Busch Gardens Summer Nights 2017

By James | Last updated December 28, 2023

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Each summer, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld run summer events and for 2017 both of them have revamped their offerings.

In 2017 Busch Gardens Summer Nights runs every night from June 16 to August 6. All entertainment is included in the standard park admission tickets and the park stays open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and until 9 p.m. every other night.

At Busch Gardens, you can ride the roller coasters at night including the new Cobra’s Curse and Cheetah Hunt, experience the Falcon’s Fury drop tower ride, explore the new Pantopia land, indulge in grilled foods and craft beers and then round off the evening with a fireworks display.

New for 2017 are three party zones with dancing, live entertainment, food and drink. The party zones are at Cheetah Hunt Plaza, Pantopia and Stanleyville, each with a very different theme:

  • ¡Fiesta Festa! at Cheetah Hunt Plaza offers an authentic Latin experience with slow roasted mojo pork, jerk chicken empanadas and chicharróns. Drink options include sangria, margaritas plus international and domestic beer selections.
  • Luau at Pantopia takes its inspiration from Hawaii and the Tropics with huli huli chicken, Hawaiian barbecue ribs and pineapple cheesecake parfait. Drinks include tropical cocktails and craft brews.
  • Vibin’ Village at Stanleyville transports you to Africa with chicken mafi with peanut sauce, tamarind shrimp watermelon cooler and smoked chicken pocket with harissa. Drinks include artesian wines, cocktails and craft beers.

You can buy an eight item Summer Nights sampler lanyard which allows you to select items from the many food stations. Prices are $34.99 per person.

Also new in 2017 is the ice show “Turn It Up!” at the Moroccan Palace featuring contemporary music with ice skating which debuted on May 26.

Previous Years

In previous years, Busch Gardens has had either a series of summer music concerts or shows such as Kinetix at Gwazi Park and fireworks.

Video of Kinetix show at Busch Gardens Summer Nights
Courtesy of Floyd DuBay

Busch Gardens’s sister park, SeaWorld Orlando also hosts their own Summer Nights at SeaWorld.

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