Events

Bonnet Springs Park’s grand opening attractions

With the long-awaited park’s grand opening on the calendar, we’re looking at a few of the things we’re most excited about.

October 20, 2022 • 
Rilee Delgado
A woman on a butterfly bike

Take flight on one of Bike Zoo’s rideable creatures.

Photo by @jollstagram72

Table of Contents
Quick Tips
Food
Activities
Music

It’s finally here. The grand opening of Bonnet Springs Park kicks off this weekend with two full days of activities.

Make the most of your weekend with these quick tips. For a full schedule + breakdown, check out the schedule online.

Quick Tips

  • The free event takes place on Sat., Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
  • Parking is all off-site for the grand opening. View locations and shuttle information here.
  • This is an outdoor event, but guests are asked to leave their pets at home.
  • Guests are permitted to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, umbrellas + coolers (no alcoholic beverages, please).

Food

  • Over 15 food trucks including Acai Bulk Bowls, Crab Daddy’s Surf & Turf, MK Boba + many more
  • Stop by The Depot for hamburgers, chicken tenders, french fries, and more.
  • Find Starbucks Coffee at the Hollis Family Welcome Center.
  • Find non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks on the Lakeland Regional Health Circulator and near the Allen & Company Family Lawn.

Activities

  • The Opening Ceremony will take place at the Plaza at the Depot on Sat., Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.
  • Animal lovers — check out the Encounters with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay + Gatorland at the Animal Stage, Bird Watching at the Boathouse, and the Garden Show at the Greenhouse.
  • Meet local celebrities like Lakeland Magic’s Swish, Tampa Bay Lightning’s ThunderBug, Tampa Bay Rays’ DJ Kitty, and other lovable mascots.
  • Wave hello to strolling performers, stilt walkers, and the Swan City Roller Derby as they strut and zoom through the park.
  • Take a ride on one of Bike Zoo’s rideable creatures (we heard there might be an owl, but hoo knows?).
  • Shop from local vendors at Buena Market on Sun., Oct. 23 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
  • View the fireworks after Hunter Hayes’ performance on Sat., Oct. 21 from 8:15-8:45 p.m.

Music

  • The Band Perry | Sat., Oct. 22 | 5-6:15 p.m. | Main Stage
  • Hunter Hayes | Sat., Oct. 22 | 6:45-8:15 p.m. | Main Stage
  • Local artists like Van Plating, Kimmy Gabriela, and more | Sat., Oct. 22 | 11 a.m.- 5 p.m | The Lounge
  • Sister Hazel | Sun., Oct. 23 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Main Stage
  • Spin Doctors | Sun., Oct. 23 | 5:45-7 p.m. | Main Stage
  • Local artists like Micah Madore, Kaleigh Baker, and more | Sun., Oct. 23 | 11:30 a.m.- 4:15 p.m | The Lounge

For more details on anything listed above and other event features, check out the schedule online. For more frequently asked questions, click here.