As the sun sets, Busch Gardens transforms into a playground of terror as the ghouls and ghosts of Howl-O-Scream come alive. It’s a fright fest that runs select nights from September 5 through November 2, 2025.

Known for intense scares, elaborate haunted houses and bone-chilling scare zones, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has become a must-do for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts.

• Wander down darkened pathways hiding bloodthirsty creatures, deranged clowns and drooling zombies all waiting to pounce in scare zones.
• Navigate your way through haunted houses knowing something horrifying awaits your every turn.
• Try Florida’s fastest and most thrilling rides in the dark.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of haunted attractions or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you navigate the terrifying world of Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream.

There’s 300 acres of fearful frightening haunts to torment you. But if you don’t want too much of a fright, you can purchase a No Boo Necklace that will let the monsters in the scare zones know you don’t want to be scared. They won’t work in haunted houses.

WE’LL UPDATE 2025 WHEN AVAILABLE

Event starts at 7pm, with early access from 5pm.

WE’LL UPDATE 2025 WHEN AVAILABLE

The heart of Howl-O-Scream lies in its collection of haunted houses. Busch Gardens introduces new themes alongside returning fan-favorites. These haunted houses are meticulously designed, with stunning attention to detail and terrifying live actors who are experts at delivering jump scares.

Face Your Fears at the 2024 Haunted Houses:

Shadows of Wonderland – New House

This isn’t the kind of wonderland you dream of. The Queen of Hearts’ has reigned terror over this dreamscape for years and the once playful creatures are now anger fueled.

D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear

Step right up and check out spine tingling horrors of this bone-chilling circus, full to the brim with creatures beyond imagination.

Stranglewood Estate

The once-opulent Stranglewood Estate lies in ruins, but its cursed inhabitants are very much alive. In this haunted house, you’ll explore the decaying mansion and encounter the tormented spirits trapped within. Can you escape their grasp, or will you become another lost soul?

The Forgotten Uprising

Venture into the underground lair of a vampire clan that has been hiding in the shadows for centuries. In “The Forgotten,” you’ll encounter bloodthirsty vampires lurking in the darkness, waiting to feast on unsuspecting intruders. Will you make it out alive, or will you become part of their eternal collection?

Witch of The Woods – Reimagined

Legend has it that deep within the woods, a powerful witch casts a spell over all who dare to enter her domain. Take a journey through cursed forests and ancient rituals, where Seraphina has joined forces with her coven – Brand, the Fire Bringer, and Kael, the Storm Caller. Beware of the witch’s wrath as you venture deeper into her territory.

Roaming ghoulish hordes are prowling Howl-O-Scream 2024 looking for fresh flesh. From their screeching welcome at the front gates to the eerie traps in the depths of the park, these scare squads are merciless. Each scare zone has its own unique theme and there’s no place to hide from the horrors that lurk around every corner.

New 2024 Scare Zones:

• Howl-O-Scream 25: Terror Through Time – 25 years of Howl-O-Scream terrors brought to life
• Tree Lot Massacre – Christmas Tree Farm has a disgruntled farmhand out for revenge
• Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape – Enter the depths of the Everglades if you dare
• Little Nightmares: Trick or Treat – These children may have vanished, but they’ll reappear to bring you terrors
• Ragnar’s Wrath – There are horrors waiting in this charred Viking longhouse

Returning Scare Zones:

• Sin City Zombies – Zombies run rampant at this hotel on the outskirts of Vegas
• Raven’s Mill: The Blood Harvest – Enter the cornfield for hidden horrors
• Beyond the Veil – Watch out for fairies and orcs along the pathways of this sinister forest

If you need a break from the horrors of Howl-O-Scream, there are two live shows that blend horror and entertainment. Have a sit down, relax and enjoy some live performances. There’s also a karaoke experience for those who want to join in.

Cirque X-Scream

Aerial performances and exciting acts take to the stage in this stunt filled show at Stanleyville Theatre.

The Reckoning

Join mortal Lark as she faces her ultimate judgement day in the fiery depths of Hell at Dragon Fire Grill.

Scare-E-Oke

Karaoke with a spooky twist located at Gwazi Plaza.

There are several options for tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2024:

• Any Date Ticket: Visting one time on any date for $51.99. Visit any date excluding Saturdays for $44.99 – Access from 5pm
• Single Night Ticket: from $34.99  to $64.99 with access to Busch Gardens from 5pm.
• Unlimited Tickets: Visit as many times as you like on select nights from September 6th to November 2nd 2024. Blockout dates are 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26. Visit any day costs $109.99. Visit Thursday, Friday or Sunday for $99.99.
• Night & Day Ticket: Spend the whole day at Busch Gardens and stay for Howl-O-Scream. From $127.99 to $137.98.
• Two Park Combo Ticket: One visit each to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando $94.99
• Two Park Unlimited Combo Ticket: Visit Howl-O-Scream at both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa as many times as you like from September 6th to November 2nd 2024 for $159

Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Fun Card Holders. See full details on Busch Gardens website.

Want to speed up your terrors and screams or take a guided tour? Busch Gardens offer plenty of ways to make your night a whole lot easier to manage.

None of the upgrades include event entry, these are all upgrades to event tickets.

• Front Line Fear: Ranges from $69 to $99 per person. Includes a one time front-of-line access to 5 haunted houses.
• Front Line Fear Extreme: Ranges $89 to $129 per person for one time access to 5 haunted houses and 10 major thrill rides. Rides include Phoenix Rising, Serengeti Flyer, Iron Gwazi, Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Kumba, Montu, Falcon’s Fury and Cobra’s Curse.

Howl-O-Scream Tours

Ultimate VIP Tour

You get it all in the Ultimate VIP Tour:

• Admission to Howl-O-Scream
• A personalized tour with a private guide
• Unlimited front of line access to haunted houses
• Unlimited front of line access to major thrill rides
• Complimentary dinner at Dragon Fire Grill with reserved seating for The Reckoning show
• Reserved seating at live shows
• Private VIP Lounge with complimentary beverages and snacks
• Priority access to themed bars throughout the park
• Complimentary preferred parking

Cost ranges from $299.99 to $449.99 per person, depending on date. Discount for pass members.
Minimum 2 people.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, meaning it’s not included with regular park admission. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your fright night:

1. Purchase Howl-O-Scream Tickets in Advance

Howl-O-Scream is a popular event, and tickets may sell out on peak nights. Save money and guarantee your entry by purchasing tickets online in advance.

2. Consider a Multi-Night Pass

If you can’t get enough of the scares, consider purchasing a multi-night pass. These give you a discounted rate and allow you to visit on multiple nights.

3. Arrive Early

Howl-O-Scream officially starts at 7:00pm, but your ticket gives you access from 5pm. Arriving early gives you time to check out the Howl-O-Scream map, plan your night and hit your first haunted house as soon as the event begins.

4. Dress Comfortably

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It’s also worth dressing in layers. It can be hot and humid in September, but the weather can cool down in the evening, especially in October. And it’s still rainy season, so pack a poncho just in case.

5. Use the Park Map

Grab a Howl-O-Scream event map at the entrance or download it onto your phone to help navigate the park. Knowing where the haunted houses, scare zones, and food locations are will save you time and help you maximize your night.

Is Howl-O-Scream suitable for children?
Not really. There’s nothing to stop children attending, but the adult content, violence, gore and blood is not intended for children.

Does a regular ticket cover entry for Howl-O-Scream?
No, Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, so to stay in the park after 7pm, you need an event ticket.

What are event times?
The actual event starts at 7.00pm but your ticket gives you access to Busch Gardens from 5pm.

Is parking included?
No, unless you have an annual pass, parking is not included. General parking is $32.

Are Costumes allowed?
No, costumes are not permitted. Only cast members are in costume.

Will the whole park be open?
Yes, and the most popular attractions will also be open, including Phoenix Rising, Serengeti Flyer, Iron Gwazi, Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Kumba, Montu, Falcon’s Fury, and Cobra’s Curse.

The scares don’t stop at haunted houses and scare zones. All of Busch Gardens Tampa’s iconic rides are open for the event, offering an added layer of terror. Imagine soaring through the darkness on a roller coaster, with nothing but the eerie glow of Halloween lights to guide you.

These attractions are all be open for thrills in the dark:

• Phoenix Rising
• Serengeti Flyer
• Iron Gwazi
• Tigris
• Cheetah Hunt
• SheiKra
• Kumba
• Montu
• Falcon’s Fury
• Cobra’s Curse

No Halloween event is complete without some spooky snacks and drinks and Howl-O-Scream doesn’t disappoint. Busch Gardens Tampa offers a variety of Halloween-themed food and drink options to keep you fueled throughout the night.

Frightening Food

From gory-themed burgers to creepy confections, there’s no shortage of frightening food to try. Keep an eye out for seasonal specialties like Blood Orange Sangria and Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes.

Spirited Beverages

For those 21 and over, Howl-O-Scream offers a variety of themed alcoholic beverages, including vampire-themed cocktails and zombie-inspired brews. Don’t miss out on the signature cocktails served in collectible cups that make for great souvenirs.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa is a fan favorite Halloween experience that offers something for everyone who loves a good scare. Whether you’re braving haunted houses, dodging ghouls in scare zones, or enjoying a live show, Howl-O-Scream promises an adrenaline-pumping night full of fun and frights.

With a unique blend of horror, entertainment and thrill rides, Busch Gardens Tampa is a must-visit during Halloween season.

So, gather your bravest buddies and get ready for a night of spine-tingling terror. Just remember, there’s no place to hide, and scares are lurking around every corner!

We hope you have a frightfully fearful night! 🎃👻

If you are visiting Howl-O-Scream or Orlando Halloween events, we’d love to welcome you to one of our Orlando vacation homes just an hour from Tampa.