SeaWorld Orlando has kicked off their annual Bands, Brew, BBQ in a big way. Yes, the huge concerts are always amazing, but we’re talking about the BBQ. The annual festival celebrates good food, great times and great music, but this year it’s also celebrating the men and women who make all that possible. The weekend event kicked off on Saturday, and will be going every weekend until March 29th.
The annual festival kicks off every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. when the Bayside path opens. The area is full of BBQ vendors, beer vendors and music. The main stage is set at Bayside Stadium, and is home to the huge concerts that line up the weekends.
Photo by Jennifer Tuck
Toby Keith and Lynyrd Skynyrd kicked off the first weekend, with huge concerts. The second weekend looks to be just as big with country star Rodney Atkins performing Saturday, and Kool and the Gang performing Sunday. Concerts are free with theme park admission, and the seating is first come, first serve. If you want a bit of a better seat, VIP tickets are available and can get you reserved seating, or even front row seating.
If you’re wanting a little bit of fun before the big concert, there’s plenty in the area. Besides the BBQ and Brew, there’s plenty of music and dancing. Music either from a DJ or a live local band plays at different times throughout the day. If you’re looking to learn a little line dancing, the Wildfire Dancers are up to teach. Kids can even hang out with some of the SeaWorld characters in their Western gear.
This year, SeaWorld pays tribute to the troops with Bands, Brew, BBQ. The park has a special area set up, courtesy of the USO where veterans and guests can relax, and interact with animals, as well as other activities. If that wasn’t enough, the USO will be performing for the second weekend. It gives a little bit of a tribute to the troops, and makes you feel all the more patriotic.
Video-The USO Performs at SeaWorld Orlando!
The real star, however, is the food. While the music is amazing, and the atmosphere is wonderful, and the tribute to the troops is stirring, the food is the real reason for the celebration. SeaWorld has brought in two huge BBQ chains with Orlando based Bubbalou’s Bodacious Barbeque, Sonnys’ BBQ, and of course their own brand of great food.
While you definitely can’t go wrong with any of the three vendors, for food, our personal favorites were the “Pig Wings” and the Brisket Pizza. Pig wings are pork shanks, deep fried, and smothered in one of three sauces. They’re served with fries, and are extremely juicy and tender. The Brisket pizza is shredded BBQ beef brisket, with mozzarella cheese and BBQ sauce. Other unique dishes are the Pulled Pork Sundae, and the Porkasaurus sandwich.
Video-Go for a spin around Bands, Brew, BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando!
Of course, there’s also several different varieties of beer on tap at several different booths, and guests can purchase a VIP sampler, which allows you to choose from your favorite brews. There’s also a package that combines the beer samples, BBQ, and reserved concert seats.
Slideshow-Check out more pictures for full menus and beer selections!
Bands, Brew, BBQ continues this weekend with two huge acts, and will continue every weekend until March 28th.
Stay tuned for more from SeaWorld Orlando, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook, and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
