Amusement Park News

For the first time in its 45 year history, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will remain open year-round in 2021 to bring members and guests new, limited-capacity, events. The park was closed for several months in 2020, re-opening in summer with limited capacity according to Virginia's Phase III opening guidelines.  The capacity limits were increased to 4,000 people in November as a result of the Governor's revised Executive Order.

Opening year-round will help the company space out guests and hopefully make up some of the revenue it lost due to closures in 2020.  The company will be putting some new promotions and special events in place in an attempt to draw crowds during non-traditional opening days.

In addition to their regularly scheduled annual special events: Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town, Bier Fest, Summer Nights, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, the park will be open for Winter Weekends, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. "We are excited to offer our Members and guests a safe opportunity to experience even more of Busch Gardens with a great line up of events and fun happening almost every weekend of the year. Adding January, February and early March to our schedule is an exciting operational change for us and we couldn't be more thrilled," says Cindy Sarko, Busch Gardens Spokesperson. 

"We look forward to continuing to create fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while creating a safe environment through enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, face covering requirements, temperature checking, social distancing and capacity limitations."

January 15th-24th members and guests can make reservations at the park to experience the all new Winter Weekends. “This ALL-NEW limited-capacity January event is sure to delight. Stroll through villages filled with tons of beautiful lights at night, brave the thrills of thirteen rides including three roller coasters and Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™, encounter unique animals not normally featured at the park, participate in special kid activities, and view a spectacular fireworks finale on Saturday evenings,” according to the Busch Gardens Williamsburg website. Tickets will be $35.99 per guest and are free to Busch Gardens members.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras will take place after Winter Weekends,  Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, January 29th-February 28th. “Guests won't have to travel far to indulge and get in the New Orleans spirit as Busch Gardens will let the good times roll with an ALL-NEW limited capacity special event, Mardi Gras. Visitors will be transported to where the ‘Big Easy' meets big thrills as they stroll through eight decorated villages filled with mouthwatering Cajun food, cocktails, and immersive live entertainment and music. Thirteen roller coasters and attractions, including Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ will also be available for guests to enjoy.”

More details regarding the Busch Gardens St. Patrick's Day celebration will be available as the event approaches. Guests can expect Irish-themed fun on select days March 5th-28th. Continue to check Amusement Park Warehouse for more updates!