Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026: Halloween Hours, Tickets, Dates & What to Know
Halloween season is almost here in Tampa Bay, and Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026 is returning with haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and some of the park's biggest roller coasters running after dark.
This year's Howl-O-Scream runs on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The separately ticketed nighttime event begins at 7 p.m., with Howl-O-Scream ticket holders able to enter the park starting at 5 p.m.
Here's what Tampa Bay residents and visitors need to know before heading to Howl-O-Scream 2026.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026 Dates & Hours
Dates: Select nights, September 11 – October 31, 2026 Howl-O-Scream begins: 7 p.m. Entry for Howl-O-Scream ticket holders: Starting at 5 p.m. Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Busch Gardens lists Howl-O-Scream hours as 7 p.m. until park close. Closing times may vary by date, so visitors should check the park schedule when planning their visit.
How Much Are Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026 Tickets?
As of August 2026, Howl-O-Scream single-night tickets start at $49.99 when purchased online, according to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Prices vary depending on the event date and are subject to change and availability.
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed nighttime event and is not included with regular daytime Busch Gardens admission.
For the latest prices, available dates and ticket options, check directly with Busch Gardens:
Check Howl-O-Scream 2026 Tickets & Current Prices → https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/tickets/
What's Coming to Howl-O-Scream 2026?
According to Busch Gardens, this year's event includes six haunted houses, six scare zones, two sinister live shows, 10+ themed bars and thrill rides operating after dark.
Visitors can expect scares throughout the park rather than only inside the haunted houses, with scare actors and themed environments transforming Busch Gardens after the sun goes down.
The park has also announced the return of Dark Side of the Gardens, continuing the Howl-O-Scream storyline for 2026.
6 Haunted Houses
One of the biggest attractions at Howl-O-Scream is its collection of walk-through haunted houses.
For 2026, Busch Gardens is advertising six haunted houses throughout the event. Each offers a different horror environment with elaborate sets, characters and live scare actors.
That makes this year's event a good option for visitors who want more than rides and Halloween decorations — the haunted houses are a major part of the Howl-O-Scream experience.
6 Scare Zones Throughout the Park
The scares don't end when you leave a haunted house.
Howl-O-Scream 2026 will also feature six scare zones located throughout Busch Gardens. Unlike haunted houses, these are open areas visitors encounter while walking through the park.
That means you may encounter scare actors and Halloween environments while simply making your way from one attraction to another.
Live Shows and Entertainment
Howl-O-Scream isn't only about haunted houses. Busch Gardens has announced two sinister live shows as part of the 2026 event.
That includes the return of FIENDS at Dragon Fire Grill, one of the event's returning entertainment experiences.
The park will also have more than 10 themed bars throughout Howl-O-Scream.
Ride Busch Gardens Roller Coasters in the Dark
For roller coaster fans, one of the biggest reasons to visit Howl-O-Scream is the opportunity to experience Busch Gardens' thrill rides after dark.
Several of the park's major rides and attractions continue operating during the event, combining the Halloween atmosphere with nighttime coaster rides.
Ride availability can vary, so visitors should check the park's operating information for their specific event night.
Do Regular Busch Gardens Tickets Include Howl-O-Scream?
No.
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, so regular daytime Busch Gardens admission does not automatically include admission to Howl-O-Scream.
However, you do not need to purchase a regular daytime park ticket in addition to your Howl-O-Scream ticket just to attend the nighttime event.
Guests with a valid Howl-O-Scream ticket can enter Busch Gardens beginning at 5 p.m., while the Howl-O-Scream event officially starts at 7 p.m.
Is Howl-O-Scream Appropriate for Kids?
Parents should know that Howl-O-Scream is very different from the family-friendly Halloween activities Busch Gardens offers during the daytime.
Busch Gardens describes Howl-O-Scream as an event intended for mature audiences. The experience can include intense scares, violence, gore and blood, and the park states that the event is not intended for children.
Guests are also not permitted to wear costumes to Howl-O-Scream.
Families looking for a less frightening Halloween experience can instead check out Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular, the park's family-oriented daytime Halloween event.
For 2026, Halloween Spooktacular is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from September 12 through November 1.
Quick Guide: Howl-O-Scream Tampa 2026
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Address: 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Dates: Select nights, September 11 – October 31, 2026
Event starts: 7 p.m.
Ticket-holder entry: Starting at 5 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $49.99 online as of August 2026; prices vary
Haunted Houses: 6
Scare Zones: 6
Live Shows: 2
Themed Bars: 10+
Roller Coasters: Select attractions operate after dark
Age recommendation: Intended for mature audiences
Planning a Visit to Howl-O-Scream 2026?
With the first event night scheduled for September 11, Howl-O-Scream marks the beginning of Halloween season at one of Tampa Bay's biggest attractions.
If you're planning to go, check the official Busch Gardens website before your visit for the latest ticket prices, event calendar and operating hours, as these can vary by date.
Visit the Official Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2026 Page → https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/
📍 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
📅 Select nights, September 11 – October 31, 2026
