Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is gearing up for the return of its yearly Food & Wine Festival, which will feature live concerts and as can be expected, new offerings on food and drinks.
The festival will kickstart on March 11 and is scheduled to run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March 11 to May 22.
There will be 22 live concerts over the course of the festival. On March 11, Sean Paul will take the stage followed by American Authors on March 12, Scott Stapp on March 26, The Purple Experience: Prince Tribute on March 27.
On April 3, you’ll see Air Supply on stage followed by 3 Door Down on April 30.
If you’re excited to know what will be on menu in this year’s Food and Wine Festival, you won’t be disappointed as there will be 20 new dishes served at the event’s Culinary Cabins featuring Hawaiian BBQ pork with coconut jasmine rice while for those who like it hot there’s also the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote street corn. Let’s be sure to leave room for dessert as they will be showcasing the 24K Double Chocolate Whoopie Pie.
And because we’re talking about Busch Gardens, the menus will of course include a variety of signature cocktails, beers and wines. They added cocktails inspired by its newest coaster, Iron Gwazi, which will be open publicly on March 11th as well.
Here is a list of delicacies we’re excited to try this month:
1. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Street Corn
This street corn dish features avocado lime crema and tajin & cotija with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
2. Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart
The treat showcases wild raspberries and whipped cream topping and is perfect for people with a sweet tooth.
3. Harvest Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Tacos
You’ll find creamy ranch slaw with the tacos, along with Pipian sauce and cotija.
4. Toasted Coconut Lemon Cheesecake
This seasonally inspired cheesecake comes with blueberries and mint, and according to the park’s website, pairs well with Robertson Chenin Blanc.
Other new offerings include burnt ends pork belly bites glazed with sour orange, orange flan, and bourbon pecan pie.
Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival is included with park admission but you’ll need to purchase food and beverage separately. There is VIP reserved seating available and comes with a 5-item sampler lanyard.
If this is your first visit to Busch Gardens, let me offer suggestions on what you should do there:
1. Get some tasty sweets at Sultan’s Sweets
This is a bakery shop situated in the front of Busch Gardens where you can buy a slice of cake, muffins and other freshly baked pastries.
2. Spend time at the Myombe Reserve
This is a relaxing, secluded area where you can rejuvenate and relax without being bothered by a single soul.
3. Be brave enough to ride Cheetah Hunt
This green and yellow roller coaster is the park’s longest ride at 4,400 feet. It’s a triple launch coaster cheetah-like speed.
4. Experience the Cobra’s Curse
The Cobra’s Curse is a new attraction. It’s an Egyptian-inspired spin coaster that has a vertical lift that will take you through King Snake.
5. Hop on the Skyride
The Skyride gives you a bird’s eye view of Busch Gardens in the classic cable car.
6. Ride Sheikra and dine at Zambia Smokehouse
You will smell the savory aroma of smoked meat as you get off Sheikra. If you like smoked meats and bbq, you’ll love dining here. The outdoor covered patio showcases an amazing view of Sheikra.