Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Summer of Wonder shows off new Verbolten revamp, drone show and more
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is adding new shows, free concerts, nighttime entertainment and a new twist on Verbolten for its 2026 Summer of Wonder lineup.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Summer of Wonder offers two brand-new shows, free concerts, a startling twist on a fan-favorite attraction, and the debut of the park’s first-ever drone show to light up the night!
New storyline coming to Verbolten
The event kicks off with the much-anticipated new storyline for indoor-outdoor launch coaster Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, taking riders on a tour along Germany’s autobahn and into the Black Forest, where animatronics and special effects add to the thrills and each twist in the road could be your last.
Photo by Melody Matheny
And just when you think you’re safe, your touring car takes a whopping 88-feet plunge toward the Rhine River! The family-friendly (but distinctly menacing) coaster officially opens May 30, with a height requirement of 48 inches.
New live shows and nighttime entertainment debut this summer
Music can make a summer special, and the Globe Theatre in the England section of the park is the setting for a nostalgic trip back in time. Singer-songwriter Abby Rhodes (see what they did there?), belts out hits from iconic British bands and performers such as The Beatles, the Spice Girls, Elton John, Adele, and Queen. “Across The Pond: Legends of the U.K.” performances take place Wednesday-Sunday at 2 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 6:15 p.m.
Also on select nights, park-goers can experience the all-new “Kinetix: The Next Generation” show, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s first venture into drone-based nighttime entertainment.
World-class acrobats and aerialists join powerhouse singers each Thursday through Sunday at 8:30pm as Kinetix takes to the stage at the Royal Palace Theater in the France section of the park. Their jaw-dropping, high-flying stunts and pulse-pounding vocals keep audiences on the edge of their seats…but the night isn’t over yet.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg adds drone show
When darkness descends, marvel as more than 400 drones take to the skies, creating formations that celebrate the park’s natural beauty.
Courtesy of Busch Gardens
Synchronized to stirring themed music, it makes for an eye-catching immersion into drone-show dramatics, and joins its sister park, Busch Garden’s Tampa Bay’s “Wild Skies” in paying tribute to the essential style that makes each location unique.
Free concerts return for Summer of Wonder
Throughout Summer of Wonder, guests can enjoy Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s free Concert Series, with live acts including Hoobastank (May 30), Skillet (June 13), and Flo Rida (September 5).
Concerts take place at 7pm, and wristbands for entry are available at the Event Welcome Center near the England Sweet Shoppe.
More special events and offers
During Military Appreciation Week (June 29 through July 5), national pride takes center stage with Americana-inspired foods and beverages, limited-edition merchandise, and specialty entertainment, in a grand celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary and its significant milestones.
Courtesy of Busch Gardens
The above photo shows fireworks going off behind DarKoaster, so let’s take a look at the opening ceremony of this attraction in our YouTube video below.
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces receive special discounts in recognition of their service, and a specially-created fireworks show ends July 4 in patriotic style.
Summer of Wonder runs from June 26 through July 30, and all events and attractions are included in regular park admission.
Visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg before or after the Summer of Wonder event? Check out the park’s popular Food & Wine Festival (Thursday-Sunday, now-June 21) or Bier Fest Brews & BBQ, (Friday through Sunday, July 31 to Sept 7).
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