One of the things we toadally love about SeaWorld Orlando is that there is always something to celebrate! Its sister park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, also hosts a variety of fun events year-round. Whether you visit SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa — or any of their sister parks in Central Florida — chances are there is a fun event hoppening at the parks! The SeaWorld Orlando events bring special entertainment, splashin' good fun and seasonal food and drink to the aquatic theme park. The same goes for the safari-themed Busch Gardens. With that said, let's look at all the events at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa and beyond in 2026!
Most of the events at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are included in the cost of admission, although some activities (and food and beverage) cost extra. The only exception is Howl-O-Scream, which is a separately ticketed event at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. Single-day tickets are date-specific and can be purchased online in advance. If you happen to have a Fun Card or annual pass, most of these special events are included with your pass. (Psst ... you can save money when you purchase discount SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tickets through Undercover Tourist!) Now, let's dive in!
The Full Lineup of SeaWorld Orlando Events in 2026
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Take a look at all of the fun SeaWorld Orlando events hoppening throughout 2026.
ASL Saturdays — Every First Saturday of the Month
On the first Saturday each moth, SeaWorld Orlando provides exceptional American Sign Language interpretation services of guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, — in partnership with American Sign Language Services, a leader in interpretation for over a decade — to deliver an inclusive and unfrogettable experience for all!
Seven Seas Food Festival Concert Series — Weekends, January 30 to May 17, 2026
Spanning six decades of music, featuring performers from the 1960s through today, this jam-packed concert series represents a wide range of genres, including pop-hip-pop, rap, country classic rock, alternative, hard rock, punk christian and latin. Live concerts take place at the scenic waterfront Bayside Stadium and feature a full-length set, typically 60-75 minutes, showcasing artists across generations and musical styles. Concerts are free with park admission, but premium reserved seating is available for purchase, starting at $9.99.
Viva La Música — May 9 - 10 and 16 - 17, 2026
Experience the vibrant energy and rich culture of Latin heritage at this festive celebration featuring exciting Latin entertainment, delicious cuisine and unfrogettable attractions. Catch Grupo Manía on May 9 at 7 p.m., Proyecto Uno on May 16 ay 7 p.m. and Elvis Crespo on May 17 at 7 p.m. as you dine on returning fan-favorite dishes from the Caribbean and Mexico Markets.
Meet Guy Harvey — May 16, 2026
Join Guy Harvey at the Shoppes at Waterfront for meet-and-greets, autographs, photo opportunities and much more!
Electric Ocean — Select dates, June 12 to Sept. 7, 2026
Indulge in summer flavors and kick off your day with events including Red, White & BBQ (July to August), cirque presentations and the long-anticipated return of nighttime animal presentations where fun, energy and education combine. Stay late to experience the Ignite Fireworks. Check out our full guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean for all the dazzling deets!
INGITE! Fireworks Spectacular & ALL-NEW Drone Show — Select Dates, June 12 to Sept. 7, 2026
End your night this summer with an all-new jaw-dropping drone show that transitions seamlessly into Ignite Fireworks Spectacular, creating a fully immersive, 360-degree nighttime finale unlike anything else in the Orlando area.
Pass Member & Military/Veteran Picnic — May 30 - 31, 2026
Pass Members and Military Members (active-duty and veterans) are invited to an exclusive summer picnic at Sea Harbor Pavilions where they'll enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni salad, chef salad, pit beans and assorted cupcakes and cookies. Admission is $10 per ticket when purchased online through the Pass Member portal or ID.me up to the day before the event or $15 per ticket when purchased the day of the event (subject to availability).
Fourth of July Celebration — July 4, 2026
Enjoy a fabulous firework and drone spectacular on SeaWorld's large central lake synced to inspiring music in celebration of America! Watch the show from areas, such as Bayside Stadium, or find a spot along the water. You're not going to want to miss this red, white and blue-tiful event!
Red, White & BBQ — Weekends, July 4 to Aug. 23, 2026
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, SeaWorld is serving up savory BBQ flavors from around the country, featuring mouthwatering meats from the most iconic BBQ regions across the United States. It's sure to be a patriotic summer!
Halloween Spooktacular — Select dates, Aug. 29 to Nov. 1, 2026
Trick-or-treat and meet silly Halloween characters during this family-friendly daytime event. We hop over to SeaWorld every year during spooky season. Lily loves posing with pumpkin princesses and making memories with magical mermaids — not to mention all the delicious candy she fills her bag to the brim with every year! Read all about this festive celebration in our bewitching guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular.
Howl-O-Scream — Select nights, Sept. 18 to Oct. 31, 2026
A new terror has surfaced ... and there's nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream will wash ashore once again at SeaWorld Orlando and, this time, the fear is everywhere. Read all about this spine-tingling separately ticked event in our ghoulish guide to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando.
Howl O Sprint 5K — Sept. 18, 2026
As night falls, the shadows come alive. The only nighttime terror run of its kind, Howl-O-Sprint returns for another year of spine-tingling fear — this time with more screams, more terror and more haunts. Relentless creatures will stalk your every step as you race past roller coasters, navigate eerie landscapes and harrowing scare zones lurking in the park's darkest corners. If you survive the night, a celebratory post-race party awaits you at the finish line. Register now on SeaWorld Orlando's website and brace yourself for one chilling challenge.
Christmas Celebration — Select dates, Nov. 6, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
This is where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment. Read all about the holly jolly hoppenings in our complete guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration.
The Full Lineup of Busch Gardens Tampa Events in 2026
From Mardi Gras to the holidays, Busch Gardens Tampa has an exciting year filled with festive and fun events planned out. Here's a full list of this year's events.
Summer Nights — May 22 to Aug. 9, 2026
Celebrate summer throughout the day and night with non-stop electrifying entertainment, special summer eats and treats, world-class coasters and so much more. Best of all, this entire event is included with park admission! Learn all about this dazzling celebration in our Summer Nights guide.
Giraffe Celebration Weekend — June 20 - 21, 2025
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of nature's towering wonders as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay visited you and your family to a festive celebration on the majestic Serengeti Plain. Enjoy a weekend bursting with giraffe-inspired delights that promise fun for animal lovers of all ages! Embark on an exhilarating expedition through the captivating world of these gentle giants on immersive 45-minute off-road expeditions led by an expert Education Guide and an Animal Care Specialist and discover fascinating insights into their behavior and habitat. Don't miss out on the chance to capture cherished moments with the park's specially crafted giraffe-themed photo ops and talk with the keepers who work with and take care of the tallest land animal at Busch Gardens.
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ — July 24 to Aug. 30, 2026
Sip and savor seasonal brew offerings and new beer-inspired recipes at Bier Fest Brews & BBQ.
Pin Trading Weekends — July 25, Sept. 26 and Nov. 21, 2026
Get ready to trade and explore new and rare pins during a special pin trading event. For each pin purchased, you'll have the opportunity to play a game and then trade from one of the park's pin trading boards with expansive collections.
Howl-O-Scream — Select nights, Sept. 4 to Nov. 1, 2026
If you prefer the thrills and tricks over the treats of the spooky season, you'll love Busch Gardens Tampa's Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream. The bravest of frogs face a number of specially themed haunted houses and scare zones scattered throughout the park on select nights. Additionally, you can hop on any of the thrilling roller coasters at night, or catch one of Busch Gardens' signature stage shows. For these reasons, Howl-O-Scream is not recommended for young tadpoles. Catch a glimpse at all of the frightful fun that Flora and I had during the event in our Howl-O-Scream guide.
Halloween Spooktacular — Sept. 5 to Nov. 1, 2026
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and more during Busch Gardens' Halloween Spooktacular event.
Christmas Town — Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 5, 2027
Christmas lights? Check. Festive food? Check. Lots of fun holiday entertainment? Check! Celebrate the holidays at Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town event. The park is decorated with dazzling Christmas lights in every land, including an entire tunnel's worth of flashing lights. Special guests, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus, spread holiday cheer. Find hot chocolate, warm chocolate chip cookies and all of the seasonal flavors at Christmas Town Village. Tune into the special entertainment, ranging from carolers in the Three Kings Journey show to ice skaters starring in Christmas on Ice. Top off a jolly good night with a special fireworks show! Find out more details in our ho-ho-hoppin' Christmas Town guide.
Guy Harvey Weekend — Dec 2026
Join Guy Harvey in-person at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for meet-and-greets, autographs and more!
The Full Lineup of Aquatica Orlando & Adventure Island Events in 2026
Prepare to get wet and wild. Even the water parks are getting in on the fun! Here's everything hoppening at Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island in 2026.
AquaGlow — Select Nights, May 15 to Sept. 26 at Aquatica Orlando and May 22 to Aug. 8 at Adventure Island
Get ready to light up your summer at this family friendly, separately ticketed nighttime event that transforms the water parks into a dazzling neon paradise. Enjoy high-energy dance parties, epic laser light shows and unlimited complimentary soft drinks to keep you refreshed all night long. With limited capacity, you'll enjoy a relaxed, exclusive experience with plenty of space to glow, dance and make memories with loved ones. Check out our illuminating guide to AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando for more info!
The Ultimate Playdate — Select Dates, June 1 to Aug. 10, 2026 at Aquatica Orlando
Take advantage of early access to Turi's Kid Cove before the park officially opens so you and your little ones can get a head start on the splash-filled adventure that awaits!
Pass Member Slide Nights — Fridays, March 13, May 8 and Sept. 11, 2026 at Aquatica Orlando
It's good to be a pass member! Enjoy culinary offerings and special priced guest tickets.
Noche de San Juan — June 20, 2026 at Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island
This one-night only special VIP event features your favorite radio DJs spinning tunes as you hop on your favorite attractions, enjoy delicious food and celebrate a year full of good luck. All guests are required to purchase a Noche de San Juan event ticket to enter.
The Full Lineup of Discovery Cove Events in 2026
An all-new event is coming to Discovery Cove Orlando in 2026. When the sun sets, the celebration begins.
Paradise Nights — Select Nights, June 5 to Aug. 8, 2026
Enter an after-hours dining experience filled with island-inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails and live entertainment set against the natural beauty of Discovery Cove. Your enchanting evening will begin with a welcome cocktail (or mocktail) as you stroll through the lush pathway to Serenity Bay at golden hour where you'll meet some of the magnificent animals that call Discovery Cove home.
As the evening rolls on, you'll get to enjoy an open-air dining celebration under the stars at Laguna Grill — complete with an endless buffet — while Paradise Nights unfolds in four dynamic acts inspired by Earth, Air, Water and Fire, a sensory journey brought to life through music, movement and performance.
In addition to purchasing your Paradise Nights reservation, you can also splurge on a Premium Drink Package or score a rare, behind-the-scenes sloth encounter!
We are so frogcited about the upcoming Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando events. Fun is hoppening all year long! Keep hopping back for specific dates, details and updates as these events approach.
Which event are you hopping to? Let us know in the comments section below.
Related: Our Top SeaWorld Orlando Tips for Your Next Visit
Keep hopping!
