WILLIAMSBURG — Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Mardi Gras is back, debuting a new event lineup for its 2023 take on the annual New Orleans tradition.
Busch Gardens Mardi Gras runs now through Feb. 26 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and the Presidents Day holiday.
This year will feature a brand new Mardi Gras street party, according to a press release. Taking place in the France village, this new parade will feature ribbon dancers and stilt walkers, and a King of Mardi Gras passing through on a float while jester performers hand out beads.
The Carnaval Imaginique returns to the Globe Theatre, featuring acrobats and acts of balance and strength. Other returning entertainment includes the New Orleans Jazz Band in Das Festhaus, the Killarney Village Band in Abbey Stone Theatre and Samba Jamboree, and jester drummers in Rhinefeld village.
There is also a variety of new cuisine options, including classic New Orleans-style dishes ranging from chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp étouffée, bananas foster cheesecake, the crawfish boil, and more. There are also several new cocktails available for guests over 21, including hurricanes, rum runners, and the King Cake shot.
New food and beverage offerings include:
- Oyster Po’ Boy
- Specialty Beignets
- Passionfruit Hurricane
- Cajun Bloody Mary
Samplers are available to purchase in five or ten-item options — $40 for five punches, or $60 for ten punches. Guests can mix and match entrees, desserts, beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty non-alcoholic beverages at designated Mardi Gras kiosks throughout the park. Sampler lanyards are available to purchase online or in-park.
For more information, check out the official Williamsburg Busch Gardens page.
