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Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s time to let the good times roll, New Orleans style! Because Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa, Florida has a great Mardi Gras event this year!
It started back on January 13, 2024. The event runs through March 3, 2024. It takes place on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
There are a lot of really fun things going on at this event, which I want to talk about. And then I will tell you how to save money on your tickets!
Entertainment
Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras just doesn’t feel like Mardi Gras without a parade, right? So if you want to see a Mardi Gras parade at Busch Gardens, then head to the Bird Garden. This lively and upbeat parade has entertainers, musicians, and stilt walkers.
Bead Balcony
You won’t want to leave a Mardi Gras celebration without having beads to take home. So head to the “Bead Balcony” so you and your family can catch some beads!
Brass Band
You’ll feel like you’re at the French Quarter when you hear this great music! You can hear New Orleans style jazz music and Bourbon Street beats at the Bird Garden.
Specialty Dining
There are eleven different Mardi Gras locations throughout the park:
- Hurricanes
- Xcursions
- Artisan
- Tequila Tasting
- Sweet Treats
- The Voodoo Lounge
- Esplanade Street Bites
- Creamery
- Jackson Square
- Springs Taproom
- French Quarter Wines
You can get special Mardi Gras-themed food and drinks at these markets. You can even get artisan crafts, too!
I’m going to tell you about each one, but first I want to tell you about the Food & Beverage Sampler. You can buy a 5-item or a 10-item food & beverage sampler. It is a great way to try out some of the foods and drinks at a discounted price. Click here to buy one of these food and beverage samplers.
Here are some of the food and drinks you can get at some of the booths here.
The Voodoo Lounge
Drinks
Sweet Treats
- Beignets
Jackson Square
- Shrimp Creole
- Shrimp, tomatoes & the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery with cajun seasoning
- Sausage Gumbo
- Stew of roux with smoked sausage & chicken plus okra, tomatoes, garlic, bacon fat, flour, “trinity” mix & cheddar cornbread
- Jambalaya
- Cajun/Creole rice dish with tomatoes, garlic, “trinity” mix, rice, creole seasoning & sausage (smoked, andouille & chorizo)
Hurricanes
Food
Drinks
- Hurricane
- Dark & Light Rum, Triple Sec, Citrus Juice & Monin Red Passion Fruit
- Green Giant
- My Boy Blue
- Florida Tea
Esplanade Street Bites
- Andouille Sausage Po’ Boy
- French baguette, with andouille sausage, spicy tomato jam & pickled onions.
- Cajun BBQ Short Rib
- Slow Roasted BBQ Beef Short Rib & Corn Puree
- Dirty Rice & Beans
- Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made from white rice cooked with small pieces of beef, green bell pepper, celery & onion, and then spiced with cayenne & black pepper
Bourbon & Whiskey Tasting
- Bubba’s Secret Stills Marshmallow Chocolate Whiskey
- Bubba’s Secret Stills Burnt Sugar Whiskey
- Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey
NOLA Creamery
- Crepe Suzette
- French Crepe, Sliced Oranges, Caramel Sauce & Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Chicory & Chocolate Crepes
- French Crepe with Chocolate, Coffee & Soft Serve Ice Cream
French Quarter Wines
Springs Taproom
Food
- The “NOLA” Sandwich
- French Baguette with Olive Ham, Capicola, Soppressata, Mozzarella, Provolone, Remoulade Sauce & House Made Voodoo Chips
Drinks
- Abita Brewing: Vanilla Triple Dog
- Robust dark velvety ale, pale, caramel & chocolate malts, Willamette hops & aged with whole vanilla beans
- Magnanimous Brewing: Carnival King Hazy IPA
- Triple Hopped IPA
French Quarter Pop Up
Make your trip to the Mardi Gras celebration at Busch Gardens memorable with a souvenir. At the French Quarter Pop Up, you can find jewelry, artisan crafts, and souvenirs.
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 save up to $70 on your tickets by buying your ticket there!
