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Bayou-inspired fanfare returns to Busch Gardens Mardi Gras festival

Special celebrations kicks off Jan. 14

Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates Jan. 14 - March 5 (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

TAMPA, Fla. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is preparing to get jazzed up again for its upcoming Mardi Gras festival.

Beginning Jan. 14, guests will have the opportunity to hear live music, catch some beads from New Orleans street performers, and try some delicious Louisiana-style Cajun cuisine.

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“Guests will be able to feast like kings and queens with classic New Orleans style offerings ranging from gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and much more,” the theme park said in a news release. “Let the good times flow with classic bayou-inspired cocktails including Hurricanes, Spiced Rum Sangria and an all-new ‘Throw Me Some Beads’ punch.”

Some of the new food items on the menu this year include Andouille sausage po’boy, dirty rice & beans, shrimp creole and a king cake donut.

Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates Jan. 14 - March 5 (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

The theme park said guests can best enjoy all the food and cocktail options with a Mardi Gras sampler lanyard. Starting at $40 for a 5-punch lanyard with a 10-punch option and an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for Pass Members, Sampler Lanyards are available to purchase online.

Click here to see full menus and locations.

Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates Jan. 14 - March 5 (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Busch Gardens said its Mardi Gras parade will be bigger than ever with new festive characters throughout the entire route. Guests can catch beads and dance to live music as the parade makes its way starting at the Zagora Café and Market through the Coke Canopy.

Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates Jan. 14 - March 5 (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

For a limited-time, guests can pay for one day and return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and nearby Adventure Island Water Park all year for exciting entertainment, events and attractions such as Iron Gwazi and the upcoming Serengeti Flyer, with the buy-one-get-one free Fun Card offer.

Busch Gardens’ Mardi Gras festival runs through March 5.

Click here to learn more.

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