Guide to SeaWorld San Diego Summer Spectacular 2023
The Summer Spectacular festival is in full swing at SeaWorld San Diego featuring concerts, fireworks, a new parade, and a stunt show on the water that pits pirates vs. mermaids.
Summer Spectacular 2023 at SeaWorld San Diego takes place now through Aug. 20, 2023, and is included with park admission. Throughout the seasonal festival, guests can enjoy a host of new entertainment.
New Entertainment
“Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove” at Bayside Amphitheater is a water stunt show featuring acrobatics and hydroflying. As its title implies, the show features pirates and mermaids facing off. (No shows on Sundays.)
“SeaWorld’s Summer Splashtacular Parade” radiates with the joy of summer as its performers dance through the park in colorful costumes, beach balls in tow. (Weekends only.)
“Rescue Ready Training Camp with Arthur C. Turtle” at Rescue Jr. Stage features the show’s namesake turtle teaching young guests how to be animal rescuers through music and exercise.
“Feathers, Scales & Rescue Tales” in Nautilus Theater offers a chance to see real rescued animals in an educational presentation.
“O.P. Otter’s Summer Vacation” in Mission Bay Theater is a character-filled show celebrating what makes this time of year so great.
As guests stroll through SeaWorld San Diego, they can take a dance break during Coca-Cola DJ Dance Parties at SkyTower Summer Stage, Wild Arctic Stage, and Mermaid Cove. Also at Mermaid Cove, real mermaids greet guests for photos and autographs.
Earlier this year, SeaWorld San Diego debuted the “FantaSEA of Dreams” fireworks show. During Summer Spectacular, the park presents “FantaSEA of Dreams” nightly at park closing. The operating day concurrently concludes with “Laser Reef Summer Spectacular,” a laser show at park closing near SeaWorld Store.
Most shows at Summer Spectacular offer reserved seating for an additional price.
Summer Spectacular Concert Series 2023
Every Sunday during SeaWorld San Diego Summer Spectacular, guests can catch a free concert at 6 p.m. at Bayside Amphitheater.
Here’s the lineup:
- July 2, 2023 – Jordin Sparks
- July 9, 2023 – Bow Wow and Soulja Boy
- July 16, 2023 – Todrick Hall
- July 23, 2023 – Tiffany and Jennifer Paige
- July 30, 2023 – Mario
- Aug. 6, 2023 – Ashanti
Though concerts are included with park admission, reserved seating is available (starting at $34.99). Alternatively, a VIP experience includes reserved seating, a concert pre-show, and a drink (starting at $69.99). Fans can also opt for a meet and greet with the visiting artist (starting at $99.99). Purchase these add-ons here.
Fan-Favorite Food from Other SeaWorld Festivals
On Instagram, SeaWorld San Diego asked fans to vote for their favorite food items and drinks from the park’s other seasonal festivals to be part of the menu for Summer Spectacular.
Featuring cuisine from Mardi Gras, Seven Seas Food Festival, Craft Beer Festival, and Howl-O-Scream, along with a few new dishes, here are the Summer Spectacular food locations.
SkyTower Lawn
- Food: pepperoni pizza lumpia, spam fried rice, Hawaiian mac salad, Mexican shrimp cocktail, strawberry fruit bar
- Drinks: Chamangorita (mango, chamoy, tequila), Bay Magic (gin, lemon, syrup, butterfly peach tea)
Wild Arctic Plaza: gyro slider, roasted garlic mac & cheese, mango mochi, shrimp kimono, pork gyoza, roaster beef poutine, hush puppies
Near Underwater Cantina: soyrizo empanadas, jackfruit tacos, cochinita pibil tacos, esquites, churro cheesecake
Guests can purchase menu items individually, or save money with a Foodie Fest Sampler. For $40, receive five samples. For $60, receive 10 samples (or 12 if you’re a Pass Member). Purchase a Foodie Fest Sampler here.
New Coaster and Kids’ Area
Meanwhile, Rescue Jr. is a new kids area with learning experiences, a splash pad, an obstacle course, and three flat rides. We shared more details about these two new attractions back in May.
