Howl-O-Scream has returned to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for Halloween 2023 with an all-new haunted house, scare zones and more.
This year, guests can brave 6 spine-chilling scare zones, 5 hair-raising haunted houses and 4 elaborate entertainment productions at Tampa Bay’s most terrifying Halloween event.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay takes place on select nights from September 8 through October 31, 2023.
We went to experience the event for the first time on September 23, and enjoyed 6 hours of spooks and scares.
Fan-favourite haunted houses such as Stranglewood Estate, Witch of the Woods and The Residence: Home for the Holidays have returned, as well as infamous scare zones including The Junkyard, Beyond the Veil, The Shortcut and Ravens Mill. These returning favourites are just a few of the experiences that complement the following fear-inducing new additions:
- All-New – D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear - 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!
- Reimagined – The Forgotten: Uprising - Be Brave. Be Fearless. Survive the Night. 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-fuelled 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 to ever 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.
During our visit, although the event was busy, we were able to experience all the scare zones and haunted houses, without needing 'Front Line Fear' passes at additional cost.
Performing live at the Festival Fields stage, guests will be mesmerised with the all-new Rock the Grave, an explosive, high-energy live stage show that merges the worlds of alternative and classic rock and pop hits into an unforgettable experience.
Rising from the grave, this year’s Howl-O-Scream sees the return of the high-energy and pulse-pounding live musical performances by The Rolling Bones at Dragon Fire Grill, and death-defying acts and stunts from Cirque X-Scream at the Stanleyville Theater.
Howl-O-Scream fans can also take their turn behind the mic at the all-new 'Scare-E-Oke' experience at Gwazi Plaza. Guests can select their song of choice and take a memorable photo of their experience.
At the Coke Canopy, guests can dance the night away until the clock strikes twelve in the all-new Raveyard featuring an electrifying atmosphere with music and specialty cocktails. We very much enjoyed our 'Blood Bag' cocktails.
On our visit, we made the most of the opportunity for some rides in the dark, with Iron Gwazi, Cobra's Curse and Serengeti Flyer being particular highlights, due to their dramatic lighting.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an impressive event, with lots to see, very manageable queues and a good value night out.
For more information or to book tickets see here.
