The fog is rolling in and the screams are getting louder—Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream is back for 2025, promising another fear-fueled season of frightful fun. From September 5 through November 2 on select nights, the entire park will transform into a scream-filled nightmare with five haunted houses, six terror-tories, four sinister shows, and 10 world-class coasters running after dark.
For haunt fans in Virginia and beyond, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most intense yet.
What We Know So Far
Howl-O-Scream kicks off on Thursday, September 5, and continues through Saturday, November 2, operating on select nights. Specific dates and times will be listed on the Busch Gardens Williamsburg calendar, but if past years are any indication, you can expect extended hours on weekends as Halloween approaches.
Important Note for Families:
All family and kid-friendly areas, including Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons, will close nightly at 5:00 PM to allow the park to transition into its mature, horror-focused event. After 6:00 PM, parental discretion is strongly advised, as the scares become amplified and are not recommended for children.
The Frightening Features
5 Haunted Houses
These walkthrough nightmares are packed with dark corridors, lurking horrors, and enough jump scares to keep even the bravest on edge. While the full list of houses has yet to be officially announced, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known for both its detailed set design and creative storylines that rival larger haunt events.
Stay tuned—returning fan favorites or brand-new nightmares could be announced any day.
6 Terror-Tories™
No corner of the park is safe. The six terror-tories (scare zones) are outdoor environments teeming with roaming monsters, immersive theming, and plenty of heart-pounding moments. These zones are a big part of what makes Howl-O-Scream such a fully enveloping experience—you’re never far from your next scream.
4 Sinister Shows
Theatrical productions during Howl-O-Scream are more than filler—they’re a destination. With moody music, dance, comedy, and chilling storylines, these shows are designed to entertain and disturb in equal measure. They’re also a great way to rest your feet without letting your guard down.
Coasters at Night
If you’ve only ridden Busch Gardens’ coasters during the day, you’re missing half the fun. Howl-O-Scream invites guests to brave all 10 of the park’s record-breaking coasters in the dark, giving classics like Griffon, Pantheon, and Verbolten a thrilling, shadow-soaked twist.
Enhance the Fear: Howl-O-Scream Tours
Looking to go beyond the standard screams? Special guided tours will be available to offer behind-the-scenes looks at what makes Howl-O-Scream tick. From makeup and costuming to haunted house secrets, these tours are a must for any die-hard haunt enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg continues to grow in scale and intensity each year, solidifying its status as a must-do Halloween destination on the East Coast. With a blend of theme park thrills and immersive scares, it strikes a balance between traditional amusement and theatrical horror.
We’ll update with house names, scare zone themes, and show details as they’re released—so stay tuned. In the meantime, mark your calendar and start working on your scream face.
Are you ready to brave the screams this fall?
Let us know what you’re most excited to see return—or what new terror you hope lurks behind the next dark corner.
