Get ready to SCREAM and SHOUT! Howl-O-Scream is back at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and will be thrilling you all spooky SZN long from September 11 through October 31, 2026 with returning favorites and NEW horrors!
This year, we attended on opening night and put together this spooky date night guide for you which includes all the latest info on this year's lineup of Busch Gardens Halloween fun. Plus, tips you need to know, including upgrade options, merchandise, and creepy cocktails to order while you're there!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Keep reading for all the horrifying details for this year's event.
SCREAM for this ticket deal!
Enjoy a Howl-O-Scream ticket deal for the Howl-O-Scream flash sale and get visit-any-night tickets for $38.99.
Be sure to check their website often as these deals will change!
About Howl-O-Scream 2026
If you didn’t already know, Howl-O-Scream is a frightfully fun event put on by Busch Gardens every single year when Halloween rolls around. This year, Howl-O-Scream starts on September 11 and runs on select nights through October 31.
While you’re there be sure to visit all of the terrifying houses, spooky scare zones, and all of your favorite sweat-inducing rides.
Howl-O-Scream 2026 is sure to be full of delightful frights, including haunted houses, scare zones, rides, entertainment, and a guest interactive experience!
Cirque X-Scream RETURNS!
Cirque X-Scream is back this year and is ready to put you on the edge of your seat with some serious stunts and crazy acts!
2026 Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
There will be five haunted houses this year, with a few returning favorites and some new thrills.
- Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape (ALL-NEW)
- Stranglewood Estate: RePossessed (NEW STORYLINE)
- Shadows of Wonderland: Reign of Madness (NEW STORYLINE)
- Circus of Fear: Killer Encore (NEW STORYLINE)
- Raven's Mill: Lambs to The Slaughter (RETURNING)
- M.A.R.S. — Mars Alien Research Station (RETURNING)
Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape (ALL NEW)
A film crew traveled deep into the jungle to bring a remake of Anaconda to life, but something interrupted production before filming could be completed. The set now sits abandoned, with equipment left where they fell as the jungle slowly reclaims them.
Beyond the cameras and staging, the trail ahead is marked by signs that the crew's troubles extended far beyond the production itself. As you move deeper into the Amazon rainforest in search of the missing crew, the line between movie set and reality begins to disappear.
Stranglewood Estate: RePossessed (NEW STORYLINE)
Once the site of lavish parties, Stranglewood Estate has stood abandoned since the mysterious deaths of Madame Stranglewood and the servants who disappeared within its walls. A reckless séance awakened the tortured spirits trapped inside, opening a doorway for an unspeakable evil. Now Madame Stranglewood and her violent ghosts haunt the mansion, and the door they opened will never close.
Shadows of Wonderland: rein of madness (NEW Storyline)
Wonderland gathered when Alice dragged the Queen through the courtyard in chains. The former ruler was forced to her knees as the residents pressed in from every side. Alice announced the coming execution and locked the Queen away in a cell built from broken stone and card guards who never blink.
From that moment, Wonderland shifted. Paths narrowed. Doors slammed. The guards dragged residents away without warning. Screams drifted through the gardens while Alice inspected the realm with cold focus.
Circus of Fear: Killer Encore (NEW STORYLINE)
Welcome, welcome, one and all… to the Circus of Fear! Step right up we’ve got a killer show for you tonight! Freaks! Frights! Wonders and nightmares wait just beyond those gates! Something feels different tonight, doesn’t it?
The laughs are bigger… the barkers a little meaner…and these performers? Oh… they’re just dying to entertain you. Our dear Mr. Baggum? Nowhere to be found. And without him holding the reins, this circus has let loose. So stay close, dear guests, don’t wander off. Because here at the Circus of Fear we always save the real performance for last. Encore!
Raven's Mill: Lambs to the slaughter (Returning)
Everyone knew what happened in Raven’s Mill last year. The blood. The violence. The bodies dragged through the fields. Now the land has gone dry, but the mill still runs. Lanterns stay lit until morning. Chainsaws roar through the night as the butchers cut through whatever they can pull inside. The fields around the mill are stripped bare, filled with bones and scraps left behind from those before. Anyone who approaches hears the same greeting shouted from inside the doorway when a new victim steps in. One word. “MEAT.”
M.A.R.S. — Mars Alien Research Station (RETURNING)
The Elysium and its crew were dying. There was no chance for their survival. The only way to prevent any future expeditions from suffering the same fate is to destroy the ship and everything and everyone inside. You are part of the search-and-destroy mission sent to carry out the order. Kill all life forms left aboard the Elysium. Get to the center of the ship, blow the core and get out before you become another casualty aboard this crew of the damned.
2026 Scare Zones
Only a few scare zones have been announced at this time, but we will continue to update this blog once additional zones are announced!
- The Punchline Riot (NEW)
- MR. GLEAM'S AUTO SPA (NEW)
- Breadcrumbs to Nowhere: Once Upon A Time (NEW STORYLINE)
- The Pestilence: Lazarus Strain (NEW STORYLINE)
- Ragnar's Wrath: Call of Odin (NEW STORYLINE)
- Dark Side of the Gardens
The Punchline Riot (NEW)
The hottest comedy club in town just turned deadly. The drinks are cold, the jokes are terrible, and the clowns have completely lost it. Every bad punchline sends them into another fit of madness, turning the stage into a full-blown riot.
Keep laughing if you want, but around here the last laugh is always on you.
MR. GLEAM'S AUTO SPA (NEW)
Mr. Gleam's Auto Spa was once the talk of the town, but that was before the economy fell. Desperate to keep his doors open, Mr. Gleam accepted the offer of a mysterious salesman who sold him a new cleaning solution that was cheaper and better than any other alternative. Little was known about this chemical, but Mr. Gleam had no other option. He would soon learn the price of keeping his doors open.
Breadcrumbs to Nowhere: Once Upon A Time (NEW STORYLINE)
Once upon a time just got a whole lot darker…
The fairy tale creatures of Havenwood lived in harmony. Hansel and Gretel skipped stones, the three little pigs built their homes, and red-hooded girls wandered freely beneath the trees. However, one dark day, a sinister witch cast a spell of ancient malice across every inch of the peaceful land. Soon, kind eyes hardened. Gentle voices sharpened. Friends became enemies. The creatures of Havenwood were soon consumed by a rage so powerful they couldn’t fight it.
THE PESTILENCE: LAZARUS STRAIN (NEW STORYLINE)
Streets were sealed. Doors were locked. Families hoped the sickness wouldn’t creep into their homes. But desperation soon turned into something worse. Mob Doctors decided who lived, who was taken, and who was never seen again. But even the doctors couldn’t escape the sickness, and soon even the dead began to stir. A mutation of the infection has taken hold, and it doesn’t just kill the host. It uses them.
The sickness hasn’t come back. It has evolved, and these contaminated bodies are back to spread the pestilence.
Ragnar's Wrath: call of odin (NEW STORYLINE)
In a final act of desperation to save their people from extinction, the people pled to the Gods for help. When it seemed as if all hope was lost, the skies roared as the Gods cried out and covered the land in a heavy rain. Their sacrifice had been accepted by Odin himself, but now it was time to administer retribution.
The people of Niflheim will soon find out that their lives being saved came at a cost…
TO BE ANNOUNCED: 2026 Scare Zones
Be sure to check back here often, as we will update this blog once the scare zones are announced.
- Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape
- The Murders At Buckshot Ridge
Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape
Venture into the depths of the Everglades, where the stench of decay and a pungent, musky odor fill the air.
The Murders At Buckshot Ridge
They built the camp too deep. Thought they could tame the forest. Thought fire pits and cabins would hold it back. They were wrong. Now they are part of the forest. The paths twist. The trees shift. Strangers vanish before they reach the firelight. And if you make it close enough, you’ll hear them…
Hidden Scare Zone & Roaming Hordes
Beware of the hidden zone and roaming hordes…just when you think you know what's coming, untold horrors lurk in the darkness awaiting your arrival.
Date night pro-tip: View the official Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026 MAP before your date night. Viewing the map before you arrive will save you time, and you'll avoid confusion when navigating the park!
2026 Entertainment at Howl-O-Scream
Getting scared together is more than just houses and scare zones. Take a break—sort of—and enjoy a live show or two.
Cirque X-Scream (Returning)
Be on the edge of your seat during this electrifying and mesmerizing show. Cirque X-Scream features exhilarating acts and stunts, including trampoline trick and aerial performances at the Stanleyville Theater.
TO BE ANNOUNCED ENTERTAINMENT
We are still waiting for the rest of the Howl-O-Scream entertainment to be announced, so be sure to check back here closer to the event!
The reckoning (Returning)
Join mortal Lark as she faces her ultimate judgement day in the fiery depths of Hell. Taking place at the Dragon Fire Grill.
NOTE: This one is definitely geared more towards adults, in case you have teens or tweens in tow.
No Boo Necklace for Timid Haunters. Is it returning?
We do not have word on the No Boo necklace for this year; however, you can read about it from last year to possibly prepare for this year!
Howl-O-Scream offers a No Boo necklace for those who want to partake in the spooky fun without dramatic scares around every corner. This year's No Boo Necklace is a light-up gravestone featuring “Do Not Disturb,” to let the scare actors know to let you walk through the scare zones in peace.
Note: This No Boo Necklace does not work inside the houses, only the scare zones. A scare free experience is not 100% guaranteed while wearing the necklace.
Rides Open During Howl-O-Scream
All of the blood-pumping rides you know and love will be in operation.
- Phoenix Rising
- Iron Gwazi
- Tigris
- Cobra’s Curse
- Cheetah Hunt
- Montu
- SheiKra
But Wait…There’s More
Along with the frights, rides, and entertainment is also photo opportunities, games, and dining! Check out Full-Service Liquor Bars throughout the park, get your spooky memories captured on film, shop for horrific memorabilia, and play terrifying games!
TO BE ANNOUNCED: Beverage Options Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
While there haven't been any food or beverage announcements for this year, you can check out a bit from last year to get your taste buds ready for this year! We will update this section once announcements are made.
Need some liquid courage to take on the ghouls and ghosts throughout the park? Get ready to enjoy some seriously spooky, deathly delicious drinks this year.
Purchase a commemorative cup and bring it back each time you visit for discounts on drinks!
For something a little gorier (but good), you can also take a blood-red Jell-O Shot through a giant syringe or try the Cold Blooded Chiller Blood Bag Cocktail that you drink straight from an IV bag.
TO BE ANNOUNCED: Frightening food options
While there haven't been any food or beverage announcements for this year, you can check out a bit from last year to get your taste buds ready for this year! We will update this section once announcements are made.
Food options this year include terrifying (but tasty) options such as the Slaughter Dog, Black Widow Sliders, Deep Fried Wings, Cheetos Churros, Zombie Brains, Blood Dust Loaded Fries, and more!
Ticket Options
Be sure to check the Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream website often as they have SCARY-good ticket deals all the time!
Single-Night Ticket (date specific): $49.99 each
Any Night Ticket: $64.99
Unlimited Admission Ticket: $134.99 for unlimited admission on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights or $154.99 for unlimited visits on all event dates. Valid after 5pm.
Two Park Ticket: Starting at $119.99. Includes one visit to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens and one visit to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando on select nights.
Two Park Unlimited Ticket: Starting at $179.99. Includes unlimited visits to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens and nighttime visits to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando between September 5-November 1.
Single-Night Ticket for Groups of 15+: $44.99 each.
Night & Day Ticket: Play at Busch Gardens during the day and stay at night for the Howl O Scream frights for $110.98.
Upgrade Your Experience with Awesome Tour and FRONT-LINE Options
Ultimate VIP Package: $299.99 per person
Get ultimate spine-tingling thrills with a VIP package that includes:
- Admission to Howl-O-Scream for your group of 2 or more
- Private VIP tour guide
- Front of the line access to haunted houses and major thrill rides
- Private VIP only lounge with complimentary snacks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Priority access to themed bars throughout the park.
- Dinner at Dragonfire Grill with reserved seating at their NEW show The Reckoning.
- Reserved seating at all Howl-O-Scream shows
- Preferred parking (while available)
Front Line Fear: $79.99 per person
Get front of the line access to five haunted houses of your choice. Includes single use access to five houses. Howl O Scream admission is not included but is required.
Front Line Fear Extreme: $99.99 per person
Get front of the line access to five haunted houses and nine major thrill rides of your choice, including Iron Gwazi! Howl O Scream admission is not included but is required.
Front Line Fear Ultimate: $119.99 per person
Unleash the terror with unlimited priority access to the haunted houses and major thrill rides, plus exclusive one-time priority access to Anaconda.
Make it an all-night event with a 2025 Howl-O-Scream Hotel Package
Howl-O-Scream Overnight Fright Package: Valid on all event dates. Includes admission to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens for one night, one day of free parking at Busch Gardens, your choice of hand-selected hotel partners, and discounts on food and merchandise.
Book your package here.
The ghouls and goblins will be awaiting your arrival. Good Luck…
Featured image credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If you're headed to Orlando: Check out Howl-O-Scream at Seaworld Orlando with some tips from our sister publication!