
Spooky season kicks off in September here in Tampa Bay! There are so many exciting Halloween events in Tampa, and one of our favorites is Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream. Howl-O-Scream begins September 9, 2022 and runs until October 31, so book your tickets soon and get your fright on!
Our guide to a spooky date night includes all the latest info on this year’s lineup of Busch Gardens Halloween fun. Plus, tips you need to know, including a way you can attend with less scares!
About Howl-O-Scream 2022
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 9th and runs through Halloween itself, October 31st.
While you’re there be sure to visit all of the terrifying houses, spooky scare zones, and all of your favorite sweat-inducing rides. 2022 marks the debut of some spine-chilling new scare zones and some terrifying houses that are revamped.
About the Frights
Not everything has been announced for 2022, but we’ve got the latest details and will update as announcements are made. Howl-O-Scream 2022 is full of delightful frights including haunted houses, scare zones, rides, and entertainment.
2022 Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
- Death Water Bayou: Blood Moon – The Final Phase
- The Residence: Home for the Holidays
- The Forgotten
- Witch of the Woods
- Stranglewood Estate
This year, Howl-O-Scream isn’t missing a beat. So far four haunted houses have been announced, and two scare zones – including a brand new scare zone. As more announcements are made we will make updates.
Death Water Bayou: Blood Moon – The Final Phase – (returning house)
The werewolves are clawing their way back in and the blood moon is in its final phase. Beware all who enter the inescapable fate of the Death Water Bayou.
The Residence: Home for the Holidays – (revamped house)
Merriment turns murderous at this suburban family home. Christmas arrives earlier than ever this year at The Residence, and all-new horrors are eager to be unwrapped. Holidays are best when spent with loved ones, but there’s no guarantee you’ll survive this silent night.
The Forgotten – (returning house)
Victims will be drawn into a hidden world beyond the rubble and rocks of an unsuspecting quarry, where dark secrets lurk in the shadows. Will those who enter return to the world of the living or are they destined to become the newest minion of the Forgotten army?
Witch of the Woods – (returning house)
Something wicked this way haunts…an ominous legend summons you with her inescapable curse. Curiosity has brought many travelers into this dark forest, but only bone-chilling stories & dying screams make their way out.

Stranglewood Estate – (NEW house)
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.
Scare Zones
Scare zones are dotted throughout the park and feature dark alleyways, ghoulish characters, and all the frights.
- Raven’s Mill (New!)
- Beyond the Veil (New!)
- The Junkyard
- In the Shadows
- Skeleton Crew
- The Shortcut
- Voodoo
NEW! Raven’s Mill
Within the walls of the corn field lies a horrific nightmare you cannot awaken. The scarecrows of raven’s mill are ready for you.
NEW! Beyond the Veil
Along the Nairobi Path lies the depths of a dark forest. Beware of the fairies and orcs as you stroll through this forest.
The Junkyard
You’ll find more than spare parts as you rummage through this surly scrap site. Will you make it out in one piece or be devoured by the haunted rubble?
In the Shadows
Eerie legends and cryptid creaters passed down through centuries of ghost stories have gathered in the woods, turning wary skeptics into doomed believers.
Skeleton Crew
Rising from their watery grave, shipwrecked pirates seek to plunder the world of the living, taking all lost souls as their bounty.
The Shortcut
Cutting through the cemetery may seem like an easy way out, except when the corpses rise from the ground only to drag you back into their graves with them.
Voodoo
Driven out of the bayou by ravenous werewolves, the witch doctors now practice their dark magic on you as they pursue their twisted revenge through ancient curses.
Date night pro-tip: View the official Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022 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.
Don’t want to be scared? Check out the No Boo Necklace!
NO BOO NECKLACE at HOWL-O-SCREAM 2022
Don’t want to be scared? Purchase a NO BOO necklace to let the monsters know not to scare you! Save 40% when you buy online!
- Necklace does not guarantee a scare free evening.
- Monsters will do their best to avoid you, but some initial contact may occur.
- NO BOO necklace may not be worn in houses and on rides.
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.
NEW! 50/50: Choose Your Fate
No matter your choice— he wins, and you lose. Join the game show host as he decides your fate and experience the fright of a lifetime.
Fiends
These captivating creatures of the night will infect you with dance fever and keep your pulse pounding with their raucous dance party.

Cirque X-Scream
Cirque X-Scream features exhilarating acts and stunts, including trampoline tricks and aerial performances.
The Rolling Bones
The live performance of this skeleton band lights up Dragon Fire Grill with epic covers of classic rock anthems
Rides During Howl-O-Scream
All of the blood-pumping rides you know and love will be in operation.
- NEW – Iron Gwazi
- Crash Test Clowns
- 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 in Pantopia, at the Entrance, Serengeti Overlook Pub, Stanleyville, Meat Market Bar, and the Nairobi Walkway. Get your spooky memories captured on film, shop for horrific memorabilia, and play terrifying games!
Upgrade Your Experience with Two Awesome Tour Options
ULTIMATE VIP TOUR at HOWL-O-SCREAM 2022
Create your own up to 7-hour experience with a private tour guide, exclusive experiences and unlimited access to haunted houses and thrill rides (minimum 2 guests). Includes admission, complimentary beverages, front-row show seating, preferred parking, and more!
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR at HOWL-O-SCREAM 2022
Calling all goblins and ghouls! Find out what goes into the scares on this daytime, lights-on, HOS tour! Includes a one-time, one-house priority access to one of the houses during the night event. Maximum of 10 people per tour. (Admission to park NOT included and must be purchases separately).
Skip The Lines!
FRONT LINE FEAR and FRONT LINE FEAR EXTREME at HOWL-O-SCREAM 2022
Enjoy front-of-the-line access at all 5 haunted houses!
- Single-use front-of-the-line access to five houses! (EXTREME only)
- Front line access to 8 major thrill rides of your choice, including Iron Gwazi! (EXTREME only)
- Front-of-the-line access to Falcon’s Fury, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Montu, Kumba, Cobra’s Curse, Tigris & All-New Iron Gwazi. (EXTREME only)
- Seasonal pricing applies. Add Front Line Fear Extreme to your cart for actual price.
- Howl-O-Scream admission is required but not included.

The Tickets
If you’re still feeling brave, purchase your tickets now online! Ticket options include a Busch Gardens and Get Howl-O-Scream Free ticket, Single-Night Ticket, Unlimited Admission Ticket, Wild & Wicked Weekend Ticket, or a Single-Night Ticket for Groups! Depending on your ticketing preference, the price will vary.
The ghouls and goblins will be awaiting your arrival. Good Luck…
All Images: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
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