We now know all of the details behind this year’s Howl-O-Scream event at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, including what’s new and what’s returning. So with that, just like we do every year, we’re here with our annual guide and thoughts on this year’s event.

First of all, the basics. Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream will run select nights starting September 8th through October 31st, 2023, Halloween Night. Visit buschgardens.com for ticket options, as all tickets are now on sale, including add ons such as Quick Queue. If you are already a Busch Gardens member, then Howl-O-Scream is included in the cost of your membership.

Note that Event Hours are generally 6pm to close, though Howl-O-Scream shows will likely show during the day as well.

Houses

  • Lost Mines: The Descent: Deep in the depths of an underground gem mine, once-human inhabitants shield their riches after being trapped below the earth for generations. This mutated community now bears supernatural skin, daggerlike claws and disturbing sores doubling as a disguise. As you journey deeper, the shimmer of precious stones reflects in their vile eyes, revealing a dark hunger for both wealth and the flesh of the intruders who dare to tread their forsaken realm. (Pompeii building)
  • Death Water Bayou: Full Moon: As devilish devotees are beckoned deeper into the bayou by an unseen force, this swamp walks the line between our world and the next. 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. (Behind Roman Rapids)
  • Nevermore: Chapter 3: The pages are turning for another chapter of the Nevermore saga. Tales of torment and terror take frightening form as Poe’s poignant prose returns with a bloody twist and an even darker reality. The walls whisper with verses of madness, and every step unravels a new stanza of dread in this nightmarish literary labyrinth. Will you make it out of this horrifying epilogue alive? (Drachen Fire Station)
  • Witch of the Woods: Scorched: After decades of destruction and damage from the devious Witch of the Woods, the villagers united to scorch her forbidden forest. Their cold-blooded plan failed, and the menacing ringleader is back with vigor and vengeance. Her cackles echo through the charred trees, a chilling reminder that even fire couldn’t put an end to her malevolent power. (Woods behind Festhaus)
  • KILLarney Diner: Infested: Order’s up! Patrons at this demented diner will soon learn that their bistro has been overtaken by bloodcurdling bugs and ghastly creatures. Amidst the crawling horrors, the jukebox eerily springs to life, playing twisted tunes that seem to mock the impending doom. With exterminators enroute, tonight’s blue-plate special may be your last. (Killarney Show Building)

Terror-Tories

  • NEW Fest-Evil: 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. (Festa Italia)
  • Gorgon 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. (Italy Gardens)
  • Scary Tale Road: 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. (Rhinefeld)
  • Meat Market: Fresh meat! The denizens of this devious dwelling are serving up delectable delicatessen and gorging on human hors d’oeuvres. (New France)
  • Ripper Row: 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. (England)
  • A Roaming Hack Pack: 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

  • 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 a NEW lineup of your favorite ghouls take on spooky hits, and the winner is put to vote. The more spirited the audience is, the more exciting the competition is.
  • 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.
  • Monster Stomp on Ripper Row: 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. (Opens September 29)

BOOze Bars & Bites 

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 – Oktoberfest
  • Stone-Cold Spirits –Italy Gardens
  •  Pete’s Provisions – New France
  •  Jack’s Nightcap – Ireland
  •  Frost Bar – Oktoberfest
  •  BarKastle Spirits – Oktoberfest