features a taste of Bourbon Street with handcrafted cocktails like the classic Hurricane, the refreshing Purple Passion Craft Cocktail, and a selection of beers and spirits to keep the good times rolling.

For those who want to sample a variety of festival flavors, Busch Gardens is offering a Mardi Gras 5-Item Food & Beverage Sampler, making it easy to explore the best tastes of the event.

Let the Good Times Roll with Live Entertainment

The park’s Mardi Gras celebration is packed with high-energy performances and live music that capture the heart of New Orleans. The Mardi Gras Parade transforms the Bird Gardens into a lively spectacle, featuring stilt walkers, dazzling entertainers, and plenty of beads flying through the air. Guests looking to score their own festive souvenirs can head to the Bead Balcony, where a limited supply of Mardi Gras beads will be tossed out at select times during event hours.

Adding to the atmosphere, the renowned Brass Animals will bring the sounds of the French Quarter to life with jazz classics and Bourbon Street beats, filling the park with an infectious rhythm that will have everyone dancing.

The Best Way to Experience Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens

For those looking to get the most out of their visit, an Annual Pass is the perfect way to enjoy not only Mardi Gras but also other fan-favorite events like the Food & Wine Festival and Bourbon & BBQ. Starting at just $14.25 per month (plus tax) with no down payment, Pass Members enjoy exclusive perks and, in 2025, will be the first to experience Wild Oasis, the park’s newest immersive realm, before it opens to the public in the spring.

With thrilling entertainment, delicious cuisine, and the unmistakable spirit of Mardi Gras, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the place to be this season. Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll!

Plan Your Visit

Mardi Gras festivities take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from January 11 through March 2, with an additional celebration on Monday, January 20. Daily event hours run from 12 p.m. to park close, offering guests plenty of time to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the celebration. For park hours, event details, and showtimes, visit the official Busch Gardens website.