SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ event starts today, honors military

SeaWorld Orlando kicks off its annual Bands, Brew & BBQ event today, and like last year, it is partnering with USO Central Florida to honor members of the military with special activities and discounts. The event, which runs Saturdays and Sundays through March 6 and is included with admission, features a concert each day and many experiences related to country and classic rock music. Plus, visitors can sample barbecue from local restaurants and craft beers.

Bands, Brew and BBQ events begin at noon, with the concert at 4 p.m. Today’s headliner is Grammy-nominated Smash Mouth, and Sunday’s concert features R&B legend Gladys Knight. The concert seating is first-come, first-served, but reserved seats are available for purchase. Guests can choose from a VIP Front-Row Seating & BBQ Package (that includes Quick Queue) for $40 or Concert Floor Seating & Quick Queue for $24.

In addition to the signature acts, the event also will feature a secondary stage to showcase local bands, and a DJ spinning music for guests to show off their line dancing. Beyond the stage, guests can enjoy a Harley-Davidson Orlando display of motorcycles and a collection of classic cars.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is not just for adults, either. Well, the brew, is, of course, but the patriotic-themed USO Family Garden is returning, offering kids the chance to line dance, too. Plus, there will be animal encounters, Explore Zones and a host for the afternoon of activities.

Come hungry because the smell of barbeque along Bayside Pathway will tempt your tastebuds! Local restaurants, such as Sonny’s and Tony Roma’s, join SeaWorld’s own outdoor kitchen, giving visitors many choices to sample. This year, SeaWorld Executive Chef Hector Colon has expanded the park’s offerings beyond traditional meats and sides to dishes such as slow-smoked ribs, a creative twist on chicken and waffles, and Corn Chip Chili Pie.

To complement the barbecue, guests can taste more than 30 local and craft beers. Among them: Sierra Nevada Nooner Pilsner, Abita Brewing Co., New Belgium and Crooked Can Brewing Company. There also are wine flights available for purchase.

SeaWorld Orlando visitors can choose from three sampler packages to experience a variety of barbecue dishes and beers:

** BBQ Tasting Sampler — Guests can choose up to five menu items from SeaWorld’s sampler selections at any of the Bands, Brew & BBQ food locations for just $20.

** Craft Brew Sampler — Guests sample 10 ice-cold craft beers — from a selection of more than 30 brews — for just $30.

** BBQ Tasting and Craft Brew Sampler (Best Value) — This sampler includes five menu items and five craft brew samples along the Bands, Brew & BBQ Pathway —all for only $35.

Deb Wills has attended Bands, Brews & BBQ in the past. You can read about her visit here.

Active-duty members of the military and veterans can get half off Fun Cards, which provide admission to SeaWorld Orlando for all of 2016. They also receive 10 percent off all event packages, food, raft beer and merchandise on event dates.

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