2026 Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Returns with All-New Cajun Flavors

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Returns with All-New Cajun Flavors

Dust off your beads and sharpen your appetite—the spirit of Bourbon Street has officially arrived in Florida. Starting January 24 and running through March 1, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a vibrant carnival every Saturday and Sunday for the 2026 Mardi Gras celebration.

From the rhythmic pulse of jazz to the savory scent of authentic bayou cooking, this year’s event blends world-class coasters with the soulful energy of New Orleans.

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A Feast for the Senses: Over 25 Cajun Flavors

This year, the park is leaning heavily into its culinary roots, offering an expanded menu of over 25 mouthwatering items. Whether you’re a spice seeker or a fan of comfort food, the menu offers an authentic taste of the Big Easy.

Visitors can savor crowd-pleasing dishes like the Crawfish Boudin Balls and the creamy, classic Shrimp and Grits. For those with a sweet tooth, the park is serving up its iconic warm beignets, dusted heavily with powdered sugar. To wash it all down, a variety of handcrafted cocktails are available to keep the festive spirits high between coaster rides.

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Big Easy Entertainment for the Family

The park comes alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional Gulf Coast carnival. The 2026 lineup features fan-favorite entertainment that captures the heart of the holiday:

• The Queen’s Mardi Gras Jamboree: This festive procession is all about rhythm and revelry. It’s a high-energy celebration that invites guests to join in the joy of the season.
• The Bead Balcony: It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without the beads! Guests can head to the balcony for the chance to catch strands of purple, green, and gold.
• Brass Animals: This talented brass band brings the soul of Bourbon Street to Tampa, performing jazz classics and modern beats that get the party started.

Thrills and Incredible Value

While the Mardi Gras festivities are a major draw, the park’s legendary coasters remain a centerpiece of the experience. Guests can pair their Cajun gumbo with a side of high-speed adrenaline on rides like Iron Gwazi and SheiKra.

For those looking to keep the fun going all year long, Busch Gardens is offering a limited-time deal: purchase a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card and get Adventure Island free. This offer provides unlimited visits to both parks through the end of 2026, making it the perfect way to experience every seasonal event from Mardi Gras to Howl-O-Scream.

Plan Your Visit

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay takes place every Saturday and Sunday from January 24 through March 1. All the festivities are located within the park in Tampa, Florida, and are included with regular park admission.

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