The 2026 Howl-O-Scream dates bring a big calendar change at SeaWorld Orlando and a later kickoff at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Halloween season planning just got interesting in Central Florida. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have officially posted their 2026 Howl-O-Scream calendars. Of course, they have changed them online at least three times as of today! For the first time in years, the two events won’t mirror each other’s opening strategy. Here’s what horror fans need to know.
Howl-O-Scream Dates: SeaWorld Orlando Changes Its Pattern in 2026
In previous years, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream typically launched one week after Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. That staggered Howl-O-Scream dates schedule created a natural rhythm for haunt fans planning their September calendars. That changes in 2026.
According to the SeaWorld Orlando website, Howl-O-Scream will begin September 18, 2026, running on select evenings through October 31. That is basically two weeks later than last year. (See update below)
Notably, this means:
- The event will start three weeks after Halloween Horror Nights
- It will avoid Labor Day weekend
- It will conclude on Saturday, October 31, which is Halloween
The later start date is significant. SeaWorld Orlando appears to be deliberately avoiding Labor Day weekend crowds. That is something Busch Gardens is not doing (until today!). Ending on Halloween night makes logistical sense, especially with October 31 landing on a Saturday. Expect that final weekend to be one of the busiest of the season.
UPDATE July 3, 2026: SeaWorld Orlando’s website now indicates a Howl-O-Scream date to start of September 11. However, we know from covering this that the dates have changed several times over the last few months. We advise caution about this start date remaining the same. This means that SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream 2026 will start on the same day as Howl-O-Scream in Tampa at Busch Gardens.
Howl-O-Scream Dates: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Switches to September 11 Start
Over in Tampa, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will kick off September 11, 2026. This was previously announced as starting on Labor Day weekend. That opening could have made for an extremely busy launch, as holiday weekend attendance traditionally spikes. While SeaWorld Orlando has chosen to move away from that timing, Busch Gardens recently followed suit. Additionally, the last night of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be November 1. Of course, this date change makes it look like ticket sales are down, but that is just speculation.
It’s possible Busch Gardens could adjust its calendar later, but as of now, the two Florida Howl-O-Scream events will begin on different weekends. For haunt fans, that staggered schedule may actually be a win. Those hoping to attend both opening weekends won’t have to choose between Orlando and Tampa.
Friday the 13th Spotlight at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens also featured a special Friday the 13th event as part of its 2026 promotional lineup. The park promoted its one-night-only “Love at First Fright” experience, a limited event that brings a twisted romantic theme to the haunt season. (You can read more details about that special night here: https://www.mainstmagic.com/one-night-only-love-at-first-fright-busch-gardens/) Spoiler: It did involve a lights-on house walk-through. However, it was a very restrictive event and may not have gone as the sales team intended.
What This Means for Florida’s Haunt Season
The 2026 haunt calendar now looks like this:
- September 11 – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens
- September 18 – SeaWorld Orlando opens
- October 31 (Saturday) – SeaWorld Orlando’s last night
- November 1 (Sunday) – Busch Gardens’ last night
This creates:
- A delayed, post-HHN strategy in Orlando
- Easier scheduling for die-hard haunt fans
- A potentially massive final Halloween weekend
With Halloween falling on a Saturday, expect October 30–31 to be among the most crowded haunt nights across Florida. As always, both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are expected to feature haunted houses, scare zones, specialty food and beverage offerings, and separately ticketed nighttime access distinct from daytime park operations. More details on houses and themes should arrive later this spring and summer.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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