Summer Nights Returns to Busch Gardens!

One of our favorite summertime events, Busch Gardens Summer Nights, is back and complete with new shows, a new drone show, extended hours, and more!  The party kicks off May 22 and will be celebrated daily through August 6, 2026.

NEW to Summer Nights in 2026:

Here's what Busch Gardens tells us they planned for guests this summer

• Gwazi Beach Bash: Soak in the summer sun with the all-new Summer Nights show, Gwazi 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. Kids can dance with the Gwazi Beach Party crew after the show as they play some of the hottest retro tunes that remind us of iconic summers in the sand!
• Cirque Electric: Starting June 11, this revamped acrobatics show brings all-new music and stunts to the Stanleyville Theater!
• Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary: Party in the USA with an epic drone show and fireworks spectacular for America's 250th Anniversary from now until July 5, 2026, We personally think this show is one of Busch Gardens' best ever!
• Wild Skies Drone Show: From July 13 through August 9, experience the updated nighttime show celebrating summertime fun with Busch Gardens flair!

Returning Favorites at Summer Nights

Several of our favorite iconic Busch Gardens' shows are back! Head over to the Dragon Fire Grill for Icons, where you can step into the world of musical icons! This captivating show features live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends and will have you singing and dancing in your seat!Beat the heat with Rhythm of Nature, an ice show in the Moroccan Palace Theater. Embark on a spellbinding ice adventure following the journey of Dakari, a brave young hero, as they journey into a magical dream realm to uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom and embrace their destiny.Also back this year is Busch Gardens' Summer Nights Elite VIP Tour. Whether you're an animal enthusiast or coaster fanatic, an experienced Busch Gardens guide will map out a personalized and unforgettable day just for you. In this private, guided tour, you'll be provided the VIP treatment from front-of-the-line access on Florida's favorite thrill rides, to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, and lunch at fan-favorite restaurants.

Free Beer is Back!

This popular nod to the past is back! Guests 21+ can enjoy one complimentary 7-ounce beer, and Pass Members 21+ receive two free 7-ounce beers daily inside Serengeti Overlook!We also love the Springs Taproom. This is a great laid-back spot to take a break and enjoy beer, cocktails, mocktails, and snacks. It's become one of our favorite spots to take a break and relax while the kids have fun watching the fish splash around in the newly refurbished pond out front.

Make the Most of Your Summer at Busch Gardens

Guests interested in the best deal of the summer can take advantage of the limited-time Memorial Day Sale, which provides up to 50% savings on Fun Cards and Annual Passes.A Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits, including free parking, in-park discounts, monthly rewards and payments starting as low as $15 per month.Guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits, monthly rewards and stay in the know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and Twitter.