Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Haunted attraction · Tampa · Florida
Busch Gardens' after-dark Halloween takeover, billed as Tampa Bay's most terrifying event, fills the animal-and-coaster park with haunted houses and roaming scare zones on select nights. The 2026 run is September 11 through November 1; gates open at 5 p.m. and the frights start at 7.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Select nights; event 7 p.m., park entry from 5 p.m. Blockout dates 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24.
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: November 30–December 4
Color builds from November 17 · mostly bare by December 28
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s own coordinates and elevation (14 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on the map
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Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Sep 11 – Nov 1. Select nights; event 7 p.m., park entry from 5 p.m. Blockout dates 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24.. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 30–December 4 (best estimate December 2). Color starts around November 17 and is mostly bare by December 28.
- What is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay best for?
- Thrill-seekers who want scares and roller coasters in one night.
- How do I get to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?
- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is in Tampa. The closest city is Tampa, about 6 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Florida's fall lineup.
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