TAMPA, Fla. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing back its annual Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream, the theme parks announced Tuesday.


What You Need To Know

  • Howl-O-Scream will run on select nights from Sept. 25-Nov. 1

  • Busch Gardens implementing changes due to pandemic

  • There will be no indoor haunted houses this year

The event will run on select nights from September 25 to November 1, but with a few changes due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of traditional indoor haunted houses, the event will feature open-air scare zones.

“The creative production team has been consulting with medical experts and has modified this year’s event content with a focus on open-air scare zones and entertainment, as well as enhanced health and safety measures, while staying true to the core of this fan-favorite experience,” the park said in a news release.

The enhanced safety measures include face masks requirements for employees and visitors as well as an emphasis on physical-distancing.

Howl-O-Scream, which is a separate ticket event, will have limited capacity. Advance online reservations will be required, according Busch Gardens’ website.

Busch Gardens deciding to move forward with Howl-O-Scream comes other theme parks have canceled their big Halloween events. Disney World canceled its Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in June, while Universal Orlando called off this year’s edition of Halloween Horror Nights last month.

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