SeaWorld Orlando is putting barbecue in the spotlight this summer with Red, White & BBQ, a new seasonal food event featuring regional flavors inspired by some of the country’s best-known barbecue destinations.
The event, which debuted July 4 as part of SeaWorld’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, continues on weekends through August 23. Along with specialty food and drinks, Red, White & BBQ includes live and pop-up entertainment throughout the park.
Barbecue From Around the Country
Rather than focusing on a single style of barbecue, SeaWorld has built the event around several regional traditions.
The Kansas City BBQ offerings include ribs served with creamy potato salad along with burnt end sliders on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Texas BBQ brings smoked sausage accompanied by fire-roasted corn and pit beans, while the Memphis BBQ selections include a smoked turkey sandwich with white barbecue sauce and smoked and crispy wings.
The Louisiana BBQ menu leans into Cajun-inspired flavors with loaded sidewinders and fresh beignets.
Representing North Carolina, guests can find pulled chicken and pulled pork sliders along with roasted jalapeño white mac and cheese.
SeaWorld has also spread additional barbecue-inspired dishes around the park. Current offerings include a Crispy Chicken BBQ Sundae Cup layered with sweet mashed potatoes, pork beans and mac and cheese, as well as a grilled beef hot dog topped with mac and cheese and brisket.
At Pub Grub, guests can find a loaded baked potato topped with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and green onions.
Save Room for Dessert
Red, White & BBQ isn’t limited to smoked meats.
Dessert selections include Cinnamon Croissant Monkey Bread, Blueberry Cobbler and Key Lime Tart, giving guests several options for something sweet between barbecue stops.
The event also features more than 150 brews, including Florida craft beer alongside other American selections. Refresh Reef Café is offering specialty mocktails and cocktails made with Sprite, with additional specialty drinks available throughout the park.
Sampling the Festival
For guests interested in trying several dishes instead of purchasing full portions, SeaWorld is offering a festival sampling lanyard.
Annual Pass Members currently have access to a discounted option providing 12 samples for the price of 10. SeaWorld is also offering Pass Members one complimentary Red, White & BBQ sample on select remaining event dates, including August 22 and 23.
That makes the final weekend a particularly good opportunity for Pass Members who haven’t sampled the event yet.
One More Weekend to Dig In
With Red, White & BBQ scheduled to conclude August 23, only one weekend remains to explore the event’s food lineup.
The festival joins SeaWorld Orlando’s broader summer offerings, including Electric Ocean, which continues into September with nighttime entertainment, animal presentations, a drone show and fireworks.
For anyone heading to SeaWorld during the final weekend, Red, White & BBQ offers an opportunity to branch out from the park’s everyday dining options — whether that means trying burnt ends and ribs, grabbing a barbecue-loaded potato or simply finishing the night with blueberry cobbler.
Behind the Splash will continue covering SeaWorld Orlando’s seasonal food offerings and special events as new menus and experiences are announced.
