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Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns giving victims something to scream about with all-new scares and screams to the extreme, on select dates from September 8 through October 31. Your fate awaits with five newly-reimagined haunted houses, leaving no tale of terror left unturned. There’s no escaping the frights with five terror-tories™ and four sinister shows throughout the park. Beyond the haunts, fuel your fear with six BOOze bars and take horror to new heights on world-class coasters, including the all-new DarKoaster™. There’s nowhere to hide at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, Virginia’s premier Halloween event.


Parental discretion is advised after 6:00 PM, as this year’s event contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children.


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

Event Type Halloween Festival
Dates September 8 to October 31
Event hours 6 PM to park close
Event Price Included with Park Admission
Friends enjoying Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream.
Sinister shows like Monster Stomp return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Howl-O-Scream.
Two people running from one of five Terror-Tories at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream.
Sinister shows like Jack-is-Back return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Howl-O-Scream.
Sweet treats at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream

Friends enjoying Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream.
Sinister shows like Monster Stomp return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Howl-O-Scream.
Two people running from one of five Terror-Tories at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream.
Sinister shows like Jack-is-Back return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Howl-O-Scream.
Sweet treats at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream

2024 Fun Card

Buy A 2024 Fun Card, Get Now through Howl-O-Scream FREE! Plus, eight months of unlimited visits January 8 - September 2, 2024. Hurry before prices go up!

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Event details

5 Haunted Houses

There's no turning back as you brave dark passageways and round dimly lit corners inside five ALL-NEW and reimagined haunted houses filled with the most sinister of surprises

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5 Terror-Tories™

The scares are everywhere as terror lurks across five scare zones around the park, including one ALL-NEW ghastly experience.

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4 Sinister Shows

Don't miss our spirited productions that are said to be "worth dying for".

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Coasters at Night

See Busch Gardens’ iconic coaster loops and drops in a whole new light after dark and take a ride on nine record-breaking coasters including the all-new DarKoaster™, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster.

See rides

BOOze Bars & Bites

Stop by one of the six themed BOOze bars located throughout the park for liquid courage and a sinister snack to tackle your greatest fears.

 NEW! OktoberTaps – Oktoberfest

 • Stone-Cold Spirits –Italy Gardens

 • Pete’s Provisions – New France

 • Jack’s Nightcap – Ireland

 • Frost Bar – Oktoberfest

 • BarKastle Spirits – Oktoberfest

More experiences
Group getting scared
Event Included with Membership
Get admission to all seasonal events with a Busch Gardens Membership. Plus, enjoy exclusive benefits like free guest tickets, free parking and more. Starting at only $13.75 per month.
Two enjoying a drink during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Howl-O-Scream Upgrades
Calling all goblins & ghouls! Go behind the screams with a one-of-a-kind tour and see what goes into the scares, enhance your Howl-O-Scream experience in a frightfully delightful way with priority Haunted House access, treat yourself to reserved show seating and more!

Howl-O-Scream Ale

A limited-release collaboration with The Virginia Beer Company.


In need of a little liquid courage to face the fears of Howl-O-Scream? Exclusively crafted for this year's event, this special release in collaboration with The Virginia Beer Company is the perfect potion for tackling the terrors at the fear-good event of the year. Beer lovers (21+) can savor this refreshing brew either on draft or in collectible commemorative cans all event long.

Scream Ale exclusively crafted for this year's Howl-O-Scream event, this special release in collaboration with The Virginia Beer Company is the perfect potion for tackling the terror at the fear-good event of the year.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg FAQs

What is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

Howl-O-Scream is our annual top-rated Halloween nightly event, held at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This adult-targeted event transforms Busch Gardens into a late-night party with 5 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, live shows, and more. This event is included with park admission to Busch Gardens.

When is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will be open select dates from September 8 – October 31. Howl-O-Scream starts each evening at 6:00 pm. Be aware that when Howl-O-Scream starts, the park becomes a seriously scary place and may not be suitable for young children. Please use discretion when bringing children into the park at this time.

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

No, costumes are not permitted at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream.

Are there roller coasters during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Yes! Enjoy a lineup of nine record-breaking, world-class rollercoasters including the all-new DarKoaster™, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. 

Do I need to make a reservation before going to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

No, reservations are not required. Howl-O-Scream is included with all applicable forms of admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 

Is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg suitable for children?

Howl-O-Scream is designed to be a thrilling and intense experience, and some areas might be too scary for young children. During the day, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers family-friendly activities, but as evening approaches, the park takes on a darker, more mature theme. Parents are advised to use their discretion and be aware of the event's nature before bringing young children.

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

Yes, Howl-O-Scream is included with all applicable forms of park admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

What can I expect at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream?

Your fate awaits with five newly-reimagined haunted houses, leaving no tale of terror left unturned. There’s no escaping the frights with five terror-tories™ and four sinister shows throughout the park. Beyond the haunts, fuel your fear with six BOOze bars and take horror to new heights on world-class coasters, including the all-new DarKoaster™.

What dining options are available during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

You have many food choices throughout the park. The best dining option is the All-Day-Dining Deal, where you can eat and drink every 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) for one low price! Learn more here.

Are kids allowed?

This year’s event contains amplified scares not recommended for children. While everyone is welcome to participate, parental discretion is advised.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg also offers silly, not-too-spooky family fun during this time of year at Halloween Spooktacular. 

Can I experience all of Howl-O-Scream in one night?

If you only have one night to experience all of Howl-O-Scream, you may want to consider one of our Quick Queue options, which gives you priority access to haunted houses and select rides on the date selected. Learn more here.

How late is the park open?

For park hours during Howl-O-Scream, please see our operating hours calendar.

Please note, re-entry to Howl-O-Scream is not permitted after 8 p.m.


  • Experiences, locations, dates and times are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.
    Must be 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Proof of age with valid ID required.
    Event is included with park admission. Due to frightening elements, families with young children should use discretion when visiting the park after 6:00 pm.

No Bag Policy

Effective September 8, no bags will be permitted after 4pm. Wristlets and fanny packs measuring less than 8”x5” are permitted and subject to security inspection. Please review our FAQs to learn more about our updated bag policy and more details around medical needs and other personal care items. 

No Park Re-Entry After 8 PM

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