<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 6 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.
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.
Limited time Howl-O-Scream Mayhem Sale: Any Night tickets are available now until May 18 for $39.99 (minimum quantity of 2 required). This early access deal is one of the best chances to save big on this spine-chilling event. Keep reading for everything we know so far, and the thrills we experienced last year. Then get your tickets before the price jumps!
While you’re there be sure to visit all of the terrifying houses, spooky scare zones, and all of your favorite sweat-inducing rides, including the new Phoenix Rising.
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? Read below for a review of the 2024 Howl-O-Scream lineup.
2024 Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
- Shadows of Wonderland (NEW)
- Witch of The Woods: Rise of the Coven (Eerie enhancements!)
- D.H. Baggum's Circus of Fear
- The Forgotten: Uprising
- Stranglewood Estate
Shadows of Wonderland (NEW)
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.
Witch of The Woods: rise of the coven (Eerie enhancements)
A malevolent force has awakened in the woods. The Witch of the Woods, Seraphina, fueled by vengeance and dark magic, has finally summoned her coven – Brand, the Fire Bringer, and Kael, the Storm Caller. Together, they have twisted the once-serene forest into a grotesque reflection of their power, leaving behind a trail of poisoned air.
D.H. Baggum's Circus of Fear (returning favorite)
Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you've ever seen! D.H. Baggum is bringing all his monstrosities that are sure to make your spine tingle and your blood run cold.
The Forgotten: Uprising (returning favorite)
Be Brave. Be Fearless. Survive the Night. Rise up against the vampires before they take back the city and kill every human in their way.
Stranglewood Estate (Returning Favorite)
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.
2024 Scare Zones
Scare zones are dotted throughout the park and feature dark alleyways, ghoulish characters, and all the frights.
- Howl-O-Scream 25: Terror Through Time (NEW)
- Tree Lot Massacre (NEW)
- Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape (NEW)
- Little Nightmares: Trick or Treat (NEW)
- Ragnar's Wrath (NEW)
- Sin City Zombies
- Raven's Mill: The Blood Harvest
- Beyond the Veil
Howl-o-scream 25: terror through time (NEW)
Enter the Architect's twisted gallery of horror, where the past 25 years of Howl-O-Scream nightmares come to life.
Tree Lot Massacre (NEW)
The once-festive Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm hides a dark secret. Whispers tell of a Christmas Eve massacre, where disgruntled farmhand, Silas Evergreen, sought revenge.
Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape (NEW)
Venture into the depths of the Everglades, where the stench of decay and a pungent, musky odor fill the air.
Little Nightmares (NEW)
Years ago, on Halloween Night, a group of children vanished. Every Halloween, they return, reliving their final trick-or-treat.
Ragnar's Wrath (NEW)
The icy winds of Niflheim howl as you approach a charred Viking longhouse, its stench of death a prelude to the horrors within.
Raven's Mill (Returning favorite)
Within the walls of the corn field lies a horrific nightmare you cannot awaken. The scarecrows of Raven's Mill are ready for you…
Sin City Zombies (REturning FAvoRITE)
On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a small town that is home to some of the best entertainers to ever live and is overrun by zombies who run rampant.
Beyond the Veil (returning favorite)
The dark fairies and orcs are dying for you to experience the depths of their magically sinister forest. Thing you have what it takes to go beyond the veil?
Date night pro-tip: View the official Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2024 MAP before your date night.
Viewing the map before you arrive will save you time and you'll avoid confusion.
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 (New)
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 favorite)
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.
scare-e-oke (NEW guest interactive experience)
Take your turn behind the mic at the Scare-E-Oke experience at Gwazi Plaza. Guests can select their song of choice and take a memorable photo of their experience.
Rides Open During Howl-O-Scream
All of the blood-pumping rides you know and love will be in operation.
- Phoenix Rising
- Serengeti Safari
- Iron Gwazi
- Tigris
- Cobra’s Curse
- Falcon’s Fury
- Cheetah Hunt
- Montu
- SheiKra
- Kumba
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!
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 Sea World 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 Sea World Orlando between September 6-November 2.
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 2024 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