If you’re looking for a chilling event to get the pulse-racing over Halloween in Florida, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay is the perfect place to be scared witless. An after-hours event with lots of scare zones, haunted houses, terrifying attractions and thrilling shows, you can easily pair it with a
fun day out in Busch Gardens to keep the fun going into the night.
Howl-O-Scream is one of the best seasonal events of the year, particularly for families with teenagers who will love the surprises around every corner, and it makes a great alternative or add-on if you’re planning to visit a few of the spooktastic events across Florida’s most famous theme parks. 
History of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Howl-O-Scream is a very popular event and has been running for more than 20 years! The event first started in Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1999 and it has come back year after year thanks to demand and an exciting lineup of attractions. Although Busch Gardens in Tampa didn’t host the event that year, they did run something called Spooky Safari, which was a Halloween event for families with older children. Although this was fun, Howl-O-Scream proved even more popular so the park teamed up with
Williamsburg to host the Howl-O-Scream we know and love today. Later, in 2013, the event was also joined by SeaWorld San Antonio, but Busch Gardens Tampa is well-known as the forerunner for putting on an incredible Halloween event each and every year.
What is Howl-O-Scream?
Howl-O-Scream is an after-hours
park event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, will run from September 6th to November 2nd this year. At Howl-O-Scream, there are a range of scary surprises including haunted houses, live shows, entertainment and more. Generally, you can expect between 5-10 haunted houses and this year, there will be 8 scare zones. The event has consistently been voted one of the best Halloween celebrations, including being voted the 2nd best Halloween theme park event by USAToday. Alongside all the special attractions, lots of Busch Gardens' most popular rides remain open so you can experience them at night, and you may even find that queue times are shorter as most people focus on the Howl-O-Scream attractions.
What to expect & what’s new for 2024
Haunted Houses
D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear - A circus-themed haunted house in an eerie big top, which is filled with gruesome creatures and jump scares, that has returned for 2024. Beware, as along the way, visitors sometimes go missing from the circus. 
Shadows of Wonderland—This is a brand new house for 2024 based on Alice in Wonderland, except here the characters are on the warpath, the Queen of Hearts is out to get you, and you might not find your way out of the rabbit hole. 
Stranglewood Estate - Another house that’s returning this year, Strangelwood is themed around a fancy socialite named Madame Gwendolyn who hosts parties at her lavish mansion, unfortunately, the dark basement is where she carries out her evil deeds. 
The Forgotten Uprising - You’ve read it a thousand times: vampires vs. vampire hunters, except this time you’re trapped with them and might have to fight your way out against bloodthirsty monsters. 
Witch of the Woods: Rise of the Coven - This haunted house has taken on a new twist for 2024, where Seraphina, the witch of the woods, is joined by her coven who uses dark magic to harness different elements. This is the longest of all the Howl-O-Scream haunted houses.
Scare Zones
Howl-O-Scream 25 - Terror Through Time - Brand new for this year, this scare zone celebrates the history of Howl-O-Scream throughout the years, with a gallery filled with horrors from the scariest moments. 
Tree Lot Massacre - Another new zone to look forward to, where the innocence of a Christmas tree farm hides the tale of a Christmas Eve massacre, and festive characters like the gingerbread man have evil intentions. 
Sawgrass Slaughter - Legend of the Skunk Ape - This new scare zone hasn’t revealed many details yet, but it will be set in the Everglades where decay fills the air and something might be lurking in the shadows. 
Little Nightmares - Trick or Treat - A new themed scare zone for 2024 based on Halloween itself, when a group of children once went missing and returned each year to play a sinister game of trick or treat. 
Ragnar’s Wrath - Norse myths and legends reign in this newly created scare zone, where you’ll enter a Viking longhouse filled with horrors. 
Ravens Mill: The Blood Harvest - Returning this year, Ravens Mill is one of the most popular and scary zones: trapped in a cornfield, you’ll have to contend with possessed scarecrows and the roar of chainsaws around each corner. 
Sin City Zombies - Everyone loves a good zombie thriller, but this one is set on the outskirts of Las Vegas, where the undead have taken over. You might even spot a few famous zombie faces like Elvis, or pose with a blood-spattered ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign. 
Beyond the Veil - Back for 2024, here you’ll enter a terrifying forest filled with fairies, orcs and other mystical creatures who are lurking in the trees and bushes.
Entertainment & Attractions
The Reckoning - This brand new show follows mortal Lark as she faces judgment day in the depths of Hell
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Cirque X-Scream - Prepare to be blown away by these circus acts, which feature daring stunts such as trampolining and aerial tricks.
Scare-E-Oke—The only interactive guest show, Scare-E-Oke offers the chance to get involved with a turn behind the microphone at a fun karaoke experience where you can belt out your favourite tunes.
Rides
Don’t forget, at Howl-O-Scream, many of Busch Gardens’ rides remain open for you to enjoy. This year, these are:
Tigris
Cobra’s Curse
Cheetah Hunt
SheiKra
Montu
Kumba
Scorpion
Iron Gwazi
Serengeti Flyer
Phoenix Rising (NEW)
Ticket Upgrades
One of the best ways to make the most out of Howl-O-Scream is through their upgrades, which give you different perks like behind-the-scenes access or skip-the-line privileges. Bear in mind these are in addition to the standard ticket price.
Ultimate VIP Tour - This upgrade gives you exclusive access to Howl-O-Scream with a VIP tour guide, including front-of-the-line access to haunted houses and rides, a private VIP lounge with snacks and drinks, dinner at the Dragonfire Grill with access to the new show, The Reckoning, plus reserved seating at other Howl-O-Scream shows. 
Front Line Fear - This is a highly recommended upgrade that gives you single-use, front-of-the-line access to five haunted houses at Howl-O-Scream.
Front Line Fear Extreme - For next-level access, this upgrade provides front-of-the-line access to five haunted houses PLUS nine major rides of your choice, including new ride Phoenix Rising, meaning you can tailor the experience exactly how you choose with no wait times.
FAQs
How can I get tickets for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?
You can purchase tickets to Howl-O-Scream directly online via the website, which is also where you can purchase ticket upgrades. 
Can kids visit Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?
There is no rule to say children aren’t allowed at Howl-O-Scream, however the event is targeted at adults and older children. Howl-O-Scream can be a very scary event, with gruesome scenes, jump scares and more, and they advise no one under the age of 13 attend. However, Busch Gardens hosts a Halloween Harvest event during the daytime on select weekends which is part of the standard park ticket, which allows costumes and is perfect for younger guests. 
When does Howl-O-Scream take place?
Howl-O-Scream takes place from September 6th to November 2nd, but only on select days, which are generally some Thursdays and Sundays, plus regular Friday and Saturday nights. 
Does a daytime ticket to Busch Gardens include Howl-O-Scream?
No, standard tickets for Busch Gardens don’t include access to Howl-O-Scream, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for the event online. 
Are costumes allowed at Howl-O-Scream?
Unfortunately, costumes aren’t allowed to be worn at Howl-O-Scream. This could be so that guests aren’t mixed up with the many actors in impressive costumes, plus, you’ll want to consider wearing something light and comfortable - you might find yourself running away frequently!
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