The popular Summer Nights event is coming back to Busch Gardens Tampa for another season of electrifying entertainment, extended park hours, fireworks and more!
This year’s event begins Memorial Day weekend (May 28) and will run through September 6 for Labor Day. The park will be open later (usually until 10:00pm), with an all-new fireworks display being offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting).
So let’s dive into all the details for Summer Nights!
Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular
For an epic finale to a coaster-filled day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” will feature an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. “Spark!” is offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9:15pm from May 28 to September 6, including extra presentations on May 31 for Memorial Day, July 1-4 for Independence Day, and September 6 for Labor Day.
Long before the first burst of “Spark!” covers the night sky, guests can join in the evening excitement with new entertainment, music, food and drinks for the park’s biggest and brightest summer celebration:
New Pre-Party on the Festival Pathway: Greeted by glowing lights strung among the trees, live music and more, the stunning visual journey on the Festival Pathway will spark the spirit of summer in everyone.
New Seasonal Summer Menu: Senses will ignite with delicious bursts of flavor from a special menu inspired by backyard summer cookouts with a Busch Gardens twist. Guests will discover a walkable take on grilled classics, decadent sweet treats and more along the festival pathway and new locations throughout the park. Adults 21+ can indulge in NEW glow-in-the-dark summer cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks that are equally beautiful and satisfying for the perfect end to a summer night.
New DJ Block Parties: As the sun goes down, electric summer vibes amp up on the Festival Field. It’s an open-air dance party with DJs, dancing, and endless energy to build the excitement before “Spark!” ignites the sky.
New Giraffe Bar: Combining a perfect Serengeti sunset, delicious cocktails and savory snacks is the best way to fuel a night of summer fun at the NEW Giraffe Bar located on the second floor of Serengeti Overlook.
All-New “Cirque Electric” Show Opens: For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric”, an ALL-NEW acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, opening May 28 at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers during select dates for Summer Nights.
Award-winning “Turn It Up!” Ice Skating Show Returns: Starting May 28, the Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to “Turn It Up!” the award-winning ice-skating show, including late shows on select dates for Summer Nights.
Open-Air Block Parties Back by Popular Demand!
Complete with seasonal eats and electric beats, guests will encounter sizzling summer entertainment throughout the evening including:
Cheetah Hunt Plaza: Between dashing through the night sky on Cheetah Hunt and Cobra’s Curse, guests can dance to DJ beats throughout the evening.
Stanleyville Plaza: After taking on the daring launches of Tigris, guests will find refreshing tunes and classic summer flavors with a twist in the shadow of SheiKra.
Keep in mind that Busch Gardens and most other Florida attractions have recently changed their masking policies. Here’s how the new Busch Gardens policy reads:
“Based on the recently announced guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings at Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island. Face coverings will no longer be required for guests at Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance. We will not require proof of vaccine, but ask our guests to respectfully comply with our revised policy. All Busch Gardens, Adventure Island park employees will be required to continue to wear face coverings at this time. The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor and address this changing environment as necessary.”
Discount Theme Park Ticket & Travel Deals
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with that by planning a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including a 2 free days offer at Walt Disney World, hotel discounts, ticket deals to various theme parks, and now TICKETS TO DISNEYLAND: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear From You
Are you looking forward to the return of Summer Nights at Busch Gardens? Evenings can be a blissful escape from Florida’s oppressive mid-day sun. Food + entertainment + fireworks = all the math I need to know. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!