While 2020 has already taken so much away from the haunt community we still have some of our fall favorites trying to keep the celebration alive. Bush Gardens Tampa is doing it’s best to bring a chill to the Florida coast with the heavily modified Howl-O-Scream event that runs Friday to Sunday nights, September 25th through November 1st. Details have been released on ten new health-and-safety-measure-enhanced scare zones which guests will experience instead of the normal houses this year.

So, when the darkness descends what will we find? Let’s begin with the *four* NEW zones…

Lycan Landing

This area promises a campground full moon experience every night and we all certainly know how some people get really moody when their moon cycle isn’t right. Expect a hair raising and howlingly good time.

The Shortcut

Cutting through a creepy old cemetery is always a good idea in horror movies, right? Put that theory to the test here! The Shortcut offers the chance to save a few precious moments of travel time as long as you aren’t concerned with a possible–er, probable–undead menace.

The Junkyard

Speaking of bad horror movie ideas, wander through The Junkyard and discover just how wise a choice that is. Surely any inhabitants are of the most friendly kind…or maybe not.

The Escape

Rounding out the new zones this year is The Escape. Since Bush Gardens theme park is apparently quite close to the neighboring Grey Echo Penitentiary where many disturbed inmates have recently escaped I guess black and orange is the latest in Halloween color schemes! Well, maybe not the *latest* colors. None of this should be a problem on a dark night with limited security.

As for those returning this year, look out for some great zones including…

First Fear

This celebration of the event’s first two decades features many recognizable park icons from throughout the past 20 years.

Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares, with its dark & twisted take on trick or treating, is a favorite from last year. Wait, where’s the candy?!?

Mania Midway

Psycho clowns…’nuff said!

Deadly Toys

If you hear a “buzz” it’s probably coming from a chain saw and the only “woody” is a bat being swung at your head. Go on and say “Andy’s coming!” here. Dare you.

Hell on Wheels

It’s a post-apocalyptic world out there in Hell on Wheels. When moms have had a hard day of home-homeschooling they couldn’t be more ready to don biker gear and go out looking for food & supplies. Heather in leather, people! It’s the end of the world as we know it. (More Mad Max really, but couldn’t resist.)

Dia De Los Muertos

Finally another favorite from last year, Dia De Los Muertos, which celebrates the iconic Mexican festival with vibrant colors, dancing, costumes, and tastes not to miss.

Fiends Show

Also returning this year is the Fiends Show only now this takes place in the spacious outdoor festival field stage. For some reason…

As part of the announcement Bush Gardens has promised to carry over select menu favorites from the currently running Bier Fest–huzzah! Those can be enjoyed in the festival field stage area so put the theory that beer and pretzels make anything better to the ultimate test!

This will also be the best time to experience some of the greatest coasters in Central Florida with all the required social distance and cleaning protocols in place for ultimate safety. Plus, it’s all in the dark of night for a truly amazing experience.

Discounts are available for annual pass holders.  Grab tickets fast as they are very limited. For more information visit: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/howl-o-scream/

All photos credits: Bush Gardens