Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Summer Nights has been an annual tradition at the theme park since 2003. With spectacular shows, dazzling fireworks and more, this summer celebration is a not-to-be-missed event! Festivities are hoppening daily from May 24 to Aug. 11, 2024, and — the best part — it's included with the price of admission! Hop along with us as we discuss all of the excitement Summer Nights has to offer.
Busch Gardens Summer Nights Entertainment
Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular
End your day of adventure with this colorful pyrotechnic display filled with fireworks and special effects. This show takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus Memorial Day & July 4), weather permitting. There's no bad seat in the house (err ... on the Festival Field) but the closer you are to the front, the easier it is to see the incredibly choreographed flames and lasers. Festival Field opens shortly after 9 p.m. but the show doesn't start until 9:45 p.m. While you wait for the fireworks, pass the time with glowing beach balls and hula hoops, as well as dancers dressed up in flashy neon outfits who keep you entertained.
Note: Due to their proximity to Festival Field, Iron Gwazi and SheiKra close early at 8:30 p.m. and do not reopen, so be sure to hop in line before then to ride!
Cirque Electric
Back by popular demand, Cirque Electric has returned to light up Stanleyville Theater. Extraordinarily talented world-class acrobats perform daring displays of balance and strength to an electrifying soundtrack. Every act elicited multiple gasps from the crowd as these performers executed jaw-dropping stunts. Tad and Lily were on the edge of their seats from start to finish! Don't miss the show at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.
NEW! Rhythm of Nature
The Moroccan Palace Theater is home to a brand-new ice show called Rhythm of Nature. Join Dakari, a young hero who journeys into a magical dream realm to uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom and fulfill his destiny. The show celebrates skating with contemporary performances, aerial moments and dance-in-your-seat tunes, including "Fireflies" by Owl City (a duet between Dakari and a light spirit who guides him on his way), "High Hopes" by Panic at the Disco (Dakari with mischievous monkeys), "Breakway" by Kelly Clarkson (Dakari with monarch butterflies) and "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons (Dakari with a dazzle of zebras). No need to bring a jacket to this ice show. Even sitting in the middle of the theater, we didn't feel the cold — although all indoor venues are nicely air-conditioned in the Florida summer heat! Catch the ice show at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Gwazi Rocks
As the day starts turning into night, head over to Gwazi Plaza for a pulse-pounding show featuring drums and dancers rocking out to songs such as "Jump" by Van Halen and "Dancing with Myself" by Gen X/Billy Idol. Showtimes may vary, but when we visited, there were four shows at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Icons
Frogs dining at Dragon Fire Grill are treated to live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends in this returning review show! Showtimes may vary, but on the day we were there, performances were at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Red, White and Brews Festival
As a brand-new offering, the Red, White and Brews Festival offers a mouthwatering lineup of nostalgic foods and drinks at booths throughout the park (though most can be found along the Gwazi Field Festival Pathway) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 7, 2024. Here's a look at the menus!
Off the Grille
- Grilled Beef Kabobs: Marinated and grilled tender beef kabob
- Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn on the cob grilled and brushed with butter and seasoning
- Sloppy Joe Dogs: All-beef footlong hot dog served on a soft roll and topped with Sloppy Joe-style chili
- 3 Daughters Beach Blonde (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Keel Farms Watermelon Cider (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Backyard Margarita Craft Standard Cocktail (7 or 12 oz): Tequila, Monin White Peach syrup and sour mix
- Raspberry Riot Craft Standard Cocktail (7 or 12 oz): Vodka, Monin Raspberry syrup and pink lemonade
From the Fairgrounds
- Hushpuppy Dogs: Mini beef hot dogs dipped in hushpuppy batter cooked golden brown and served with spicy mustard
- Mini BBQ Pork Wings: Tender pork wings glazed in BBQ sauce and grilled
- Hidden Springs Orange Crush (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Magnanimous Juice Lord (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Mastry's Breezy Tropical Blonde (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Phoenix Rising Punch (7 or 12 oz): Tequila, Monin Desert Pear syrup and sour mix
Summer Street Food
- Chicken & Waffles: Chicken tenders served over Belgian waffles with spicy maple syrup
- Pulled Smoked Chicken Slider: Slow-smoked pulled chicken, cole slaw, BBQ sauce on a soft bun
- Walking Pork Tacos: Smoked pulled pork, Doritos, cheese, pico, sour cream
- Yuengling Flight (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Michelob Ultra (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Golden Road Mango Cart (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Copper Tail Free Dive (7, 16 or 2o oz)
Food Truck Favorites
- Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls: Crunchy egg roll stuffed with macaroni and cheese with spicy cheddar sauce
- BBQ Chicken: Tangy glazed and grilled chicken drumsticks
- Budweiser Light (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Keel Farms Creamsicle (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Blue Moon (7, 16 or 2o oz)
- Florida Avenue My Boy Blue (7, 16 or 2o oz)
Summer Snacks
- Pretzels and Cheese
- Carmel Popcorn
- Cotton Candy
- Assorted Chips
- Beer - Domestic Cans
- Beer - Imported/Craft
- NUTRL Seltzer
- Buzzballs
- Bacardi Cocktails
- Beso Sangria
Summer Crepes and Cream
- Strawberry Crepes
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
- Blueberry Crepes
Summer Nights is a roaring good time! What shows are you most excited to check out? Already been? Let us know your favorite part of the event in the comments below!
Related: Full Lineup of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Events in 2024
Keep hopping!
