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Tampa, Florida is definitely the place to be this summer. Not only can you can enjoy the great weather and the beaches. But you can visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park.
And that would be fun any time of the year. But they have new fun in store day and night at their Busch Gardens Summer Nights 2024 event!
It started back on May 24, 2024. It runs through August 11, 2024.
I am going to go over all the fun parts of this celebration. And then I’ll tell you how you can save money on your tickets!
Complimentary Beer Samples
So I could probably just end this whole blog entry selling you on the event with this one. Because who doesn’t like free beer?!?
So luckily that is back this year! Any guest (provided they are 21 years old or older, of course) can enjoy two free 7 ounce beer samples per day at Orang Café in Jungala.
And are you an annual pass member? Then you can have twice the fun because annual pass members get two free 7-ounce beer samples! This is a great perk in addition to all the other perks you get as an annual pass member (my favorite is the free parking). And with the monthly plans, annual membership isn’t nearly as expensive as you might think. You can find out how to buy an annual pass to Busch Gardens Tampa here.
Gwazi Rocks
But the free beer isn’t the only great thing about the Summer Celebration (though we admit, it’s pretty awesome).
But they also have great shows. One of them is called Gwazi Rocks. This show is a great display of music and dancing. The show features dancers, stilt walkers, and drummers. This returning favorite takes place at Gwazi Plaza.
Summer Celebration Fireworks Spectacular
Your day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay can end with a wonderful fireworks celebration! It runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. You can also catch it around the 4th of July (July 4th through 7th). .
It’s an amazing show filled with fireworks, special effects, and even fountains. It takes place on the Festival Field at 9:00 PM (weather permitting). So you won’t want to miss this!
Cirque Electric
Cirque Electric is also back by popular demand!
It is a revamped acrobatic show with all-new music. You can enjoy the brilliance and talent of cirque-style performers and dancers.
Cirque Electric is held at the Stanleyville Theater on Fridays through Mondays during the Summer Celebration. You can catch a show at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
Turn It Up
So you know how Tampa, Florida can get hot in the summer? Well, you can cool off by watching world-class ice skating
Turn It Up! has daily performances inside the Moroccan Place Theater. It is an award-winning show that combines ice skating with contemporary performances, aerial moments, and fun pop music.
Icons
This revue show is a tribute to musical legends. It takes place at Dragon Fire Grill. It features live performances of fan-favorite hits. Warning: this show may make you sing and dance in your seat.
Red, White, and Brews
Brand new in 2024 is Red, White, and Brews! It is a great culinary celebration that takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Like other culinary celebrations throughout the year at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, there will be a special menu full of delicious foods and drinks.
Here is the menu this year:
Off the Grille
Food
- Grilled Beef Kabobs
- Grilled & Marinated Tender Beef Kabob
- Sloppy Joe Dogs
- All Beef Footlong Hot Dog served on a Soft Roll
- Topped with “Sloppy Joe Style” Chili
- Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Fresh Corn on the Cob
- Grilled & Brushed with Seasoning & Butter
Drinks
- 3 Daughters Beach Blonde
- Backyard Margarita Craft Standard Cocktail
- Keel Farms Watermelon Cider
- Raspberry Riot Craft Standard Cocktail
From the Fairgrounds
Food
- Hushpuppy Dogs
- Mini Beef Hot Dogs Dipped in Hush Puppy Batter & cooked Golden Brown
- Served with Spicy Mustard
- Mini BBQ Pork Wings
- Tender Pork Wings Glazed in BBQ Sauce & Grilled
Drinks
- Mastry’s Breezy Tropical Blonde
- Hidden Springs Orange Crush
- Magnanimous Juice Lord
- Phoenix Rising Punch
Summer Street Food
Food
- Pulled Smoked Chicken Slider
- Slow Smoked Pulled Chicken, Cole Slaw & BBQ Sauce on a Soft Bun
- Chicken & Waffles
- Chicken Tenders served over Belgian Waffles with Spicy Maple Syrup
- Walking Pork Tacos
- Smoked Pulled Pork, Cheese, Doritos, Pico & Sour Cream
Drinks
- Yuengling Flight
- Michelob Ultra
- Copper Tail Free Dive
- Golden Road Mango Cart
Food Truck Favorites
Food
- BBQ Chicken
- Tangy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Grilled
- Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls
- Crunchy Egg Roll Stuffed with Macaroni and Cheese, served with Spicy Cheddar Sauce
Drinks
- Budweiser Light
- Blue Moon
- Keel Farms Creamsicle
- Florida Avenue My Boy Blue
Summer Snacks
Food
- Caramel Popcorn
- Pretzels and Cheese
- Cotton Candy
- Assorted Chips
Drinks
- Bacardi Cocktails
- Domestic Can
- Import / Craft Can
- NUTRL SELTZER
- Fuzzballs
- Beso Sangria
Summer Crepes and Cream
- Strawberry Crepes
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
- Blueberry Crepes
Summer Nights Elite VIP Tour
Does front-of-the-line access to top rides, up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, and lunch at top Busch Gardens restaurants sound good to you? If so, then you may want to consider booking the Summer Nights Elite VIP Tour. You can find out more information about the VIP tour here.
Discount Tickets
Busch Gardens Summer Celebration is a day to night event, so it is included in the cost of admission. You can get discounted tickets to Busch Gardens by purchasing your ticket here.