Busch Gardens Unveils a Thrilling Live Music Series for 2026, Featuring the Strongest Lineup in Series History with Over 25 Concerts
MWN-AI** Summary
Busch Gardens has announced an exciting live music series for 2026, boasting the largest and most impressive lineup in its history, featuring over 25 concerts across both Tampa Bay and Williamsburg parks. This dual-park event, which runs from spring through summer, includes performances that are included with all forms of park admission, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Annual Pass and Membership holders will have the best access to this robust concert series.
Highlights of the lineup feature genres that appeal to diverse audiences, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and country. Notable artists set to perform include Flo Rida, Kansas, Skillet, and Chris Tomlin, among others, ensuring high-energy experiences for concertgoers. The series will be anchored by special events like the revamped Food, Wine & Garden Festival in Tampa and the adored Food & Wine Festival in Williamsburg, both promising a blend of culinary delights and musical performances.
In Tampa, the festival kicks off on March 7, with Walker Hayes and continues with an array of stars every weekend, culminating in a surprise artist announcement. Williamsburg's concert series starts in May, featuring chart-topping artists such as Hoobastank and the Pop 2000 Tour.
Busch Gardens aims to enhance the guest experience with offerings that include premium seating upgrades and options for guests to attend multiple concerts throughout the season. With affordable Annual Passes and Membership options that start at $13.75 per month, visitors can enjoy unlimited access, free parking, and exclusive discounts.
As stated by Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts, this year's lineup reflects the growing anticipation among guests, providing yet another reason to visit the enchanting Busch Gardens parks.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The unveiling of Busch Gardens' expanded live music series for 2026 presents a lucrative opportunity for investors and stakeholders in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. With over 25 concerts included in park admission, the series targets a diverse audience by featuring a range of genres and high-energy performances from popular artists such as Flo Rida and Kansas. This approach not only enhances the guest experience but also amplifies attendance during the spring and summer months, likely driving additional revenue through increased park admissions, food and beverage sales, and merchandise purchases.
The timing aligns well with the historical trend of increased consumer spending on entertainment experiences, particularly in post-pandemic recovery phases. The integration of the Food, Wine & Garden Festival in Tampa and the Food & Wine Festival in Williamsburg creates a compelling value proposition, drawing both locals and tourists to the parks. This event-driven strategy fosters repeat visits and encourages the purchase of Annual Passes or Memberships, which offer access to the concerts throughout the season. Given that these passes start at an affordable price point, there is potential for substantial subscription growth.
Furthermore, with concert series anchored by well-known artists, the marketing appeal of these events can boost the visibility of the Busch Gardens brand, driving social media engagement and word-of-mouth promotion. As a part of the United Parks & Resorts portfolio (NYSE: PRKS), the success of such initiatives could bolster shareholder confidence and potentially lead to upward stock price momentum.
In conclusion, stakeholders should remain vigilant and consider investing in related sectors or positions as Busch Gardens amplifies its concert offerings, enhancing the overall guest experience and solidifying its place as a premier destination for entertainment.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
The largest lineup ever brings high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing artists to both Busch Gardens parks from spring through summer, included with park admission
TAMPA, Fla. and WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch Gardens returns in 2026 with an expanded, dual-park live music series featuring more than 25 full-length performances across both parks. With concerts included with all forms of park admission, an Annual Pass or Membership offers guests the most flexible way to access the full 2026 concert lineup all season long.
Anchored by the revamped Food, Wine & Garden Festival in Tampa Bay, and the fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival in Williamsburg, the 2026 lineup is the strongest in series history and features high-energy genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock and country. The acts include Flo Rida, Taking Back Sunday, Walker Hayes, Kansas, Chris Tomlin, Skillet, Dylan Scott, Nick Carter, and the Pop 2000 Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO.
Guests can expect:
- Full-length live concerts, included with all forms of park admission
- Live music paired with a full-day park experience including seasonal food festivals, attractions, and animal encounters
- Premium seating upgrade options
- The flexibility to attend multiple concerts throughout the season with an Annual Pass or Membership
- Limited-time ticket and pass offers available by location
"Our concert series has evolved into something our guests look forward to year after year," said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of United Parks & Resorts. "The 2026 lineup spans across multiple genres and decades, giving visitors yet another reason to experience one of our Busch Gardens parks this spring."
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The concert lineup spans two signature spring events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay:
The revamped Food, Wine & Garden Festival pairs culinary offerings with live entertainment. Country singer Walker Hayes kicks off the festival on March 7, with concerts continuing every weekend of the event. The full lineup includes:
- Food, Wine & Garden Festival
March 7 | Walker Hayes
March 8 | Puddle of Mudd
March 14 | P.O.D.
March 15 | Grupo Mania
March 21 | Skillet
March 22 | Robin Thicke
March 27 | Warren G
March 28 | Dylan Scott
March 29 | Kansas
April 4 | Nick Carter
April 10 | The Band Perry
April 11 | El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
April 12 | Smash Mouth
April 18 | Flo Rida
April 19 | Air Supply
April 24 | Bowling for Soup
April 25 | Surprise Artist to Be Announced Soon
May 2 | Bow Wow & Ying Yang Twins
May 3 | Taking Back Sunday
May 9 | Pop 2000 featuring Chris Kirkpatrick (*NSYNC), and O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO - Glory in the Gardens
May 16 | Chris Tomlin + Brandon Heath
May 17 | Danny Gokey + Surprise Artist to Be Announced Soon
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg heats up in 2026 with the start of its live concert series during the fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. Beginning in May, the park will feature chart-topping musicians across multiple genres, including pop, hip-hop, and rock. The full concert lineup includes:
- Flo Rida – Saturday, May 2
- Pop 2000 featuring Chris Kirkpatrick (*NSYNC), and O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO – Saturday, May 16
- Hoobastank – Saturday, May 30
- Skillet – Saturday, June 13
Best Way to Experience Concerts at Busch Gardens
The Busch Gardens Annual Pass and Memberships programs are designed to give guests flexibility with four tiers, each one allowing guests to choose the benefits that best fit their lifestyle. Annual Passes and Memberships start at $13.75 per month with no down payment and 0% APR.
From unlimited visits and seasonal event access to exclusive freebies and savings, Pass Members can expect:
- FREE guest tickets to share the fun with friends and family
- FREE parking and discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise (select tiers)
- FREE Busch Bucks to spend in park
- Be among the first to experience new attractions
- Discounts on one-of-a-kind animal encounters, VIP Tours, and Youth Summer Camps
About Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens® is a premier family destination offering world-class coasters, immersive animal habitats, award-winning seasonal festivals, and year-round entertainment. With parks in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Tampa Bay, Florida, Busch Gardens is known for its blend of thrilling rides, enriching animal encounters, and unforgettable live entertainment. Both parks are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Humane Certified by American Humane, reflecting the company's commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Busch Gardens is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit BuschGardens.com.
Media Contacts:
Tampa Bay: BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com
Williamsburg: BuschGardensWilliamsburg.PR@BuschGardens.com
SOURCE Busch Gardens Parks
FAQ**
How does the 2026 live music series at Busch Gardens align with the strategic vision of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) to enhance visitor experience and drive attendance?
What financial impact does United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS) anticipate from the expanded concert lineup and associated seasonal festivals at both Busch Gardens parks in 2026?
In what ways will the introduction of premium seating for concerts contribute to additional revenue streams for United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) in the 2026 season?
How is United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS) measuring the success of the 2026 concert series, and what metrics will be used to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing park visitation?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS).
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