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Laissez les bons temps rouler! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s annual Mardi Gras event is returning this Saturday (January 24, 2026) and will be operating on Saturdays and Sundays through March 1, 2026. In this Busch Gardens Tampa Mardi Gras, we’ll give you an overview of what you can expect at this event, including how to save money on tickets!
Entertainment
The Queen’s Mardi Gras Jamboree
Enjoy a festive procession with costumed performers – and of course lots of beads! The procession ends at the Mardi Gras Stage Plaza
Bead Balcony
Speaking of beads, if the beads they throw out at the Queen’s Mardi Gras Jamboree isn’t enough, head over to the “Bead Balcony”. There you’ll find masked and costumed celebrators throwing out beads from the “Beads Balcony”.
Brass Animals
You’ll feel like you’re at the French Quarter when you hear this great music! Hear New Orleans-style jazz music and Bourbon Street beats from the Brass Animals, a popular nationwide group of talented performers. You can hear them over at the Bird Garden.
Specialty Dining
During the festival, you are treated to a special menu not offered during the week. This menu of food and drinks perfectly fits the theming of the festival.
You can expect menu items like:
- Beignets
- Crawfish étouffée
- Andouille sausage po’ boy sandwiches
- Hurricanes
You can see a full list of the available drinks in this menu guide.
Busch Gardens Tampa Discount Tickets
Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Mardi Gras event is included in the price of admission!
And if you want to save money on admission, buy your ticket here. You can find great deals here, like a free dining plan!