Time to Scare Up Some Summer Fun
If you’re counting down the days until Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, you’re in luck—because the terror starts early this year. Summer Scream is back for one weekend only, serving up spine-tingling chills and creepy delights in the middle of the sweltering Florida summer. On Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, guests can enjoy a special sneak peek of all things scary, featuring haunted house tours, frightful shopping, creepy cocktails, and encounters with some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.
Whether you’re a diehard horror fan or just love the thrill of Halloween in the heat, Summer Scream is the perfect appetizer for the full course of fear coming this fall.
A Haunting Afternoon at Stranglewood Estate
Step inside one of Howl-O-Scream’s most iconic haunted houses, Stranglewood Estate, for a special guided walk-through. Offered during two limited-time windows each day, these tours take you deep into the lore of the infamous estate. Guides stationed throughout the house will share eerie backstories, highlight newly added haunted effects, and reveal the dark secrets that make this house a fan favorite.
Expect atmospheric chills, a few uninvited surprises, and a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the scares. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build Busch Gardens’ signature frights, this is your chance to find out—just don’t get too comfortable. At Stranglewood Estate, the past never rests.
The Haunted House Pop-Up Shop: Frights You Can Take Home
As part of the Summer Scream experience, guests can browse an exclusive haunted house shopping spree that’s brimming with eerie charm. From vintage Howl-O-Scream t-shirts to creepy collectibles and macabre memorabilia, this pop-up shop offers one-of-a-kind items that every scream-seeker will love.
Some items are retired, some are rare, and all of them are packed with nostalgia from Howl-O-Scream’s dark and twisted history. It’s a fang-tastic opportunity to snag a piece of the past before it vanishes into the shadows.
Cool Off with Creepy Cocktails
After your haunted house tour and shopping spree, chill out with a creepy cocktail crafted especially for this event. Served in limited-edition Howl-O-Scream souvenir cups (available while supplies last), these drinks are just the right mix of refreshing and frightful. Sip slowly—you never know what’s lurking behind the bar.
Creepy Crawly Keeper Talks: Nature’s Scariest Stars
Head over to Animal Connections near the flamingos for live animal presentations that are both educational and spine-tingling. These Creepy Crawly Keeper Talks highlight the role of slithering snakes, eight-legged crawlers, and other creatures that tend to steal the spotlight every Halloween.
Talk Times:
2:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM
Hear fascinating facts, learn about natural behaviors, and get an up-close look at these often misunderstood animals. Perfect for families, fans of the strange and unusual, and anyone curious about what goes bump—or hiss—in the wild.
A Mid-Summer Night’s Scream
Summer Scream is a rare chance to experience Halloween-style chills while the sun is still high and the air is still hot. It’s Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s way of keeping the spirit of Howl-O-Scream alive all year long—and giving fans a taste of what’s to come this fall.
Don’t miss your chance to:
- Walk through Stranglewood Estate with insider commentary
- Grab rare haunted house merchandise
- Sip spine-chilling cocktails
- Learn from expert animal keepers
- And most importantly—get in the Halloween spirit early
Come for the chills, stay for the thrills.
This weekend only. Will you survive the scream?
Get Ready for the Real Terror This Fall
Can’t wait for more? To prepare yourself for the upcoming Howl-O-Scream season, check out CoasterMedia’s Halloween Guide on Howl-O-Scream Tampa! From haunted house lineups and scare zone strategies to insider tips and must-see experiences, it’s your go-to resource for planning the ultimate night of fright.
Stay tuned, stay brave—and we’ll see you in the fog.
