Howl-O-Scream Returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s award-winning Howl-O-Scream returns with an all-new haunted house, sinister new scare zones, terrifying entertainment and returning fan favorites with twisted new storylines.
Plus, the ghoulish Dr. Freakenstein has been resurrected for the return of the fan-favorite show Fiends.
Consistently voted one of USA Today’s 10Best Theme Park Halloween Events, Howl-O-Scream takes place on select nights Sept. 11 through Oct. 31.
For a limited time, visitors can save up to 65% on Howl-O-Scream tickets during the Killer Summer Sale.
ALL-NEW Haunted House: Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape
This fall, Howl-O-Scream crosses into dangerous territory with the introduction of the all-new haunted house Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape.
Set in the world of Anaconda, guests are sent deep into the Amazon to search for a missing film crew — a mission that quickly becomes a fight for survival.
The haunted attraction offers a unique new tale while honoring the legend of an iconic film.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Fiends! The Resurrection
Join Dr. Freakenstein and his “affectionate” assistant Igor as they use their newest evil invention to throw the most infamous Halloween party of the year.
Returning to the stage at Dragon Fire Grill, Fiends! The Resurrection features brand-new music, monsters and surprises. Watch and sing along as Dr. Freakenstein and Igor bring their greatest creation yet to life in this pop-culture-centric, adult-themed show.
ALL-NEW Spine-Chilling Scare Zones
Mr. Gleam’s Auto Spa
Mr. Gleam’s Auto Spa was the talk of the town until the economy crashed. Desperate to keep his doors open, he accepted an offer from a mysterious salesman selling an even more mysterious cleaning solution.
Little was known about the chemicals inside, but Mr. Gleam and his patrons would soon discover the ghastly cost of keeping his business alive.
Rootbound
Once a groundskeeper for the Dark Side of the Gardens, The Grimherd is no longer human, dragging victims through the gardens and into graves.
Tonight, the graves have opened once again — and The Grimherd is ready to pull you under.
The Punchline: Riot
Welcome to the hottest comedy club in town. The drinks are cold, the jokes are terrible and the clowns have completely lost it.
Every bad punchline sends them into another fit of madness, turning the stage into a full-blown riot. Keep laughing if you want, but around here, the last laugh is always on you.
FAN FAVORITES WITH A TWIST
Returning haunted houses and scare zones feature new storylines for 2026.
Stranglewood Estate: RePossessed
Once bustling with lavish parties, Stranglewood Estate sat abandoned for decades until a group of reckless teenagers broke into the mansion.
Their séance awakened the tortured spirits trapped inside and opened a door for something evil to enter. Now the halls are overrun by violent ghosts led by Madame Stranglewood herself.
Circus of Fear: Killer Encore
Once a famous Italian opera singer, Vittorio was the star attraction at D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear — until he murdered Baggum and claimed the circus as his own.
Now his voice echoes through the halls while his crazed carnies hunt anyone who enters. Guests who step inside soon realize nobody leaves Vittorio’s circus alive.
Shadows of Wonderland: Reign of Madness
Wonderland rejoiced when Alice dragged the Queen away for her execution, but something changed when Alice returned from the Queen’s cell.
Instead of saving Wonderland, Alice began her own reign of terror, treating every creature in the land as guilty. The crown now sits on Alice’s head. Heed her command — or it’s off with yours.
Breadcrumbs to Nowhere: Once Upon a Time
The fairy tale creatures of Havenwood lived in harmony until a sinister witch cast a spell of ancient malice across the peaceful land.
Soon, Havenwood’s creatures were consumed by an uncontrollable rage. The land unraveled, and in this fairy tale, there are no heroes at the end — only the beginning of a gruesome new chapter.
Ragnar’s Wrath: Call of Odin
In a final act of desperation to save themselves from extinction, the citizens of Niflheim pleaded with the gods for help.
When all hope seemed lost, the skies roared and heavy rain covered the land. Their sacrifice had been accepted by Odin himself — but now it’s time for retribution. The people of Niflheim will discover that having their lives saved came at a cost.
The Pestilence: Lazarus Strain
It started with fear of the strain. Families hoped the sickness wouldn’t creep into their homes, but desperation soon turned into something worse.
A mutation has taken hold, and it doesn’t just kill the host — it uses them. The sickness hasn’t simply returned. It has evolved, bringing contaminated bodies back to life with one purpose: spreading the pestilence.
More Haunted Houses, Roaming Hordes & Live Entertainment
In addition to the all-new haunted house, scare zones and reimagined experiences, visitors can experience two returning haunted houses:
Raven’s Mill and M.A.R.S.
Alongside the six haunted houses and six scare zones, roaming hordes fill the park with frights around every corner.
The electrifying stunt show Cirque X-Scream also returns. The stunt spectacular features exhilarating acts including trampoline tricks and aerial performances.
Thrill-seekers can also experience nighttime rides on world-class coasters including Iron Gwazi, Cheetah Hunt and Montu.
Fright Feast & Themed Food and Drinks
The fan-favorite Fright Feast is back at Treetop Kitchen, featuring a sinister buffet, creepy characters and frightful flavors.
Fright Feast also includes exclusive front-of-the-line access to select haunted houses from 7–8 p.m.
Visitors can find additional themed bites and beverages throughout the event, including the all-new Mary’s Red Rum Social, a one-of-a-kind immersive experience where patrons are guaranteed a bloody good time.
Scream & Save During the Killer Summer Sale
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event taking place on select nights Sept. 11 through Oct. 31 after 7 p.m.
For a limited time during the Killer Summer Sale:
Any Night Tickets: $38.99
Annual Pass Member Any Night Tickets: $33.99
Savings: More than 65%
Horror fans can also purchase an Unlimited Scream Pass for $112.99, a savings of up to 45%. The pass is valid for unlimited Howl-O-Scream admission on most event nights from Sept. 11 through Oct. 31.
Front Line Fear
Guests looking to maximize their scares can purchase Front Line Fear passes for priority access to all six haunted houses.
For extreme fans, the Front Line Fear Ultimate pass includes unlimited access to five haunted houses and one-time priority access to Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape, plus priority access to major thrill rides and reserved seating for Howl-O-Scream shows.
Front Line Fear passes start at $79.99.
Get Your Tickets
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit HowlOScreamTampa.com.
Please Note: Parental discretion is strongly advised. Howl-O-Scream contains graphic and mature content that may not be suitable for children. Costumes are not allowed.
