Bands, Brew & BBQ At SeaWorld Orlando

On Saturday, March 7th, we headed over to SeaWorld Orlando for the kickoff of their Bands, Brew & BBQ annual event. This year’s event is being put on in partnership with the USO and is maintaining a very patriotic theme.

Acts announced to date include Toby Keith (3/7), Lynyrd Skynyrd (3/8), Rodney Atkins (3/14), Kool & The Gang (3/15), Travis Tritt (3/21), and Larry The Cable Guy (3/22).

As in year’s past, this event well delivers on its title. We were lucky enough to catch a terrific performance by Toby Keith, which included over 80 minutes of hits and crowd favorites. I’ve long said that out of the major theme parks, SeaWorld is the best place to see a concert as they offer a “real” arena, complete with raised, individual seating with traditional seat backs.

The other stars of the event were ever present as well as the smell of bbq permeated the air with the taste delivering even more. We tried the brisket pizza, which was absolutely delicious. We also later tried the 2 meat platter from Sonny’s, which also delivered on smokiness and tenderness. There are many bbq vendor selections to choose from, all of which looked and smelled fantastic. Advice is to arrive early to get in one of the lines for food, before they grow to 20-30 minute waits. Additionally, the craft beer selection was on point again this year, with many selections to choose from. The cost runs $25 for a “backstage pass” lanyard that allows for 10 punches (10 small samples or 5 regular sized beers). Our favorite selections came from Abita and 3 Daughters Brewing. All together, the event offers 30 different craft beers to choose from.

The event ends early enough to allow for additional food/drinks or taking in an attraction or two at the park. The park was exceptionally well attended when we went last Saturday and is poised to have another awesome season.