Preview Of 2025 Busch Gardens Food And Wine Festival

The 2025 Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival and Concert Series is officially underway and here is a preview of the annual event. I got an invitation to attend along with other members of the media and were treated to a deliciously good time.

This year’s festival features bold new flavors from the Caribbean and India, alongside returning favorites from South America and Europe. Guests can sample a variety of new dishes like Smoked Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Rice, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and lots more.

Next, the decadent desserts. Indulge in warm bananas with rum and vanilla ice cream, crepes and more. Finally, everything can be paired with wines, craft brews and cocktails. There is even a tequila tasting if that is your jam.

Click here for a quick video of the festival's opening night.

You can purchase a Sip & Savor Pass like this one. It has five punches that are good for samples of any food or drink that you want to try at festival booths. You don't need one of these to drink and dine. Each item can be purchased seperately too.

Wine samples are available as some of the countries offerings. In addition, there is a separate cabin with nothing but wine to try. They cover a large range of varietals, producers and locations.

Food cabins meander along the festival around Iron Gwazi Pavillion and under the coaster. Each cabin has several choices of food and drink representing the perspective country.

The U.S. cabin features lobster rolls, crab cakes and a selection of tropical fruit wines from Florida based Keel & Curley Winery. Bonus, this booth is right in front of the lagoon where colorful flamingos hang out. They are mesmerizing.

Italy featured pasta as you might expect. However, the deconstructed tiramisu for dessert was a showstopper. It was super creamy and delicious to share or keep to yourself.

There was a special reception for media representatives in attendance. All of the festival food and wines were on display and there were a few samples as well. We also heard about exciting new additions to the park from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay President. More on those to come, but it's all exciting.

There are plenty of savory options. But the dessert selections are not to be skipped. Here are two. I shared the Nanaimo Bar with a friend, and we gave it four thumbs up. You'll find it in the Canadian cabin.

It's not just about food at this festival, but also entertainment and there is even more this year than last.

The list of entertainment covers a wide range of genres. In addition, Friday night concerts have been added this year. Here is the lineup:

Make plans now to attend one of the great shows. There is no extra charge to enjoy them.

Finally, I had to wear my Wine Diva shirt for the occasion. By the way, Annual Pass Members can return again and again to the festival. It's impossible to try everything in one day or night.