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Halloween season is arriving early at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where the park will transform after dark for the return of Howl-O-Scream next week.
For Washington, D.C., residents looking for a more intense Halloween experience, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a spooky getaway that can easily turn into a packed fall day trip or weekend adventure.
And unlike some Halloween attractions, Howl-O-Scream is included with applicable Busch Gardens park admission, meaning visitors don’t need to purchase a separate ticket to enjoy a full day’s worth of fun.
When does their Halloween programming start?
Howl-O-Scream starts September 11th and runs on select nights through November 1st, 2026.
The Halloween programming begins at 6 pm each event night and continues until the park closes, so visitors can spend the earlier part of their visit enjoying Busch Gardens before the atmosphere becomes significantly darker.
Once 6 pm arrives, the park shifts into its Halloween mode, with scares and entertainment taking over areas throughout Busch Gardens.
The event is specifically designed as an adult-targeted Halloween experience; with the park itself warning that the amplified scares may not be appropriate for young children.
The event is scheduled for select nights from September 11th through November 1st, rather than every day during that period, so visitors should check the park’s operating calendar when planning a trip.
What are the Halloween programs happening at Busch Gardens this year?
There is a lot more to Howl-O-Scream than simply walking through a haunted house. This year’s event features five haunted houses, five “Terror-Tories” scare zones, and four sinister shows, giving visitors several different ways to get their Halloween thrills.
For those who would rather get their adrenaline rush from a roller coaster, Busch Gardens is also keeping its coasters running after dark.
The park says guests can experience 10 world-class coasters at night, giving familiar rides a completely different atmosphere once the sun goes down.
Other Howl-O-Scream experiences include Howl-O-Scream Tours, where guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at the scares, as well as themed food, drinks and entertainment throughout the park. There are also six themed BOOze bars located around Busch Gardens, including the new Last Drop in Italy, alongside locations such as The Crow’s Nest, Stone-Cold Spirits, Frost Bar, BarKastle Spirits and Howl-O-Wine Bar.
For visitors looking for a Halloween night that combines theme-park rides with traditional haunted attractions, the combination makes Howl-O-Scream particularly easy to turn into an entire evening out.
What to expect if you plan to attend?
If you’re planning to visit, don’t expect a kid-friendly Halloween festival once the sun goes down.
Busch Gardens says this year’s event contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children, with the park taking on a darker and more mature atmosphere after 6 pm. Parents are advised to use discretion, while families looking for something less frightening can check out the park’s separate Halloween Spooktacular programming during the season.
The good news for anyone planning a spontaneous fall trip is that Howl-O-Scream is included with applicable park admission, so you don’t have to buy a separate Howl-O-Scream ticket just to experience the nighttime event.
There are a few important things to know before arriving. Re-entry is not permitted after 8 pm, and Busch Gardens has a special bag policy during Howl-O-Scream: bags aren’t permitted after 4 pm, although wristlets and fanny packs measuring less than 8 by 5 inches are permitted and subject to security inspection.
Visitors should also keep in mind that costumes are not permitted at Howl-O-Scream.
For anyone hoping to experience as much as possible in a single night, Busch Gardens offers optional upgrades that can provide priority access to haunted houses and select rides.
With the event beginning September 11th, Halloween arrives at Busch Gardens Williamsburg well before October — making it a tempting option for D.C.-area thrill seekers who want to get an early start on spooky season.
