Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Event

Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style entertainment, live music and catch some festival beads (after each parade). Feast like kings and queens on New classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay. 

*Event dates and details subject to change and/or cancellation without prior notice. Food & beverage available at an additional cost. Limited quantities of beads available. 

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

See Park Hours for All Event Dates

Included with Park Admission

  1. Event Type
    Mardi Gras
  2. Event Date
    Jan. 13 - Mar. 3
  3. Event Hours
    Friday: 3pm to park close and Sat-Sun: 12pm to park close
  4. Event Price
    Free with park admission
Hurricane & Mardi Gras Kiss
Mardi Gras Performer
Mardi Gras event sign
Mardi Gras Bead Garden

Event Activities

Creole Shrimp dish

Mouthwatering Cajun food & Cocktails

Tempt your taste buds with New Mardi Gras-inspired offerings like Crawfish etouffee, andouille sausage po’ boy sandwiches and a must have sweet treat at any Mardi Gras celebration - beignets! Get a taste of Bourbon Street with handcrafted cocktails such as Hurricanes,  “Throw Me Some Beads” punch, and so much more. 
View Menu
Mardi Gras Parade

Mardi Gras Parade

The Bird Gardens come to life as entertainers, stilt walkers and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to Tampa Bay during this lively parade.
Mardi Gras Performer tossing beads to a guess

"Bead Balcony"

What's Mardi Gras without beads? Stop by the "Bead Balcony" for an opportunity to catch beads and celebrate the event.

Select times during event hours. Limited quantity of beads available.

Brass Band

Brass Band

Enjoy Bourbon Street beats and jazz classics as the Brass Band gets the party started in the Bird Gardens.

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