Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival: The Ultimate Guide To Dates & Tickets

The Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival is set to return with another season of bold flavors, springtime energy, and immersive entertainment. 

Known for transforming the park into a global tasting destination, this event teases hundreds of menu items, themed booths, and live performances woven into Busch Gardens’ European villages. 

Each year brings new culinary twists and entertainment updates that reward repeat visits. 

Keep reading to uncover dates, ticket details, food highlights, and planning tips to make the most of the Food and Wine Festival Busch Gardens Williamsburg experience.

Food and Wine Festival Busch Gardens Williamsburg Dates & Schedule

The 2026 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival is expected to run from April 23 through June 21, though final dates have not yet been officially confirmed by the park. 

Based on recent seasons, the event typically operates Thursdays through Sundays, with additional availability around holiday weekends such as Memorial Day. 

Festival booths generally open 11:30 AM to 30 minutes prior to park close, while Thursdays often feature later afternoon start times. 

The best time to visit is weekday evenings for lighter crowds, and the event usually runs rain or shine with weather-related closures handled on a case-by-case basis.

Tickets & Packages

Ticket Types

• General admission: Includes entry to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and access to the Food & Wine Festival event areas and entertainment.
• Timed entry: Not required; guests may arrive anytime during regular park hours on their selected date.
• Kids/Seniors/Military: Military discounts are typically available on select tickets; no standard senior discount is offered.

Where to Buy Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival Tickets

Book through Tripster to compare ticket options in one place and keep planning simple. The Food & Wine Festival is included with regular Busch Gardens Williamsburg admission, with food and beverages purchased separately. 

Enjoy instant ticket confirmation with no promo code required, plus a mobile-friendly checkout and stress-free booking experience with no surprise fees.

Ticket Tips

• Buy ahead for weekends and holiday dates when the festival is busiest.
• Choose earlier entry times to explore food booths before peak dinner crowds.
• Know what’s included with admission versus paid add-ons like sampler lanyards.

Getting to Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Directions & Address

• Address: 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185
• Arrival Tips: Follow I-64 to Exit 243 and use the main Busch Gardens entrance for the smoothest arrival.

Parking & Pricing

• General Parking: Onsite parking is available for a daily fee.
• Best Lot: Preferred parking places you closest to the main gate and festival areas.
• Accessibility: Handicap parking is available near the entrance with valid placards.
• Shuttles: Parking trams operate on high-attendance days.

Rideshare & Public Transit

• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop off near the main entrance plaza.
• Public Transit: Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) serves the surrounding area.

Pro Tip: If you plan to stay through evening entertainment, parking slightly farther back can make exiting faster than waiting near the front lots.

What to Expect at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival 2026

The Main Experience

The event is a self-guided food and drink festival spread throughout Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s themed European villages. Guests stroll between tasting booths, live music stages, rides, and shows, spending most of their time outdoors exploring at their own pace.

2026 Highlights

• International Tasting Booths: Over 18 themed locations featuring global flavors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• Seasonal Menus: More than 150 food and beverage options, including dozens of rotating and limited-time offerings.
• Live Entertainment: Local and regional bands performing pop, rock, country, and acoustic sets throughout the festival.
• Wine & Spirits Tastings: Specialty wine, beer, and cocktail selections for guests 21 and over.

Crowds & Atmosphere

Crowds are moderate on Thursdays and Fridays but become busy on Saturday afternoons and evenings. The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, with music echoing through the park and festival aromas filling the air.

Pro Tip: Eat your main tastings earlier, then enjoy lighter snacks and drinks during evening entertainment hours.

Who is Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival Best For?

• Families: Great for ages 8+, with wide paths, kid-friendly menu options, and rides nearby.
• Couples: Ideal for date nights thanks to live music, wine tastings, and scenic village settings.
• Groups: Easy to split tastings and explore multiple booths together.

How Long to Spend at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival

• Typical Visit: 5–7 hours
• Express Route: Pick 3 must-try booths, catch one live show, and ride a signature coaster.
• Full Experience: Pace tastings, take ride breaks, and stay for evening entertainment.

Pro Tip: Share dishes within your group to try more locations without feeling rushed or overly full.

Food & Drinks

Onsite Dining Options

• Vendors: International street food, BBQ, tacos, seafood, pastries, desserts, and tasting plates.
• Alcohol Policy: Yes; beer, wine, and cocktails are available in designated areas for guests 21+.

Dietary & Nearby Dining

• Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and plant-based options are available at select booths.
• Nearby Restaurants: Das Festhaus and Trapper’s Smokehouse offer full meals if you need a break from tastings.

Pro Tip: Visit dessert booths mid-afternoon when lines are often shorter.

Know Before You Go

Essential Rules & Policies

• Bag Policy: Standard Busch Gardens bag policy and security screening apply.
• Re-entry: Allowed with proper exit verification.
• Pets: Service animals only.
• Payment: Cashless payments are widely accepted.

Accessibility & Convenience

• Strollers: Allowed; rentals available near the entrance.
• Wheelchair Access: Accessible routes throughout the park with ECV rentals available.
• Sensory Notes: Live music and crowd noise near stages; quieter areas available away from festival hubs.

Weather & What to Wear

• Rain Policy: Event operates rain or shine; severe weather may affect schedules.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Take: Is the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival Worth It?

Absolutely. It remains one of Virginia’s most popular spring festivals, combining global cuisine with world-class rides and live entertainment.

Top Reasons to Go:

• The Variety: Hundreds of menu items across international tasting booths.
• The Entertainment: Live music included with park admission.
• The Setting: Scenic European villages elevate the entire experience.

Don’t Miss Out: Peak weekends and holiday dates can sell out or see higher prices, so waiting until the gate is risky.

Ready to plan your visit? Lock in your dates, explore Tripster’s vacation packages, and browse deals on attractions and hotels to turn your festival visit into a full Williamsburg getaway.