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7 Must-Try Mardi Gras Eats & Treats

February 9, 2023
The Big Easy meets big thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with parkwide Mardi Gras celebrations well underway! Featuring electrifying entertainment including a cirque show and colorful brass band, to over 30 culinary delights, this one-of-a-kind party has it all. Offering the best of the bayou from Cajun cocktails to decadent desserts, we’re giving you the inside scoop on all the must-try items at this year’s event.

The Big Easy meets big thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with parkwide Mardi Gras celebrations well underway! Featuring electrifying entertainment including a cirque show and colorful brass band, to over 30 culinary delights, this one-of-a-kind party has it all. Offering the best of the bayou from Cajun cocktails to decadent desserts, we’re giving you the inside scoop on all the must-try items at this year’s event.

1. Chicken & Andouille Gumbo - Clancy’s Cajun Creations

 

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Gumbo

There’s no better way to start off your Mardi Gras tasting adventure than with a fresh bowl of gumbo! This hearty stew is a delightful mix of smoked andouille, shredded chicken, okra, bell peppers, and plenty of aromatic spices that pack a punch. Swing on over after a ride on Finnegan’s Flyer, as you can find this dish in Ireland village.

 

2. Hurricane - Grogan’s Pub

 

Hurricane Cocktails

Let loose and “Laissez le bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) by toasting a Mardi Gras staple, the hurricane. This fruit-filled cocktail is a classic for any Mardi Gras celebration! Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with rum, passionfruit purée, orange juice, and a squeeze of lime.

In the mood for something more traditional? You can also choose from 22 rotating draft beers brewed locally and internationally, or wines from across the globe, at Grogan’s Pub.

 

3. Specialty Beignets - Café Lulu or King of Cakes

 

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Beignets

Beignets? More like beign-yay! These iconic pastries are a delicious delicacy featuring deep-fried sweetened dough and dusted with powdered sugar. Only at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras - choose from 3 different sauces to drizzle on top: chocolate, caramel, or raspberry! The choice is yours. Which one will you choose?

 

4. Cajun Bloody Mary & Magic Mimosa - Big Easy Spirits

 

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Bloody Mary and Mimosa

Sip on a specialty cocktail and sing along to the New Orleans Jazz Band during a visit to Big Easy Spirits, located in Das Festhaus. Spice things up with a Cajun Bloody Mary, a creole creation full of tomato juice and vodka with a Louisiana twist.  Looking for a classic cocktail to start the day? Enjoy a Magic Mimosa, a refreshing mix of orange juice and chilled sparkling wine.

 

5. Banana Fosters Cheesecake - King of Cakes

 

Banana Fosters Cheesecakes

Cheesecake by itself is enough to catch anyone’s attention… Adding fresh banana, warm caramel drizzle and glazed pecans to the mix is what makes this sweet treat a fan-favorite! Located in Rhinefeld village near Wilkommen house, this delectable dessert is best enjoyed while the wacky court jester drummers of Samba Jamboree entertain you with their jazzy New Orleans rhythm!

 

6. Crawfish Boil - Creole Grill

 

Crawfish Boil

As one of the most popular recipes down in the Big Easy, you won’t want to miss this iconic Cajun dish. Made with crawfish, corn, red potatoes, smoked sausage and the perfect blend of aromatic seasonings, this Crawfish boil will leave you wanting more. You can find this near Trapper’s Smokehouse in New France, near Caribou Pottery!

 

7. Member-Exclusive DarKoaster Specialty Beverage - Der Marktplatz

 

Busch Gardens Member Exclusive DarKoaster Beverage

Hey Members, this bonus tasting is just for you! Starting February 17, celebrate Mardi Gras with your FREE 7oz. non-alcoholic drink* inspired by DarKoaster, the ALL-NEW family-friendly dark ride experience opening this spring at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Stop by any self-service kiosk to print a voucher and redeem this sparkling sensation at Der Marktplatz. Then, head over to the new DarKoaster Preview Center open Saturdays & Sundays, Feb. 18 - March 12 from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. for a behind-the-scenes look at the new attraction, from ideation, design, and theming, to a sneak peek at future in-park activations.

*One per Member per visit.

 

Mardi Gras Street Party Parade

 

Whatever you’re craving, we’ve got something to spice up anyone’s visit at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras! This one-of-a-kind party is happening every Friday through Sunday (plus Presidents’ Day) now through February 26, and is included with park admission.

Pro-tip: The best way to taste your way through Mardi Gras is with a five or ten item sampler. Purchase your sampler lanyard online today or in-park during your next visit.

Or, upgrade your visit and get the VIP treatment with our Mardi Gras Crawl! Sit back and relax as a tour guide escorts you through the park to enjoy the best of Mardi Gras’ food, drinks, entertainment and more. This tour also includes a ten-item sampler, souvenir hurricane glass, Mardi Gras beads, VIP Parking, and front-of-line access to your favorite rides and coasters! The Mardi Gras Crawl is not included with park admission, and prices start at $149.99 per person. Purchase here: buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/mardi-gras/tickets-and-upgrades