Howl-O-Scream

Named Top Two Best Theme Park Halloween Event by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

New Haunted House!D.H. Baggum's
Circus of Fear

Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen. D.H. Baggum brings you all his monstrosities.

ALL-NEW! Scare Zones this year at Howl-O-Scream in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

New Scare Zone!Sin City
Zombies

On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a small town that is home to some of the best entertainers to ever live, and is overrun by zombies who run rampant.

Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Unspeakable horror lives in every dark corner, including on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides. Howl-O-Scream is bringing fear to the next level and once you’re in there’s nothing to fear but everything.

BE AMONG THE FIRST TO SCREAM. Sign up for Howl-O-Scream emails now and get access to exciting updates, promotions, exclusive offers, and more. Sign Up Now »

Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Howl-O-Scream is a separately-ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed.

*Event dates and details subject to change and/or cancellation without prior notice.

This event has ended.

This event has ended for 2023. Be sure to check out our upcoming events!

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Event Type Halloween Festival

Dates September 8 to October 31

Event hours 7 PM to park close

Event Price Separately ticketed event

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream Calendar.

Howl-O-Scream on Halloween!

Halloween Hunt: Unearth hidden Halloween treasures! 200 glow-in-the-dark “orbs” will be hidden throughout the park on Monday & Tuesday evening in areas accessible to guests. Once found, head over to Guest Relations to celebrate your find and claim a special prize!

*One orb redemption per party.

Devilish Discounts: Enjoy 30% off all Howl-O-Scream merchandise.

Merchandise on sale during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay/

Haunted Houses

Dark minds have been brewing new ways to terrify those brave enough to enter our sinister haunted houses with new unsuspecting scares. Check back soon to see what will be unleashed at Howl-O-Scream 2023.

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Scare Zones & Unpredictable Hordes

The scares are everywhere as new terrors lurk in every corner of the park. Experience screams & frights at any moment as you make your way through several scare zones. Plus, with roaming hordes, horror awaits at every twist and turn.

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Sinister Shows

Don't miss our spirited productions that are said to be "worth dying for". Rising from the grave, this year’s Howl-O-Scream sees the return of the high-energy and pulse-pounding live musical performances by The Rolling Bones at Dragon Fire Grill. Catch the death-defying acts and stunts from Cirque X-Scream at the Stanleyville Theater, and all-new this year, guests can take their turn behind the mic at the “Scare-E-Oke” experience at Gwazi Plaza.

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Bars & Bites

Enjoy one of our many themed bars throughout the park for liquid courage and a sinister snack to tackle your greatest fears. At the Coke Canopy, dance the night away until the clock strikes twelve in the all-new Raveyard featuring an electrifying atmosphere with music and specialty cocktails.

• NEW! Raveyard – Coke Canopy

• Christmas Bar – Pantopia

• Blood Bar – Stanleyville

• Stranglewood Bar – Moroccan Palace

Drinks available at the all-new Blood Bar

Pulse-Pounding Attractions

With exhilarating coasters and thrilling attractions, guests can take on their favorite rides in the dark in between the frights and scares of Howl-O-Scream. Bring your fears to new heights on Iron Gwazi & SheiKra, then let the adrenaline rush as you launch into the shadows of Cheetah Hunt & Tigris.

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Howl-O-Scream in Tampa Bay FAQs

What is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Howl-O-Scream combines chilling haunted houses, eerie scare zones, and sinister shows, extending fear even to our thrilling rides. Be ready for the scare of your life with dozens of monsters prowling the park. An unforgettable experience of heightened horror awaits you - once inside, prepare to fear everything!

Are there any haunted houses in Tampa Bay?

Yes, during the Howl-O-Scream event, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features multiple haunted houses, each with its unique theme and storyline. These attractions are designed to immerse guests in terrifying tales and spine-chilling encounters.

What is the best Halloween theme park in Tampa Bay?

The best Halloween theme park in Tampa Bay is Busch Gardens during the Howl-O-Scream event. The Howl-O-Scream event offers an unmatched blend of thrill rides, haunted houses, and eerie entertainment. Howl-O-Scream is available on select nights from September – October and starts each evening at 6:00 pm.

Are there any Howl-O-Scream Vacation Packages for Busch Gardens Tampa?

Yes, we offer a Howl-O-Scream vacation package that includes a ticket to Howl-O-Scream plus hotel accommodations.

How intense are the haunted houses at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

The haunted houses at Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream are designed to be quite intense and may not be suitable for younger children. The haunted houses feature a combination of live actors, special effects, and detailed set designs to create a genuinely haunting experience.

Is Howl-O-Scream included with admission to Busch Gardens?

No, Howl-O-Scream is not included with regular admission to Busch Gardens. To purchase Howl-O-Scream tickets, visit the website.

Are costumes allowed at Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream?

For the safety of our guests, no outside costumes are allowed at Howl-O-Scream.

What are the best haunted houses in Tampa Bay?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-O-Scream event is consistently ranked among the best in the Tampa area. The park offers a variety of haunted houses, each with its unique theme, ensuring a diverse and thrilling experience for guests. The quality of production, storytelling, and scare factor make them stand out in the region.

What are the top rides at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream in Tampa Bay?

Cobra’s Curse is one of the top rides at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. Cobra’s Curse is a one-of-a-kind spin coaster with a 70-foot vertical lift that takes riders on up to an 80-foot snake icon who wants you off his land.

When is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay?

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a limited-time event and separately ticketed event that runs on select nights from September 8 to October 31, 2023.