Tampa, FL — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, open since 1959, is a theme park with roller coasters and a zoo, and its water park, Adventure Island, is next door.
In a Nutshell
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay named Jon Vigue, from Wild Adventures, park president on June 18, 2026, in the middle of what the park calls “a more than $100 million investment in new attractions and park enhancements.” Lion & Hyena Ridge, a habitat for five young male lions and two hyenas, opened in 2026, and United Parks said Nov. 5 that the park would announce its next attraction at the IAAPA conference later in November. Adventure Island sat out the 2026 season and reopens in 2027.
ParksBusch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island
Opened1959
LocationTampa, Florida
OwnerUnited Parks & Resorts
New at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2026
2026NewBusch Gardens Tampa Bay: Lion & Hyena Ridge opened, a habitat for five young male lions and two hyenas, more than double the old space.
Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2027
2027ChangedBusch Gardens Tampa Bay: Mardi Gras isn’t on the 2027 events list. January and February bring Adventure Days, which is new, and Real Music, Real Masters.
2027ReopensAdventure Island: The water park reopens after sitting out the 2026 season.
Announced at IAAPA, Nov. 2026ComingBusch Gardens Tampa Bay: The park’s next attraction, which United Parks said Nov. 5 it would announce at the IAAPA conference later in November.
Seasonal Events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Each seasonal event in calendar order, at its next dates as of this page’s last update. Where the park has posted only months, the months show.
Select dates, Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 4, 2027Christmas TownBusch Gardens Tampa BayIncluded with park admission
Feb. to May 2027Food & Wine Music FestivalBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
May to Aug. 2027Summer NightsBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
July to Sept. 2027Bier Fest, Brews & BBQBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
Sept. to Oct. 2027Halloween SpooktacularBusch Gardens Tampa BayIn 2026 it was included with park admission.
Sept. to Oct. 2027Howl-O-ScreamBusch Gardens Tampa BaySeparate ticket
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Mardi Gras at Busch GardensFrom my 2024 coverage