Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa 2026

Florida’s Halloween season kicks off early at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, launching on Labor Day weekend — September 4, 2026 — and running select nights through October. This is a full-park horror transformation that turns one of Florida’s best theme parks into a nighttime scare event on a seriously impressive scale. Haunted houses, scare zones, thrill rides running in the dark, and live entertainment all come together for an experience that competes directly with the biggest Halloween events in the state.

Busch Gardens has the unique advantage of its coaster lineup. Riding Cheetah Hunt or Tigris at night through fog and horror theming is a distinctly different experience from any standard haunted attraction — and it’s one of the things that makes Howl-O-Scream stand out from the field.

Event Schedule

Howl-O-Scream 2026 runs select Thursday through Sunday nights beginning September 4 (Labor Day weekend) through October. Not every night is an event night — check the official Busch Gardens schedule before you plan. September nights run shorter than peak October weekends and are typically less crowded, making the first few weekends a smart pick for those who want the full experience without the wait times.

Event hours typically run from 7:30 PM to midnight or 1:00 AM.

What’s Happening

• Multiple fully-themed haunted houses with professional actors and production design
• Scare zones throughout the park with roaming characters
• Thrill rides operating after dark in the horror atmosphere
• Live entertainment, DJ sets, and themed food and drink offerings
• Premium add-ons available including Fright Feast dining experience

Tickets & Access

Howl-O-Scream requires a separate event ticket or is included with certain Busch Gardens annual passes — check current pass benefits before purchasing. Single-night tickets, multi-night packages, and add-on options like Fright Feast dinner are typically available through the Busch Gardens website. Book early for Labor Day weekend and peak October dates, which sell out in advance.

Planning Your Visit

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is at 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa. Arrive at or before doors open — the first hour after opening is consistently the best time to tackle the most popular haunted houses before wait times climb. The park is a short drive from downtown Tampa and easily accessible via I-275. For more on Tampa Bay dining, stays, and activities to pair with your visit, our Tampa Vacation Guide has everything you need.

Looking for more September events in Florida? Our full guide to the best Florida events in September 2026 has the complete lineup — and browse our Florida calendar of events for the full year.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa kicks off Labor Day weekend and runs through October — one of the best Halloween horror events in the state, with the added thrill of coasters running in the dark. Start your Florida Halloween season here.