Top 5 Things for Adults to Do at Busch Gardens in the Fall

Do you prefer the sunshine over shadows? Are you wary of what lurks behind the corners on Halloween night? Here are five things to do at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that lets you enjoy the fall season without needing to experience the scares of Howl-O-Scream.

If you plan on sticking it out through the night, take a look at our Scaredy Cat’s Guide for insider tips on how to survive this Halloween.

5. Take in the Beauty of Fall

A walk through the world's most beautiful theme park is the best way to welcome the fall season. When the leaves start changing from lush green to the beautiful colors of maroon, orange, yellow and red near the end of October, Virginia and Busch Gardens become even more breathtaking.

The fall décor is also top-notch. Check out the pumpkins, take a load off on a hay bale or snap a selfie with a scarecrow during your stroll around the park.

Don’t forget to see our animal friends, too! Our Clydesdale horses and gray wolves would love to see you. You may even catch a look at our newest addition, a Scottish Highland Cattle calf named Poppy.

4. Catch a Halloween Show

See a little song, do a little dance and grab a seat for three special Halloween-themed shows during Howl-O-Scream, performed during the day and at night.

Get lost in a modern rock and rhythm, Stomp-inspired performance featuring Jack the Ripper in Monster Stomp on Ripper Row. Or, pull up a tombstone at Night Beats: Revamped located inside Das Festhaus in Oktoberfest. If you’re feeling a little blue, you can be sure to find the doctor, his nurses and a group of misunderstood Fiends at Abbey Stone Theater in Ireland.

You can always reserve a seat* to your favorite show to make sure you don’t miss out on other fun in the park.

3. Grab a Beer and Chill

While you’re in the Das Festhaus dining hall to see Night Beats: Revamped, stop by Brauhaus Craft Bier Room, where good times are always on tap. Taste the latest pumpkin ales from local craft breweries or find a favorite among the daily rotating selection of thirty hand-crafted beers from around the world. Then, pair it with a pretzel and cheese plate if you feel so inclined.

2. Drop in for Thrill Rides and More

Our beloved rides and roller coasters are still open during Howl-O-Scream. All eight world-class roller coasters, including our multi-launch coaster, Verbolten and other thrill attractions operate during the fall months with the exception of our water rides.

Take a ride on Apollo’s Chariot and see the beauty of the fall colors just beyond its airtime hills; you won’t be sorry. Or, feel the wind rushing through your hair as you fall over 200 feet on everyone's favorite floorless dive coaster, Griffon. If saving the day (or world) is more your thing, head over in Ireland and help Addie in a one-of-a-kind virtual reality ride, Battle for Eire.

1. Outsmart the king of Halloween

Think you can outwit the scare squad? No Escape* is a Halloween escape room experience that will challenge you to think strategically to solve the case and escape the scare. Choose between Jack’s Nightmare (NEW for 2018) or the Case of the Haunted Hotel (with new tricks and riddles to solve). Times are available during the day and at night.

* These experiences are an additional fee and are not included with admission. Must be 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Proof of age with valid ID is required.