Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Bead Toss

The Big Easy Meets Big Thrills at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras!

By , Last Updated

“Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!” Now you can get a taste of the Big Easy right here in Tampa Bay! Busch Gardens Mardi Gras is going on through March 3, 2024, bringing a New Orleans-style flair to the park during this family-friendly celebration.

New Orleans-Inspired Eats

Taking place on Fridays-Sundays, you can feast like kings and queens on Cajun-inspired cuisine. Nosh on NOLA-style fare like the new Louisiana Hot Shrimp, Blackened Chicken Slider, or Cajun BBQ Short Rib. They’re also serving up classic Mardi Gras favorites such as traditional Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Andouille Sausage Po’Boys. Adults can get a taste of Bourbon Street with handcrafted cocktails such as Hurricanes, “Throw Me Some Beads” Punch, and more.

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

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If you’re an annual pass member, you can elevate your foodie experience with a 5, 10, or Pass Member Exclusive 12-item Food & Beverage Sampler Lanyard. Annual Passes start at $14.50 a month and include park events like Mardi Gras, Food & Wine Festival, and new events such as Red, White & Brews, and Bourbon & BBQ.

Mardi Gras Style Entertainment

Throughout the day on Fridays-Sundays, get hyped up with Mardi Gras style entertainment throughout the park. Enjoy the sounds of Bourbon Street beats and jazz classics as the Brass Band gets the party started. Catch the Mardi Gras parade as entertainers, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to life during this lively parade in the Bird Gardens.

If there’s one thing Tampanians know how to do well, it’s how to catch beads thanks to Gasparilla. After the parade, head over to the stage area in front of Bird Gardens and get ready to catch as many brightly colored beads as you can and then snap a pic in front of one of the photo op setups to show them all off.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras
Image Credit: Brie Gorecki

MORE Fun Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

In addition to Mardi Gras, there are several awesome events coming up that you won’t want to miss along with the opening of their all-new family-friendly coaster, Phoenix Rising (opening Spring 2024).

  • Real Music Series: January 9-February 25
  • Sesame Street Kids Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays January 27-February 11 and April 27-May 19
  • Food and Wine Festival: March 9-May 19
  • Conservation Fund Weekend: April 20-22
  • Cinco De Mayo: May 4-5
  • Guy Harvey Weekend: May 2024 and November 2024
  • Red, White, and Brews: Fridays-Sundays May 24-July 7
  • Busch Gardens Summer Nights: May 24-August 4
  • Giraffe Celebration Weekend: June 21-23
  • Bourbon & BBQ: Fridays-Sundays July 19-September 2
  • Howl O Scream: September 7-November 3 (separate ticketed event)
  • Spooktacular: Saturdays and Sundays September 7-November 3
  • Christmas Town: November 15-January 5, 2025

If you have a little one under 5, don’t forget to take advantage of the Busch Gardens Preschool Pass, where they can get free admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for the rest of the year! But hurry – passes need to be activated at the park by February 25.

Featured image credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay