In the ever-evolving landscape of theme parks, live entertainment stands as a shining beacon, captivating visitors with its awe-inspiring performances and immersive experiences. From heart-pounding acrobatics to dazzling musical productions with special effects, the current live entertainment offerings at these theme parks are a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity that we have come to see from some of the best theme parks across the country.
Here are 15 of the best live entertainment offerings you can enjoy this summer at theme parks across the United States.
1. Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic! is one of the most beloved long-running spectacles at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. With some of the most well-known Disney animated films, stunning projections on water, and pyrotechnics, this show allows the audience to witness the battle between the forces of good and evil playing out in Mickey’s imagination. Unfortunately, due to technical issues, Disneyland’s iteration of Fantasmic! is currently on hiatus.
2. Frontier Follies 50th Celebration at Silver Dollar City
This show is celebrating 50 years of vaudevillian laughs this year. Join saloon gals and guys for an unpredictably wild show that allows for audience participation!
3. Harmonies of the Heart at Dollywood
This live show features talented performers who lead the audience on a journey through stories of icon, Dolly Parton. The audience is sure to laugh and sing along to some of Dolly’s most well-known hits. The show even includes performances by Dolly’s niece and cousin!
4. Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom
Happily Ever After is BACK. After its absence from Magic Kingdom during the 50th-anniversary celebration, fans have rejoiced at its return this year. This nighttime spectacular is one of the most beloved and features both fireworks and projections on the castle as well as down Main Street USA. Guests can sing along to an impeccable soundtrack featuring the song Happily Ever After. It is a fantastic show featuring all of our favorite Disney animated characters.
5. Turn It Up at Busch Gardens Tampa
This award-winning ice-skating show features talented skaters, projections, and even some acrobatics. It is one you do not want to miss on your next visit, especially if you are looking to escape that Florida heat.
6. Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Festival of the Lion King is touted as one of the best, if not THE best, live shows at Walt Disney World. This incredible performance brings together dancers, stunt performers, singers, and puppeteers to explore the story of The Lion King in a way you have never seen before. The music is iconic and the costumes are stunning. It is a must-see on your next visit, or every visit for that matter.
7. Come See About Me at Cedar Point
Come See About Me is a show that explores Motown music of the past and present. This show was even nominated by Amusement Today for a Golden Ticket. You can catch this show running until August 13th!
8. Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show at Legoland Florida
Truly one of a kind, this stunt show features talented skiers who perform stunts on skis, wakeboards, and even a flyboard. The show also includes barefoot skiers and a ski pyramid. Join the pirates for this swashbuckling adventure with speed and lots of jumps!
9. World of Color at Disney’s California Adventure
This nighttime spectacular show celebrates Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar with some of the most beloved characters and songs that all began with Walt’s dream. It is a celebration of all that the Disney company has come to include in the last 100 years. Featuring lots of colors, lasers, projections, and pyrotechnics, World of Color is a must-see.
10. 50 Nights of Fire at Carowinds and Worlds of Fun
Both Carowinds and Worlds of Fun are celebrating their 50th birthdays this year. As part of their 50th-anniversary celebrations, both parks will be featuring 50 Nights of Fire. These nighttime spectacular shows will include drones, fireworks, and an amazing soundtrack that will take guests back through the last 50 years of fun these two parks have offered. The show runs until August 6th at Carowinds and until August 12th at Worlds of Fun.
11. Ghost Town Alive at Knott’s Berry Farm
This entertaining experience includes bandits, cowboys, and robbers in a wild west hoedown. When guests visit the town of Calico they become part of the story. It is a unique and fun experience for kids and adults alike.
12. Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Delve into the world of Irish Step Dancing with this outstanding show that features storytelling through dance. With lots of energy and fantastic music, it is no wonder Celtic Fyre is the park’s most popular show.
13. Holidays In The Sky at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
This nighttime show includes fireworks and over 400 drones! The show is a 15-minute colorful spectacle that celebrates holidays throughout the year including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The show runs through July 30th.
14. Triwizard Spirit Rally and Frog Choir at Universal Studios Hollywood and Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter fans will not want to miss this fun celebration of the schools participating in the Triwizard Tournament. The Triwizard Spirit Rally includes beautiful dancing from the ladies of Beaxbatrons and martial arts from the men of Durmstrang. However, guests looking for something more unique should catch a performance from the Frog Choir. This performance features singers from Hogwarts accompanied by none other than giant croaking frogs. It is a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
15. Hoop de Doo Musical Revue at Walt Disney World‘s Fort Wilderness Resort
Hoop de Doo Musical Revue is a long-running dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. It is worth the trek to Fort Wilderness Resort to see this quirky, fun comedy with lots of singing and dancing. While enjoying the show, guests are met with an all-you-care-to-eat meal with lots of Southern comfort food which even includes unlimited beer and wine!
Which entertainment offering is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
