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Celebrate July 4th at Busch Gardens with Family-Friendly Fun, Food, Fireworks, and More!

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Busch Gardens is celebrating the Fourth of July in a BIG way! Play all day and then stick around late for festive food, dance parties, awesome shows, and of course, fireworks! The kids will be exhausted, but it’ll be worth it!

This is one of our favorite ways to celebrate July 4th in Tampa Bay. Keep reading to find out why!

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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There are also fun festivities taking place the weekend before 4th of July, and after – each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Summer Nights.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Busch Gardens is celebrating all summer long with their Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular. This dazzling show will take place just after 9 pm on Festival Field. Guests will have access to provided seats 30 minutes before show time.

Have impatient little ones who don’t love to wait? Keep them entertained while waiting with glowing beach balls and hula hoops on the lawn before the show begins.

Parenting pro-tip: Dress comfortably, pack sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Pace yourselves and take breaks.

Dance Parties Around the Park

Get the wiggles out with awesome dance parties in the park. Head over to Gwazi Plaza for Gwazi Rocks for a combination of drums, dancers, and stilt walkers.

busch gardens performers dancing outside
Stanleyville DJ Dance Time – Image by Molli Keller

Over in the Dragon Fire Grill, you can catch Icons. Sing and dance along to fan favorite hits inspired by musical legends.

Need a break from the heat? Head inside the Moroccan Theater to experience the NEW Rhythm of Nature ice skating show. This show follows the brave young hero, Dakari, as they journey into a magical realm on a quest to uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom and embrace their destiny.

Rhythm of Nature Ice Show performers on ice at busch gardens
Rhythm of Nature Ice Show- Image by Molli Keller

Returning this year is a fan favorite, Cirque Electric. This revamped acrobatic show brings all-new music to the Stanleyville Theater for the summer with cirque-style performers undertaking edge-of-your-seat feats alongside an electric ensemble of dancers.

Fourth of July Food

What’s July 4th without festive themed food? Busch Gardens is rolling out a fun new menu filled with all-new culinary creations inspired by the nostalgia of summer.

It’ll be hard for kids to resist the gourmet cupcakes with summer flavors at the Xcursions store. The Peach Pie cupcake and the Fried Oreo flavors are hits with our team.

Peach Pie Cupcakes at Busch Gardens Summer Nights
Peach Pie Cupcakes at Busch Gardens Summer Nights – Image by Molli Keller

Menu items include:

  • Grilled Beef Kabobs
  • Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob
  • Sloppy Joe Dogs
  • Hushpuppy Dogs
  • Mini BBQ Pork Wings
  • Chicken & Waffles
  • Pulled Smoke Chicken Slider
  • Walking Pork Tacos
  • Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls
  • BBQ Chicken
  • Strawberry Crepes
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
  • Blueberry Crepes

    • Details

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612

    Fourth of July hours: 9 am-10 pm

    All events are included with general admission and annual passes. You can purchase tickets and passes here.