Learn about the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Event at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Learn about live performances, how to save money on tickets, drinks

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A few years ago, my family and I attended a Busch Gardens Williamsburg Sneak Peek event during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. We loved the live music and festive decorations all over the theme park.

That’s why I’m so excited that this year, Busch Gardens will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day… all March long!

You can attend this fun, family friendly holiday event every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from March 4 through March 27. And, of course, it will also be held on St. Patrick’s Day itself, which falls on Thursday, March 17 this year.

We’re going to go over all the fun things to do at the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. And then we’ll also share how to save money on your tickets!

Specialty Dining

Enjoy special food and drink options, such as:

  • Green Beer
  • St. Patrick’s Day Kettle Corn
  • Guinness Mousse
  • Specialty Brews
    • Black & Tan
    • Snakebite

Entertainment

There are a number of live entertainment options throughout the park.

Celtic Fyre

This popular show, which combines storytelling and dance, is perfect for this special St. Patrick’s event. And it’s definitely a must see – it’s been recognized as the #1 Amusement Park Entertainment by USA Today five times! You can watch Celtic Fyre at the Abbey Stone Theatre in the Ireland section of the park.

If you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you’ll get a seat, consider purchasing reserved seating for Celtic Fyre. At the time of purchase, you’ll select a specific date and show time. Then, on the day of the performance, you’ll need to check in at least 10 minutes early. You’ll be able to sit in a special reserved seating area, which works on a first come first served basis for all those who have reserved seating.

Rockin’ Celts

Catch a performance of this Irish rock band in New France! Rockin’ Celts will be paying tribute to classic songs by U2, the Cranberries, Flogging Molly, and more.

Emerald Ensemble

At Das Festhaus in Oktoberfest, you’ll be impressed by this interactive group of vocalists. They’ll be singing contemporary songs with a special Irish twist. And because Das Festhaus is a restaurant, you can enjoy this charming musical act as you eat!

Killarney Village Celebration

Celebrate the holiday with music, Mayor O’Malley, stilt walkers, and more!

Dublin Over

During this open-air performance in the Ireland section of the park, you’ll enjoy impressive acoustic music, from classical Irish songs to contemporary hits.

St. Paddy’s DJ

Rock out during this outdoor dance party in Oktoberfest! And from the top of Das Festhaus, DJ Melody will be spinning some great electronic dance music.

Local Irish Dance Schools

On Saturdays, you can watch performances by some of Virginia’s Irish dance schools.

Sunny Day Celebration

If you’re looking for a show aimed at the younger set (but fun for the whole family!), then Sunny Day Celebration is the show for you. In the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, you can watch Elmo and other Sesame Street favorites performing live on stage!

Rides & Attractions

Pantheon

The world’s fastest mult-launch coaster officially opens on March 25! This is just in time for the last weekend of the St. Patrick’s Celebration.

If you can’t wait that long, you’ll be happy to know that Members can enjoy their first ride on Pantheon during select dates from March 4 through 13. Being a Member is like being an annual passholder. You get unlimited visits to the park for 12 months (with some blockout dates for the Basic Membership level). Depending on the level you choose, your Membership could include just Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, or even all 11 parks in the Busch Gardens family. To become a member and be able to ride Pantheon before it opens to the general public, click here.

Other Rides

These favorite roller coasters and rides will be open during the St. Patrick’s Celebration:

  • Apollo’s Chariot
  • Verbolten
  • The Little Gliders
  • Grover’s Alpine Express
  • Mach Tower
  • Turkish Delight
  • Aeronaut Skyride
  • Kinder Karussel
  • The Battering Ram
  • Der Autobahn
  • Oscar’s Whirly Worms
  • Der Wirbelwind
  • Li’l Clydes
  • Der Autobahn Jr.
  • Le Catapult
  • Prince Elmo’s Spire
  • Bug-A-Dug
  • Der Roto Baron
  • Flutter Sputter

Rides Opening Later

The following attractions will be opening later in March:

  • Alpengeist
  • Griffon
  • The Busch Gardens Railway
  • InvadR
  • The Flying Machine
  • Loch Ness Monster
  • The Trade Wind
  • Tempesto
  • Finnegan’s Flyer
  • Elephant Run

Other Activities

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt

This Scavenger Hunt is a wonderful way to get the youngest guests involved in the St. Patrick’s Day fun. Make sure to get your clue sheet at the Welcome Center. And see if you can find each of the nine leprechauns hiding throughout the park.

Clancy Meet & Greet

There may be many leprechauns in the park – but Clancy is Busch Garden’s favorite! In Rhinefeld Village (the Germany section), you can meet Clancy and take a souvenir photo.

St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Surprise Squad

Just what surprises do Miss Molly Malone and Mayor O’Malley have in store? Come to the park on March 17, showing off your favorite green outfit, and you can find out!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Tour

Are you looking for an extra special experience at the St. Patrick’s Day event?

This 4 hour tour, led by a personal Park Guide, is just the thing!

With this tour, you’ll get:

  • Reserved seating at Celtic Fyre
  • A meal in Das Festhaus during the Emerald Ensemble show
  • Irish treats (a seasonal snack, and 2 specialty green beers for those at least 21 years of age)
  • Priority access on select rides
  • VIP parking
  • And more!

Please note that a minimum of 2 people are required for a tour reservation. Park admission is required but not included in the cost of the tour. Currently, this tour is available during all of the event dates in March, but special add-ons such as this can and do sell out.

To book a St Patrick’s Celebration Tour, click here.

Discount Busch Garden Tickets

The Busch Gardens St. Patrick’s Day Celebration event is included with park admission.

And, luckily, we have some ways to save money on your park tickets!

Multiple Day Tickets

There are some impressive deals if you’re planning on visiting the park more than one day.

A date specific ticket during the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration costs $79.99. This is a 1 day ticket to the park.

However, a 2 day ticket is only $91.99. And a 3 day ticket is just $99.99!

The 2 and 3 day tickets expire January 2, 2023. And they aren’t for a specific date. Plus, they also include the Water Country USA water park when it opens (which is May 14 – September 11).

Want to save more money? For all of those ticket options we just mentioned (1, 2, and 3 day options), you can add on All Day Dining for just $25 or $30 more per day. The All Day Dining Deal is already a good deal at its regular price of $44.99 – so being able to get it at only $25 or $30 is a wonderful savings!

Busch Gardens & Colonial Williamsburg Combo Tickets

Another option is the Spring Bounce Ticket. This gives you unlimited visits and parking for a week to both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg. (The week is defined by 7 consecutive calendar days, starting with the date you first use the ticket.) You do have to use the Spring Bounce Ticket during a specific time frame – February 28 to May 13 – which includes the St. Patrick’s Day event. And this ticket is only $119.30 for adults!

Free Preschool Pass

Finally, if someone in your family is between the ages of 3 to 5, you can get them a free 2-park 2022 Preschool Pass. This pass is for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA (when the parks are open) through October 31, 2022.

Conclusion

To recap, here are some great ticket options:

  • One Day Date-Specific Ticket: $79.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • One Day Date-Specific Ticket with All Day Dining: $109.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Two Day Ticket: $91.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and/or Water Country USA
    • Through January 2, 2023
  • Two Day Ticket with All Day Dining: $141.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and/or Water Country USA
    • Through January 2, 2023
  • Three Day Ticket: $99.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and/or Water Country USA
    • Through January 2, 2023
  • Three Day Ticket with All Day Dining: $174.99
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and/or Water Country USA
    • Through January 2, 2023
  • One Week Ticket (Spring Bounce Ticket) with Parking: $119.30
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg
    •  February 28 – May 13, 2023
  • 2-Park Preschool Pass for 2022: FREE
    • Busch Gardens Williamsburg and/or Water Country USA
    • Through October 31, 2022

You can take advantage of these great ticket deals here.