As the leaves begin to turn and the cool breeze of autumn sweeps through the air, a thrilling transformation takes place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia. The sun sets earlier, and an eerie atmosphere descends upon the park as it prepares to host its annual Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream.
This spine-tingling extravaganza has become a staple for those seeking a unique blend of heart-pounding scares and captivating entertainment.
From day to night
What was once a daytime amusement park becomes a playground for the macabre once the clock strikes dusk. Howl-O-Scream transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg into a realm of terror where haunted houses, scare zones, and shows take center stage. The transition is as captivating as it is chilling, with ordinary park areas assuming sinister undertones that stir up a sense of anticipation and dread.
Haunted Houses
One of the cornerstones of Howl-O-Scream is its collection of haunted houses, each designed to immerse visitors in a world of terror. These houses are meticulously crafted, featuring elaborate sets, Hollywood-quality special effects, and a cast of actors who are experts at sending shivers down your spine.
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.
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.
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?
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.
KILLarney DIEner: 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.
Terror-tories
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.
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.
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.
Meat Market –
Fresh meat! The denizens of this devious dwelling are serving up delectable delicatessen and gorging on human hors d’oeuvres.
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.
Sinister shows
Don’t miss our four spirited productions that are said to be “worth dying for.” Guests can enjoy showtimes throughout the day and night.
Skeletones – These lively musicians and singers leave nothing but bones on San Marco stage in Italy.
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.
Jack is Back – The popular disco dance celebration returns to Ireland village with pumpkins, scarecrows and Howl-O-Scream’s leading character, Jack.
Monster Stomp on Ripper Row – This modern rock and rhythm spectacular features Jack the Ripper like you’ve never seen him before.
Howl-O-Scream goes beyond the scares with its lineup of eerie entertainment. From captivating stage shows that blend theatrical talent with eerie storytelling to roaming performers who interact with the crowd, the event offers a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of interests. These shows provide a brief respite from the intense scares and allow visitors to appreciate the artistry and creativity behind the event.
Other experiences
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…
Sinister Smiles Photo Opportunities – Step right up and don a devilish grin with two of our most devious fiends. Jack, our mischievous Howl-O-Scream® gourd, is ready for his close-up. Are you?
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.
Sinister Shopping – From frightfully fashionable apparel to haunting home goods, our selection of spooky shops offer an array of gifts to help you relive the thrills of Howl-O-Scream long after your terror-filled evening has ended.
Face painting artists are also available throughout the park to help transform faces into frightening demons, skeletons, and everything in between.
A Tradition of Terror
Since its inception, Howl-O-Scream has evolved from a small-scale event to a grand Halloween tradition, drawing crowds from near and far. It has become a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers, horror enthusiasts, and those who revel in the excitement of the Halloween season.
With each passing year, the event pushes the boundaries of fear, introducing new concepts and technologies to keep guests on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is more than a collection of haunted houses and scare zones; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of fear and excitement. The event skillfully blends artistry, entertainment, and horror, creating an experience that lingers in the minds of visitors long after they leave.
Whether you’re drawn to the heart-pounding scares or the mesmerizing entertainment, Howl-O-Scream offers an unforgettable Halloween adventure that continues to captivate and terrify all who dare to enter its haunted domain.
Howl-O-Sceam is open September 8 through October 31.