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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!

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

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with a patriotic-inspired drone show from May 22 to July 5, 2026. Summertime fun drone show takes place from July 13 to August 9.

Busch Gardens is celebrating all summer long with their Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular. This dazzling show will take place just after 9 p.m. 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

Soak in the summer sun with the all-new Summer Nights show, Beach Bash! This groovy good time happens at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m., with one last show at 6:30 p.m. near Iron Gwazi.

Dance with the Gwazi Beach Party crew as they play some of the hottest retro tunes that remind us of iconic summers in the sand!

Gwazi Beach Bash at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights
Gwazi Beach Bash at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights — Image by Hailea Boykin

Over in the Dragon Fire Grill, you can catch Icons. Sing and dance along to fan favorite hits inspired by musical legends. The Icons show begins starting June 11 and performance times are subject to change: 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Need a break from the heat? Head inside the Moroccan Theater to experience the 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.

Grab your 90s garb and get ready to dance with Busch Gardens dancers and a live DJ! Find the giant boombox turning up the tunes at Stanleyville Plaza. One of our favorite parts of Busch Gardens' Summer Nights was showing off our dance moves as a couple while jamming out to the DJ, featuring some hits that had us singing along at the top of our lungs.

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.

We enjoyed the Korean Corn Dog and the Flamingo Flock Margarita, but a hit with kids is for sure the Strawberry Shortcake!

Menu items include:

  • Strawberry Shortcake
  • Flamingo Flock Margarita
  • French Onion Empanadas
  • Spicy Korean Corn Dog

    Details

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

    Fourth of July hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

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