SeaWorld Events San Antonio 2026: Festivals, Races & Holiday Celebrations

What Are the Biggest SeaWorld San Antonio Events in 2026

If your 2026 calendar needs more fireworks, flavor, and festive chaos (the good kind), SeaWorld San Antonio events are delivering all year long. We’re talking global food festivals, Latin music celebrations, spooky after-dark haunts, glowing summer spectaculars, and Texas-sized holiday magic—all packed into one park.

Scroll for seasonal highlights, insider tips, and the can’t-miss experiences that turn a regular theme park visit into a full-blown event. Whether you’re craving BBQ, beads, or a drone show lighting up the night sky, this guide will help you plan your SeaWorld San Antonio moment like a pro.

SeaWorld San Antonio Events at a Glance

Season Event Description Typical Months (2026)
Spring Seven Seas Food Festival Global culinary event with live performances Mar–May
Spring Viva La Música Latin culture celebration with music and food Mar–May
Spring Military Appreciation Month Tribute honoring active-duty service members & veterans May
Summer Electric Ocean Nighttime event with shows, drones & fireworks June–Aug
Summer Red, White & BBQ Regional BBQ festival with live entertainment Aug–Sep
Fall Spooktacular Family-friendly Halloween celebration Sep–Nov
Fall Howl-O-Scream Separately ticketed haunted event Sep–Oct
Winter Christmas Celebration Texas’ largest holiday celebration Nov–Dec
Winter Mardi Gras New Orleans-style carnival with live music Jan–Feb
Winter Valentine’s Day Dinner Exclusive underwater dining experience Feb 14
Winter Just for Kids Weekends Interactive activities for young children Feb–Mar

Spring: Flavor, Fiesta & Feel-Good Tributes

Spring in San Antonio means sunshine, blooming landscapes, and festival season in full swing. It’s prime time for Seven Seas Food Festival and Viva La Música—two events that turn the park into a global block party.

Seven Seas Food Festival

Seven Seas Food Festival brings more than 100 food and drink items inspired by flavors from across the globe. Pair that with live performances from artists like Elvis Crespo, Matthew West, and the Pop 2000 Tour (feat. Chris Kirkpatrick), and you’ve got a theme park day that tastes as good as it sounds. The Seven Seas Food Festival is basically your passport without the TSA line.

Viva La Música

Now integrated into the Seven Seas Food Festival, Viva La Música adds bold Latin beats and vibrant culinary offerings to the mix. Expect high-energy performances, colorful décor, and dance-worthy vibes throughout the park. Viva La Música is where flavor meets fiesta.

Summer: Glow Mode Activated

Summer at SeaWorld San Antonio means longer days and electrifying nights. Between Electric Ocean and Red, White & BBQ, the energy doesn’t dip when the sun goes down.

Electric Ocean

Electric Ocean transforms the park into a neon playground with glowing décor, high-energy shows, and the Ignite drone and fireworks spectacular. Picture music pulsing, lights shimmering, and fireworks reflecting across the sky. Electric Ocean turns a regular summer night into a full sensory takeover.

Red, White & BBQ

Red, White & BBQ is a meat-lover’s dream, spotlighting iconic BBQ regions across the U.S. From smoky brisket to saucy ribs and all the sides you can handle, it’s a summer feast with live entertainment on top. Red, White & BBQ proves theme park food can absolutely steal the show.

Fall: Sweet Treats & Sinister Screams

Fall at SeaWorld San Antonio gives you options: wholesome Halloween fun by day or full-throttle fright by night. Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream split the season into two very different (but equally unforgettable) vibes.

Spooktacular

Spooktacular is a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treat trails and whimsical monster characters. It’s colorful, playful, and just spooky enough without the nightmares. Spooktacular makes Halloween magic accessible for all ages.

Howl-O-Scream

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed after-dark haunt designed for thrill-seekers. Expect haunted houses, scare zones, and sinister live shows that push the chills factor way up. Howl-O-Scream is not for the faint of heart—but that’s kind of the point.

Winter: Lights, Beads & Underwater Romance

Winter at SeaWorld San Antonio goes big. From twinkling holiday lights to Mardi Gras parades and romantic underwater dinners, the park keeps the party going long after summer fades.

Christmas Celebration

Christmas Celebration is Texas’ largest holiday event, featuring millions of lights, festive shows, and even a meet-and-greet with Santa. The entire park sparkles with seasonal cheer. Christmas Celebration is basically a Hallmark movie—but with roller coasters.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras brings New Orleans flair to San Antonio with live jazz, zydeco music, street performers, and a Cajun-inspired menu. It’s colorful, high-energy, and packed with parade vibes. Mardi Gras proves winter doesn’t mean slowing down.

Plan Your SeaWorld San Antonio Vacation Today

With festivals, fireworks, food events, and seasonal celebrations filling every corner of 2026, there’s never a dull moment with SeaWorld San Antonio events. Whether you’re coming for Electric Ocean’s nighttime glow, Seven Seas Food Festival’s global flavors, or Christmas Celebration’s sparkle, planning around a signature event takes your visit to the next level.

Secure discounted tickets early for high-demand dates like Howl-O-Scream weekends and holiday events. Bundle and save with vacation packages, and lock in nearby hotels for less stress, more fun. Because the only thing better than a theme park day is one you planned like a legend.

SeaWorld San Antonio Events 2026 FAQs

Seven Seas Food Festival and Electric Ocean are two of the biggest draws in spring and summer. Howl-O-Scream dominates fall for thrill-seekers, while Christmas Celebration lights up winter. Each season has a headline moment worth planning around.

Spring and fall often offer comfortable weather and packed event calendars. Summer is perfect for nighttime shows and BBQ festivals, while winter brings holiday sparkle and unique dining experiences. The “best” season really depends on your vibe.

For peak events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Celebration weekends, book in advance to secure availability. Summer festivals and holiday dates can fill quickly. Planning early helps you avoid last-minute stress.

Electric Ocean is SeaWorld San Antonio’s signature summer nighttime event featuring glowing décor, high-energy entertainment, and the Ignite drone and fireworks show. It transforms the park into a vibrant, after-dark experience. If you love lights, music, and big finales, Electric Ocean is your must-see.


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Written by Kelsi Johnson

Kelsi is a Senior Travel Strategist with over 7 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of theme park vacations. Specializing in...


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