Who doesn't love discovering new music?! Busch Gardens' Real Music Series, their longest-running concert series, returns this year with all-new performances showcasing rock, soul, pop, and R&B!
From January 5 through February 20, several great musicians, bands, and performers will grace Busch Gardens' Stanleyville Theater for amazing FREE concerts that are included with your park admission that day.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>And if you're a Busch Gardens Annual Passholder, that means you can spend the day at the park and enjoy the evening show!
Keep reading on for all the great details about this unique opportunity to experience all-new musical performances at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
What do I need to know about Busch Gardens' Real Music Series?
This limited-time Real Music Series will only run on certain days starting January 5 through February 20.
Since the seating for these free performances is on a first-come, first-served basis, that means you'll want to arrive early and possibly wait in line for the Stanleyville Theater to open. There are no reserved spots, and no tickets will be given out for any of the performances.
Some artists are performing multiple days with multiple showtimes, while other artists are only performing on one day with a couple of showtimes.
Who are the performers for the Real Music Series and what are the showtimes?
While there might be a handful of names you've never heard of before, there will also be a few artists and bands that you will know. Don't worry, even if you can't recall their music off the top of your mind, we'll remind you of some of their more popular hits!
Martha Reeves and The Vandellas
- Dates: Monday-Friday, January 5-9
- Times: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
This girl group defined the Motown sound in the '60s, with some of their biggest hits being “Heatwave,” “Dancing in the Street,” and “Nowhere to Run.”
Blue Öyster Cult
- Date: Saturday, January 10
- Times: 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Some of American rock band Blue Öyster Cult's more popular hits include “(Don't Fear) The Reaper,” “Burnin' for You,” and “Then Came the Last Days of May.”
Blood, Sweat & Tears
- Dates: Monday-Friday, January 12-16
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
With varying iterations and multiple members throughout the years, Blood, Sweat & Tears has encompassed a wide range of styles, including rock, pop, and R7B/soul. Some of the recognizable songs are “You've Made Me So Very Happy,” “I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know,” and “Spinning Wheel.”
Village People
- Date: Saturday, January 17
- Times: 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.! You know Village People, even if you don't recall any of their song names, you know the catchy tune.
Arguably, “Y.M.C.A.” is one of their most iconic, who doesn't remember dancing to that song?! You may also know a few of their other songs, like “Macho Man,” “Go West,” and “Can't Stop The Music.”
Pablo Cruise and Their Hit Songs
- Dates: Monday-Friday, January 19-23
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Pop/rock band Pablo Cruise was formed in 1973 with one of their last studio albums released in 1985; however, amidst the 202 COVID pandemic, the band released its first single in 40 years! Some of their popular songs include “Love Will Find A Way,” Whatcha Gonna Do?” and “Cool Love.”
Artimus Pyle Band
- Dates: Monday-Friday, January 26-30
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Rock enthusiasts are going to want to listen in for this one! As the last surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle and his band will be performing all of Hall of Fame Inductee Lynyrd Skynyrd's greatest hits. Some of their most notable records include “Free Bird,” “Simple Man,” and Sweet Home Alabama.”
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
- Dates: Monday-Friday, February 2-6
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Songs that came from Tommy Dorsey are “Manhattan Serenade,” “Sleepy Lagoon,” and “Swanee River.”
Revisiting Creedence
- Dates: Monday-Friday, February 9-13
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Revisiting Creedence features some of the original touring members for Creedence Clearwater.
Magic Moments
- Dates: Monday-Friday, 16-20
- Times: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Performing the songs of The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Platters, and The Drifters, you can expect hits like “My Girl,” “This Magic Moment,” and “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” from Magic Moments.
Make it a Busch Gardens Day!
Whether you buy a park ticket to see some of these shows, or if you're an annual passholder, make an entire day date of it! Ride the rides, munch on some great snacks, and have a beer or cocktail at the new Casbar (where you can pour your own from the tap), or visit the Giraffe Bar at the Serengeti Overlook for some great adult beverages.
If it's your first time at the parks, visit our Thrill-seekers Date Night blog for all you need to know about the most thrilling rides in the park!
On the chance that it's a warmer day in the park (gotta love Florida winters!), check out our 5 Places to Stay Cool in Busch Gardens blog.
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