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Howl-O-Scream® is back for 2023 starting select nights September 8 to October 31, 2023
Your fate awaits with five haunted houses, five terror-tories™, four sinister shows, and six menacing BOOze bars and bites to fuel the fear and tackle the night’s frights. Beyond the haunts take horror to new heights on world-class coasters, including the all-new DarKoaster 
. There’s nowhere to hide at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, Virginia’s premier Halloween event!
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns giving victims something to scream about with all-new scares and screams to the extreme, on select dates from September 8 through October 31 
For Busch Gardens ticket discounts visit here.
Now for what is going on this year at Howl-O-Scream! If you have not yet been to Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream here is a breakdown of the event. The park turns into Terror-tories™ and Haunted Houses to scare you as you walk through the park. It really is fantastic. The scary stuff starts at 6 pm so before that make sure to bring the kids to Counts Spooktacular. After 6 pm it is really not for little kids – but most teens really like it and adults have a great time!
Haunted Houses in Howl-O-Scream 2023
First let’s start with the 5 Haunted Houses for 2023
- Killarney Diner: Order’s up: now serving you with a side of demise. Is this a good one to go through…yes and its been revamped this year!!
- Nevermore Chapter 3: Another disturbing new chapter in the Nevermore saga has been unveiled. This was chapter was our favorite so far! Don’t miss this haunted house!
- Death Water Bayou: Full Moon: With the flame of death looming from above, the Voodoo Queen reaches in desperation for her next sinister sacrifice, and the water’s dismal surface shivers with restless spirits yearning for the souls of the living.
- NEW! Lost Mines: The Descent: This is the newest haunted house. Walk through the underground mine past by inhabitants which are now trapped.
- Witch of the Woods: Legend of the old Witch of the Woods. No has seen her alive, but you can hear her crying out.
Terror-tories at Howl-O-Scream for 2023
Howl-O-Scream has five Terror-tories and a roaming horde of monsters with chainsaws. The Terror-tories are sections of the park that you walk though…but beware…there are scary characters all about waiting to terrorize you!
NEW: Fest-Evil – Location Festa Italia
Sinister secrets from the bayou spill into the streets by the sounds of merriment. Watch out, this Mardi Party has been corrupted by an evil energy within the spirits of the swamp.
Gorgon Gardens – Location: Italy Gardens
Don’t look too closely– staring straight into the soul-less eyes of these serpent sisters leads to venomous consequences and a stone-cold eternity. There’s no escaping these sinister sirens once you’ve been added to their succulent garden of souls.
Scary Tale Road – Location: Rhinefield
Once upon a time, these fairy tale fantasies lured you to sleep with picturesque places and harmonious heroes. Survival is slim as these childhood icons have been ripped from the pages and are now haunting your dreams.
Meat Market – Location: New France
Fresh meat! The denizens of this devious dwelling are serving up delectable delicatessen and gorging on human hors d’oeuvres.
Ripper Row – Location: England
Don’t wander the streets of Whitechapel after dark – you never know who you might run in to. Murder, mayhem, and mistaken identities abound in the back alleys of this English town.
Roaming Hack Pack – Location: Where you least expect it
This roaming horde of monsters has one objective— to remind the most confident and unsuspecting guests that there is no place to hide at Howl-O-Scream®. You may hear the roar of their chainsaws coming, or you might not…
Shows for 2023 Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
Don’t miss this year’s four spirited productions that are said to be “worth dying for.” Guests can enjoy showtimes throughout the day in indoor theatres and in Ireland village. Keep reading to see more about each one.
Skeletones – This lively brass quartet leaves nothing but bones on San Marco stage in Festa Italia. Take a break from the scares with this spooky ensemble. This is an outdoor show so grab dinner or a snack nearby at Marco Polo’s Marketplace.
Monster Stomp® on Ripper Row – Opens September 29
This modern rock and rhythm spectacular features Jack the Ripper like you’ve never seen him before. Electrifying percussion, dynamic dance and sensational singing return to Globe Theatre stage in a pulse-pounding revue. This is a must see show located indoors i England when you enter the park.
Jack is Back – The popular disco dance celebration returns to Ireland village with pumpkins, scarecrows and Howl-O-Scream’s® legendary character, Jack.
Phantoms of the Festhaus – This isn’t your typical singing contest. Join the living audience as your favorite ghouls take on spooky hits, and the winner is put to vote.
BOOze Bars at Howl-O-Scream
BOOZE BARS – Stop by one of the four themed BOOze bars located throughout the park for liquid courage to tackle your greatest fears. Become the mastermind behind the scares at the interactive Control Bar, where guests can initiate scares in different villages and houses with the push of a button.
Stop by one of the six themed BOOze bars located throughout the park for liquid courage and a sinister snack to tackle your greatest fears.
New! OktoberTaps – Octoberfest
Stone-Cold Spirits – Italy Gardens
Pete’s Provisions – New France
Jack’s Nightcap – Ireland
Frost Bar – Oktoberfest
BarKastle Spirits – Oktoberfest
Control Lab at Inoculation is your chance to take part in the scares. By the push of a button you can activate a scare and watch as your victim jumps out of their skin. 5 scares is $3 or 10 scares for $5.
Don’t forget to stop by some of the shops for Halloween swag including shirts, decorations, jewelry, and much more.
There are absolutely no costumes allowed in the park for the general public. But if you want to join in the Halloween fun, we would recommend getting your face airbrushed. I had my whole face done in under 5 minutes. It is easy, silly and you look crazy in selfies which is great fun.
Howl-O-Scream opens September 8 and will run on select days through October 31. Get your tickets NOW!
Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place at 6 p.m. when the Howl-O-Scream haunts come out. Guests should consider the park’s elevated scare factor when deciding whether Howl-O-Scream is appropriate for young children after 6 pm. If your little ones do not like scary creatures coming at them with chainsaws, or creatures jumping out from the woods, then you might plan to end your visit at 5:45 pm. They will have a great time during the day and for older kids, teen and adults – Howl-O-Scream is a great time anytime!
The Count’s Spooktacular at Busch Gardens 2023
During the daytime Howl-O-Scream has lots of fun kid friendly activities including trick or treating, hay maze, character fun and more. Learn about Howl-O-Scream for younger kids here at The Count’s Spooktacular on Saturdays and Sundays Sept 23 – Oct 29, 2023.
For more information visit Busch Gardens. For the latest discounts on tickets visit our Busch Gardens Ticket Discount post HERE.
We hope this review helped you decide to enjoy Howl-O-Scream with your family this season. It is a scream-fest-of-a-good-time – it’s official..we love it!
Want to read more about Busch Gardens? Check out our other Unofficial Guides:
Busch Garden: Unofficial Guide (great tips from locals)
Busch Garden’s Food & Wine Festival Unofficial Guide
WilliamsburgFamilies.com is a member of the Thrill Chasers™ Blogger Ambassador team and is invited to attend new ride and show openings as well as review food and events at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
