Busch Gardens Tampa Bay unleashes Howl-O-Scream 2023 horrors

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay says guests can officially start warming up their vocal cords (after all, it’s called Howl-O-Scream for a reason), as the park’s annual after-hours Halloween event is expected make guests scream to the extreme with the ultimate parkwide terror on select nights beginning Sept. 8, 2023.

Those brave enough to attend will experience new horrors this year, including an all-new haunted house, two new scare zones, and all-new interactive entertainment offerings for a total of six spine-chilling scare zones, five hair-raising haunted houses, and four elaborate entertainment productions, all of which will have guests screaming at the top of their lungs.

New and Reimagined Haunted Houses and Scare Zones for Howl-O-Scream 2023

This year, new terrors hailing from the afterlife and iconic frights will make even the bravest souls whimper in fear. Fan-favorite haunted houses such as Stranglewood Estate, Witch of the Woods, and The Residence: Home for the Holidays will return, as well as infamous scare zones, including The Junkyard, Beyond the Veil, The Shortcut, and Ravens Mill.

These returning favorites are just a few of the experiences that will complement the following fear-inducing new additions:

• D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear (New) – 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.
• The Forgotten: Uprising (Reimagined) – Be Brave. Be Fearless. Survive the Night. The people must rise up against the vampires before they take back the city and kill every human in their way.
• Big Ed’s Demolition Derby – Step into the twisted and adrenaline-fueled world of Big Ed’s Demolition Derby. He has pulled together some of the roughest, toughest, and meanest baddies from all over Howl-O-Scream and brought them here to compete— but there’s always room for some surprise guests. Step up and see how long you can survive and navigate this automotive nightmare.
• Sin City Zombies – On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a rundown motel, home to some of the best entertainers ever to live, and overrun by zombies who run rampant. Try your luck and hope your number wins because this is one town you don’t want to lose in.

Howl-O-Scream 2023 Eerie Entertainment and Sinister Spectacles

Guests will be mesmerized by the all-new “Rock the Grave” at the Festival Fields stage. This explosive, high-energy live stage show merges the worlds of alternative, classic rock, and pop hits into an unforgettable experience. Also, rising from the grave for Howl-O-Scream 2023 is the high-energy and pulse-pounding live musical performances by The Rolling Bones at Dragon Fire Grill. Guests looking for death-defying acts and stunts won’t want to miss The Cirque X-Scream will perform at the Stanleyville Theater.

Do you want to be on stage instead of watching others? This year, Howl-O-Scream fans can take their turn behind the mic at the all-new “Scare-E-Oke” experience at Gwazi Plaza where guests can select their song and take a memorable photo of their experience.

During Howl-O-Scream 2023, the Coke Canopy area will offer the chance to dance the night away (or at least until the clock strikes twelve) in the all-new Raveyard featuring an electrifying atmosphere with music and specialty cocktails.

Howl-O-Scream 2023 Upgrades

If you’re looking for an evil upgrade for Howl-O-Scream 2023, Front Line Fear passes provides access to all haunted houses plus front-of-line access to Busch Gardens’ roller coasters, including Iron Gwazi, and Serengeti Flyer. Front Line Fear passes start at $69.

To step further into the darkness, an Ultimate VIP Tour includes admission, unlimited front-of-line access to haunted houses and rides, a complimentary meal at Dragon Fire Grill, private complimentary beverage locations, and free preferred parking.

For a different type of experience, a daytime Behind-The-Scenes tour takes guests inside the haunted houses to learn about what it takes to create Tampa Bay’s most terrifying Halloween event. Earlier this year, we experienced a daylight tour of one house during the Scary and Merry event.

Monster Sale

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, taking place on select nights from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31, 2023, after 7 p.m. Through Aug. 20, 2023, guests can save up to 65% on Howl-O-Scream 2023 admission tickets. An Unlimited Admission Ticket is also available for as low as $104.99.

Parental discretion is strongly advised as Howl-O-Scream contains graphic and mature content that may not be suitable for children. Costumes are not allowed.

To purchase tickets and evil upgrades at this year’s Howl-O-Scream, guests can visit the Howl-O-Scream website.