Busch Gardens Williamsburg is turning the Big 5-0. And the amusement park is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebration with a bang.
The park officially turns 50 on Friday, May 16, and is throwing a parkwide celebration to commemorate five decades of fun. When you walk through the park on May 16, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1970s.
Festivities will be scattered throughout the park, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. As you wander through the different countries, you’ll find a 1970’s cover band, historic signage, throwback characters, and special photo opportunities. You’ll even find some throwback pricing at the concession stands, with 75-cent beers on the menu all day. The festivities for the day will close out with a fireworks finale.
Guests can also join park leadership for a lookback presentation that showcases the last 50 years at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Enjoy nostalgic photos and stories while also taking a look at what 2025 has in store. The first 1,000 guests at the presentation will receive a limited-edition anniversary item.
Plus, a few lucky guests will receive free admission to the anniversary celebration. If you were born in May 1975, you’ll be able to enter the park for free to celebrate your 50th birthday alongside Busch Gardens.
Busch Gardens Is Reimagining a Fan-Favorite Ride
Busch Gardens’ 50th anniversary season isn’t the only thing parkgoers and looking forward to this summer. On May 23, the park will debut its new coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
The family-friendly coaster is a reimagining of the beloved inverted coaster that operated from 1984 to 2009. The ride takes you through a Bavarian village that is terrorized by the wolf. Located in the Oktoberfest section of the park, the new coaster features more than 2,500 feet of track and speeds of up to 40 mph.
Park members will have early access on May 16 to 18 to ride the coaster.
Feature image courtesy Visit Williamsburg
