Howl-O-Scream 2016 Tickets On Sale

TAMPA, FL — Just because there’s a long, hot summer standing between now and fall doesn’t mean it’s too early to begin gearing up for Halloween.

At least that’s the thinking of the folks at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. They announced Wednesday morning that tickets for Howl-O-Scream 2016 are now officially on sale. The annual haunted spectacular, staged to coincide with Halloween, kicks off on Sept. 23 and runs through Oct. 30.

This year’s theme has been announced as “Evil Encore,” with a “Freaky Preview” set to take place on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24. The event will then run Thursday through Sunday nights Sept. 29 through Oct. 30 with operating hours set for 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Busch Gardens has announced a ticket deal for early birds eager to get their scare on this fall. For a limited time, the park is offering a Summer Deal, which provides any single-day admission to Howl-O-Scream for $45 and includes early access to the park starting at 5 p.m.

Busch Gardens pass members are also being offered a limited-time discount for $35. New this year, pass members can buy two visits to Howl-O-Scream for $50.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event. That means entry to the park during regular hours requires a different ticket. No costumes are allowed.

For more information, visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay online.