New Year, New Fall Events, New Spring Attraction!

October 30, 2017

There are only two months left in 2017. Where has the time gone? A new year means a new jam-packed calendar of events! Next year, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay delivers with a stellar lineup of events and irresistible reasons to visit. Plus, a new thrill slide at Adventure Island®, Vanish Point®.

Here are some of the events we are excited for in 2018:

VANISH POINT

Dare to drop down an epic free-fall at Vanish Point, Adventure Island’s newest attraction that will sweep guests off their feet for its 2018 season. This 70-foot drop slide lets riders choose between two skyboxes, each sending them through 425 feet of spiraling tubes until they reach the splash run finale. Will you #VowtoVanish?

new adventure island water slide

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Next spring, Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival returns with unique culinary offerings and bigger concerts than ever! The park will be tempting guests with a variety of cuisine, wine, craft beer and live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays from March 3 through April 29. Food and beverage is not included, but is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.

food and wine festival at Busch Gardens

SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN KIDS' WEEKENDS

Created just for kids, the Sesame Street® Safari of Fun events feature animal encounters, character parades, dance parties, kid-friendly crafts and even a few special guests. The party takes place at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area with different themes each weekend led by everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more from May 5 through May 20.

sesame street kids weekend event at busch gardens

BIER FEST

More than 200 years of Oktoberfest traditions come to life at Busch Gardens in 2018 with an all-new event, Bier Fest. Raise your stein to toast the end of summer and enjoy a variety of beers from across the globe, including your favorite local breweries on Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 25 through Sept. 16. This four-weekend festival will feature a great selection of worldly brews, traditional German cuisine and festive music as you immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind Bavarian celebration.

New beer festival event at Busch Gardens in 2018

Check out our full list of returning events in 2018. Right now, Busch Gardens is offering a BOGO Fun Card deal and it’s the best way to experience our events for the rest of this year and all of 2018. When you buy a 2018 Busch Gardens Fun Card you also get an 2018 Adventure Island Fun Card FREE! Plus, you can enjoy unlimited admission starting now.