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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 14, 2023. The event runs through March 5, 2023. 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 eight different Mardi Gras locations throughout the park. 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.
Now onto the Mardi Gras markets!
Xcursions
- Mardi Gras Signature Cupcakes
- Chocolate Flambeaux Cupcake
- “Brace Yourself” Hurricane Cupcake
- Lemon & Lime Krewe Cupcake
- “Let the good times roll” Cupcake
- Big Easy Rum Bundt Cake
Sweet Treats
- Beignets
- King Cake Donut
Jackson Square
- Shrimp Creole
- Shrimp, tomatoes & the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery with a peppery kick
- Gumbo
- Stew of roux with andouille sausage & chicken
- Jambalaya
- Cajun/Creole rice dish with onion, celery, and bell peppers (of course) sauteed with andouille sausage
Hurricanes
- Hurricane
- Silver & Gold Rum, Passionfruit, Margarita Mix
- “Throw Me Some Beads” Punch
- Pineapple Rum, Blanco Tequila, Melon, Margarita Mix
- Spiced Rum Sangria
- Red Wine & Spiced Rum
- Mardi Gras Bock
- by Abita Brewing
- King Cake Ale
- by Mudbug Brewing
Esplanade Street Bites
- Andouille Sausage Po’ Boy
- French baguette, with andouille sausage, spicy remoulade & shredded lettuce.
- Crawfish Etouffee
- Thick stew served over rice with crawfish & Creole seasonings
- 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
- Mardi Gras Parfait
- Mini “Mardi” Bundt Cake
- with Ice Cream
Springs Taproom
- Muffuletta
- With salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, mozzarella cheese & Creole olive salad
- House-made Voodoo Chips
- A blend of sweet & spicy chips with Cajun flair & a hint of smoky BBQ sweetness
- Sazerac
- Pimm’s Cup
- Mardi Gras Bock
- by Abita Brewing
- King Cake Ale
- by Mudbug Brewing
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, click here. You can save up to $40 on your tickets by buying your ticket there!
