WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — It's been five long months for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The theme park simply never opened this season, with opening day, March 14, coinciding with the advent of coronavirus quarantines.
After Virginia moved into Phase 3, Busch Gardens collaborated with the Governor through this process and a thousand-person allowance was given for entertainment events.
This has all led to a multi-day special event, Coasters and Craft Brews, to reintroduce the public to the park. A few main rollercoasters will be open, as will select villages and food and drink spots.
The event was originally scheduled to run August 6 to 16, with Thursdays being open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday being open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Busch Gardens said the event has proven so popular, they will add more dates through August 23. Tickets for the new dates will go on sale Saturday morning.
Masks are required unless actively eating or drinking and social distancing markers have been placed throughout the venue, but according to Busch Gardens Williamsburg President Kevin Lembke, it's as much up to the patrons to maintain a safe environment as it is the staff.
"We need a collaboration. Just like any business, as someone enters you expect a certain behavior from guests, and we're no different. So I think most people, if not all, are gonna approach it the right way," Lembke said.