Summer 2013: Theme Park Christian Music Festivals

Theme parks provide thrilling rides and fun times for the whole family.  They also offer some fun extras such as concerts and shows.  Most parks put on a music festival or two throughout the season.  I’ll be updating this page as I hear of new festivals and events, so check back often.

Rock the Universe at Universal Studios – Orlando, Florida

Florida’s biggest Christian music festival features some of the biggest names in Christian rock, rap, hip-hop and contemporary music.  Listen to words of worship and songs of praise as more than a dozen Grammy and Dove award-winning bands come together for two days. September 6 and 7 are the dates to put on your calendar.

The line-up includes three-time Grammy award-winning (and Daytona Beach natives) Casting Crowns, as well as Dove Award-winning Chris Tomlin and Grammy Award-winning Lecrae.

Rock the Universe 2013 Line-up

Friday, September 6, 2013

• Switchfoot
• Chris Tomlin
• Crowder
• Tenth Avenue North
• Family Force 5
• Colton Dixon
• Kyle Sherran
• Dara McClean
• OBB
• Love & The Outcome

Saturday, September 7

• Casting Crowns
• Jesus Culture
• Lecrae
• Relient K
• Red
• Everfound
• Crave
• Dara McClean
• OBB
• Love & the Outcome

Rock the Universe will also feature the Fan Zone.  Presented by Coca-Cola, guests will enjoy live music by Dara McClean, OBB and Love & The Outcome, autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise.  On Saturday night, guests will have the opportunity to experience a candle lighting serve featuring Casting Crowns, guests speakers and more.

Concerts take place from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on both nights. For more details on Rock the Universe 2013, please visit RockTheUniverse.com.

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KingsFest at Kings Dominion – Doswell, Virginia

KingsFest is one of the most popular events at Kings Dominion.  The park’s Kingswood Amphitheatre comes alive with the sounds of praise and worship during this annual three-day event.  Names such as Toby Mac, RED and Chris Tomlin are all set to perform the weekend of June 27-29, 2013.

KingsFest 2013 Line-up

Thursday, June 27

• Toby Mac
• RED
• NewSong
• Emcee: KJ-52

Friday, June 28

• Skillet
• Tenth Avenue North
• Thousand Foot Krutch
• Petra
• We As Human
• Speaker: Nick Hall
• Emcee: KJ-52

Saturday, June 29

• Chris Tomlin
• Kutless
• Building 429
• The City Harmonic
• Emcee: KJ-52

For more details, including ticket purchase, park admission, etc…etc…, please visit KingsFestival.com or KingsDominion.com.

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Glory at the Gardens at Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens does their concert series a little differently.  Rather than having a two or three day event, they spread it out over the course of the season.  This gives more of an opportunity to attend concerts and is a nice alternative for those that can’t make a full day festival.

Concerts at Busch Gardens take place at the Royal Palace Theatre and are included with theme park admission.  Guests must wait in  line for tickets.  Tickets are given out on a one-ticket-per-person, first come, first served (while supplies last).  All parties must be present.

Glory at the Gardens Line-up

• Sunday, May 19 – Mary Mary
• Saturday, June 29 – Michael W. Smith
• Sunday, August 18 – Third Day
• Sunday, September 1 – Casting Crowns

Please visit BuschGardens.com for more information on concerts and events at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Note: Most music festivals at theme parks are hard-ticket events, which means that you must purchase tickets in addition to theme park admission.  The one exception in this list is Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Thanks for reading.  Please check back often for updates.

Sandy