<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>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 5 through November 2 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!
Keep reading for all the horrifying details for this year's event.
SCREAM for this ticket deal!
Enjoy 70% off Howl-O-Scream tickets for the Howl-O-Scream Sinister Sale for a limited time! Ticket prices start at just $39.99.
About Howl-O-Scream 2025
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 5 and runs on select nights through November 2.
While you’re there be sure to visit all of the terrifying houses, spooky scare zones, and all of your favorite sweat-inducing rides. We will keep updating this page as more haunted houses and scare zones are announced!
A Friday The 13th Spooky Preview
This year on Friday, June 13, we were able to take a guided walk through Busch Gardens' Stranglewood Estate, before all of the scare actors took their place for the evening preview of frights. While the stage was fully set, there was no one lurking in the shadows during this walk through, however, we could envision all the cracks, crevices, corners, and cabinets these spooky beings would soon inhabit.
Stranglewood Estate was home to someone… and still is. Around every corner was something haunted, disgusting, and equally creative. Even during the day we were immersed in darkness, and you could smell the fear.
Upon exiting the haunted estate, we were met with spooky treats and Howl-o-Scream merchandise rising from the dead in years past— who said objects don't hold memories?
About the Frights
Howl-O-Scream 2025 is sure to be full of delightful frights including haunted houses, scare zones, rides, and entertainment including a terrifyingly haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and a guest interactive experience. Keep this page bookmarked and check back later for announcements regarding the 2025 haunted houses and attractions! Don't know what to expect out of this spooky evening? Neither do we… however, you can read below for an early preview of the 2025 Howl-O-Scream of what has been announced so far!
2025 Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
There will be five haunted houses this year, with a few returning favorites Keep checking back here for more 2025 house as they are made!
- Stranglewood Estate (Returning)
- Shadows of Wonderland (Returning)
- M.A.R.S. — Mars Alien Research Station
Stranglewood Estate (Returning)
Every town has its share of ghost stories—and this one is no different. Once a lively home filled with laughter and lavish parties is now filled with darkness and the spirit of evil. Madame Stranglewood ruled this town with an iron fist.
Shadows of Wonderland (Returning)
Step back into Wonderland, but not as you remember it. The warped dreamscape has come from years of torment under the Queen of Hearts' reign of terror. Once playful characters have become bitter shadows, their anger fueled by Alice's abandonment. Now, you must confront this distorted reality and face a vengeful Queen who wants Alice and you gone.
M.A.R.S. — Mars Alien Research StatioN (NEW)
This space station holds dark secrets that guests will be on a mission to search and destroy or mission to uncover, with risk of being destroyed yourself…
2025 Scare Zones
Scare zones are dotted throughout the park and feature dark alleyways, ghoulish characters, and all the frights. This year will feature five scare zones with three brand new themes! Keep checking back for more Scare Zone announcements!
- Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape (Returning)
- Ragnar's Wrath (Returning)
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.
Date night pro-tip: View the official Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2025 MAP before your date night. Viewing the map before you arrive will save you time and you'll avoid confusion. Here's a look at last year's map so you know what you can know a little about what to expect for this year!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! While food and beverage specifics for this year haven't fully been announced, here's last year's lineup so you know what you can expect!
Beverage Options
Need some liquid courage to take on the ghouls and ghosts throughout the park? Get ready to enjoy some seriously spooky, deathly delicous drinks this year. The specially curated menu of creepy cocktails include libations such as the Poison Apple, Zombie Juice, Vampire Bite, Screamsicle, Twisted Citrus Punch, and the Gin Makes Me Sin.
New this year – purchase a commemorative light-up 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.
Frightening food options
Food options this year include terrifying (but tasty) options such as Slaughtered Pork, Severed Chicken Wings, Apocalyptic Burger, Bloody Sundae, Zombie Dogs, and Chocolate Insect Waffle Bowls.
Ticket Options
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
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)
$299.99 per person
Front Line Fear
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.
$69 per person
Front Line Fear Extreme
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.
$79 per person
Behind the Scenes Tour
Find out what goes into the scares on this daytime, lights on tour. See one of their iconic houses in a new light with a unique photo op. Also includes a one-time priority access to one of the houses during the night event.
$29.99 per person
Fright Feast
Fright Feast begins at 6 pm-7 pm and includes a selection of special cuisines and desserts, special Meet-N-Greets, and early access to Howl O Scream along with front line access until 8 pm.
$35 per person
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