Photo: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Exciting rides, fun events and action-packed adventure are on the agenda for the 2017 season at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia. So, without further ado …
InvadR car
Photo: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
What’s new at Busch Gardens in 2017?
The first and foremost thing on everybody’s mind is, of course, the new ride. Vikings come to town as the park debuts InvadR, its first wooden roller coaster (though supported by a steel structure). Guests will fly over nine air-time hills that includes a 74-foot plunge at nearly 50 miles per hour. InvadR is located in the New France, or “Canada,” region of the park, near Le Scoot log flume. Read more about InvadR right here.
Spring into Fun
Beginning March 18, the high-energy live show “Elmo Rocks!” returns to the Globe Theatre for a limited time. Kids can also meet their favorite friends – such as Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby – at Sesame Street Forest of Fun.
The KIDsiderate Concert Series returns in May with musical guests Coo Choo Soul with Genevieve and more. The always popular wildlife and conservation expert Jack Hanna returns to the park March 25-26.
A new show is being planned for Das Festhaus. The yet-to-be-named show will feature traditional German music and dance with a twist.
Nighttime Fun
In July and August, Summer Nights turns the park into a cool evening experience. Presented by Coca-Cola, special entertainment, culinary experiences and a fun nighttime atmosphere give guests a new reason to stay later or to visit in the evening.
Summer Saturdays
Summer Nights Concerts will feature rock, pop, country and contemporary Christian performers at the Royal Palace Theatre, located in France. Confirmed acts include 38 Special, Josh Turner, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp and Rend Collective. Additional acts will be announced as they’re scheduled. Concerts are free with park admission.
Two special shows also join the Summer Nights lineup. Britmania, which debuts June 30 in the Globe Theatre, is a new musical revue featuring British hits from the 1960s to today. All For One returns for its second season in the Royal Palace Theatre. This nighttime action and adventure show is based on the Three Musketeers and runs from June 30 – September 3, except for Saturdays when concerts are taking place.
Don’t forget Water Country USA. Virginia’s largest water park offers fun for the whole family with a retro surf theme, resort-style amenities and more than fun and exciting 40 water rides and attractions, including lots of splashy fun for the little ones.
Photo: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Holidays and Special Events
The 2017 Busch Gardens food & Wine Festival takes place on weekends from May 26 – July 2. New for 2017 is India as a kiosk, which will add more delicious flavors to the food and beverage options throughout the park
Dazzling pyrotechnic displays send a kaleidoscope of colors into the night sky as Busch Gardens celebrates Independence Day with two days of fireworks – July 3 and 4.
Oktoberfest returns September 1-17, 2017. Raise a glass and toast the season with a variety of craft beers from around the world at Bier Fest.
Howl-O-Scream returns on September 23. Traditionally a Friday, Saturday and Sunday event, the park will expand to two Thursdays in October. The park will also stay open until midnight on select dates so that guests can get the most out of their scare time.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and friends return to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, which opens November 24 with new experiences and holiday spirit to enjoy.
Hawaii kiosk at 2016 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival.
Busch Gardens Deals for 2017
Two very popular and online-only offers are back for the 2017 season.
- Buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get Water Country USA for free with the 2-Park Fun Card deal, which is valid online only through March 31. Get unlimited visits to both parks through September 10.
- The 2-Park Preschool Pass makes it affordable to take young children to both parks. This limited time, online-only offer allows children ages 3 to 5 to enjoy free unlimited admission to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA through September 10. Parents must register online by May 31.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Buschgardens.com/va. Check out some of the park’s social media channels for even more up-to-date information.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg opens March 25, 2017. Water Country USA opens on May 20, 2017.
