Orlando theme parks too far (or busy) for fun fear? There’s Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
Updated ·4 min read

The Halloween season is almost in full swing throughout Florida's theme parks, especially with several of Orlando's seasonal scary events on the horizon.

For those spooked enough by I-4 traffic, consider attending Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's premier Halloween event — Howl-O-Scream.

This adult-targeted event transforms Tampa's theme park into a "late-night party with haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment." It officially kicks off next month on Sept. 8 and will run on select nights until Halloween night.

Here's what to know about the event and how to grab tickets.

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Where exactly is Howl-O-Scream?

Howl-O-Scream is held at Busch Garden Tampa Bay. The park is located at 10165 N McKinley Drive in Tampa.

Is Howl-O-Scream really scary? Is there an age limit?

While there is no set age limit, they advise that Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay will contain intense adult content such as violence, gore, blood, and risqué content that is not intended for children.

What houses will be at Howl-O-Scream 2023?

D.H. Baggum's Circus of Fear

Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen. D.H. Baggum brings you all his monstrosities that are sure to make your spine tingle and your blood run cold!

Stranglewood Estate

Ms. Stranglewood is back for more haunts and has something sinister waiting behind every corner. Once a lively home filled with laughter and lavish parties is now filled with darkness and the spirit of evil. Welcome back to the Stranglewood Estate.

The Residence: Home For The Holidays

The Residence: Home For The Holidays, is making a haunting return— but things are definitely not as merry as they may seem.

Witch of the Woods

The Witch is back, and just as wicked as ever. Curiosity has brought many travelers into this dark forest, but only bone-chilling stories and dying screams make their way out. With each step deeper into the woods, the prospect of survival quickly fades as demonic disciples hunt wandering intruders through their abandoned village.

The Forgotten: Uprising

A year has passed, and lately, more and more people have been going missing. The great battle has begun, and the only way to survive is to be brave, fearless, and survive the night.

Are there any scare zones to watch out for?

This year will feature five scare zones, including two brand-new ones:

  • Sin City Zombies

  • Big Ed's Demolition Derby

  • Raven's Mill

  • Beyond the Veil

  • The Junkyard

What are the dates for Howl-O-Scream?

  • September: 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

  • October: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

What are the hours for the Halloween event?

Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is open from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Will the Busch Gardens rides still be open?

Major attractions including Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Tigris, Cobras Curse, Kumba, Montu, Scorpion, and the all-new Serengeti Flyer will be open during the event.

How can I purchase tickets for Howl-O-Scream?

Guests can purchase their Howl-O-Scream ticket online at HowlOScreamTampa.com.

Those who already have passes to the park can receive a discount to Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay. Ticketholders can log into their account and find discounted tickets starting as low as $32.99.

Do I need a separate ticket from my regular park admission?

This event requires an admission ticket separate from daytime admission to Busch Gardens. Daytime admission to Busch Gardens is not included nor required.

What kind of tickets are available?

Any Night Ticket - Ranging from $42.99 to $52.99

For any one visit to Howl-O-Scream 2023 on any event night from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Certain tickets exclude Saturday nights for a cheaper price.

Single Night Ticket - $34.99

For any one visit to Howl-O-Scream 2023 on any event night from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Valid for one visit on the date selected at the time of purchase.

Unlimited Admissions Pass - $94.99 to $104.99

Scream your way through every night of Howl-O-Scream 2023 between Sept. 8 through Oct. 31 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Night and Day Ticket - $98.99

Scream with joy all day and fear all night with the pass that allows day admission to Busch Gardens and night admission to Howl-O-Scream in Tampa Bay.

Can I wear a costume to the event?

Guests are not allowed to wear costumes, including masks or other related accessories.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Busch Garden's Howl-O-Scream 2023 opens in September. What to know