Looking for Halloween fun in Williamsburg, Virginia? Busch Gardens Williamsburg has something for everyone this fall, from terrifying haunted houses and nighttime roller coasters to family-friendly trick-or-treating with your favorite Sesame Street characters.

Even better, Busch Gardens offers special military ticket and membership discounts for active-duty service members and veterans, making it a great destination for military families.

Here’s everything you need to know about the park’s 2026 Halloween celebrations, military savings and what’s coming in 2027.

Howl-O-Scream 2026: Experience Virginia’s Premier Halloween Event

Dates: September 11 – November 1, 2026 Hours: Select nights, beginning at 6 PM

Get ready for a frighteningly fun experience! Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms into a Halloween destination during its annual Howl-O-Scream celebration, featuring haunted attractions, live entertainment and thrilling roller coaster rides after dark.

This year’s event includes:

• 5 Haunted Houses: Navigate dark corridors, encounter unexpected scares and experience elaborate haunted environments.

• 5 Terror-Tories: Explore scare zones throughout the park, where frightening characters and surprises await.

• 4 Sinister Shows: Experience Halloween-themed live entertainment.

• Nighttime Roller Coasters: Enjoy the park’s thrilling rides after sunset for an entirely different experience.

• Special Event Upgrades: Enhance your visit with available priority access and other experiences.

Howl-O-Scream takes place on select nights and is included with applicable park admission.

Because the event features intense scares, parents should use discretion when bringing younger children.

Important: Costumes are not permitted during Howl-O-Scream. The park also has special bag restrictions and does not allow re-entry after 8 PM.

*Learn about Busch Garden’s Chaperone Policy

Explore Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Halloween Spooktacular: Not-Too-Spooky Fun for Kids

Dates: September 19 – November 1, 2026 Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 5 PM

Traveling with younger children? Busch Gardens Williamsburg also offers Halloween Spooktacular, a daytime celebration featuring Sesame Street characters, festive decorations and family-friendly activities.

Held in the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, Halloween Spooktacular is designed for children who want to experience the excitement of Halloween without the frightening attractions.

Families can enjoy:

• Trick-or-Treating: Children can collect Halloween treats throughout the Wild Reserve.

• Sesame Street Entertainment: Enjoy Countdown to Halloween, the interactive Monster Mayhem Game Show and the Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party.

• Halloween Costumes: Children ages nine and younger are welcome to wear their favorite costumes.

• Character Photo Opportunities: Meet Sesame Street friends dressed in their Halloween costumes.

• Additional Activities: Explore the hay maze, Halloween-themed scavenger hunt and family-friendly rides.

Halloween Spooktacular is included with regular park admission.

MilitaryBridge Tip: Families with younger children should plan to enjoy the daytime festivities before Howl-O-Scream begins at 6 PM.

Explore Halloween Spooktacular

What’s Coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2027?

New year, new reasons to visit!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is preparing for another exciting year filled with seasonal festivals, live entertainment, delicious food and thrilling attractions.

Here’s a preview of the seasonal events announced for 2027.

Mardi Gras

Let the good times roll! Celebrate New Orleans-style with lively jazz music, Cajun-inspired flavors and electrifying entertainment throughout all nine of Busch Gardens’ European-themed villages.

Food & Wine Festival

Embark on a culinary journey around the world without leaving Virginia. Sample international cuisine, discover new flavors and enjoy local favorites during this popular culinary celebration.

Bier Fest Brews & BBQ

Enjoy seasonal brews, delicious barbecue and beer-inspired recipes during Virginia’s largest beer and barbecue festival.

Howl-O-Scream

Halloween thrills return in 2027! Prepare for haunted houses, terrifying entertainment and spooky experiences as Busch Gardens transforms into a Halloween destination.

Christmas Town

Celebrate the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights, festive entertainment and holiday-inspired culinary delights.

With celebrations planned throughout the year, a military-discounted membership may be worth considering for families who want to visit more than once.

Additional event details and 2027 dates will be announced by Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Military Discounts for Active Duty and Veterans

One of the benefits of visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg is its military appreciation program, which offers several ways for eligible service members, veterans and their families to save.

Whether you’re planning a Halloween adventure, a Christmas Town visit or multiple trips throughout the year, Busch Gardens offers special military ticket and membership options worth exploring.

Active-Duty Military Discounts

Eligible active-duty service members, activated or drilling reservists and National Guard members have access to several special offers.

Waves of Honor: Complimentary Admission

Through the Waves of Honor program, eligible military personnel and up to three direct dependents can receive one complimentary admission annually to a participating park.

For Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the current 2026 offer requires registration and redemption by November 8, 2026.

Discounted Military Tickets

Eligible active-duty military personnel can purchase up to six discounted tickets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.

Discounted Military Memberships

Special military pricing is available for qualifying Unlimited Memberships, including admission to seasonal events such as Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.

Membership benefits may include:

• Unlimited admission for 12 months without blockout dates.

• Admission to Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.

• Free general parking.

• Three complimentary guest tickets distributed throughout the year.

• Up to 10% off eligible in-park purchases.

• Additional membership benefits and rewards.

Offers and membership pricing are available after military verification through ID.me.

Explore Busch Gardens Active-Duty Military Discounts

Military Veteran Discounts

Busch Gardens Williamsburg also provides military appreciation offers for eligible veterans, retirees and Inactive Ready Reservists.

Discounted Military Memberships

Eligible veterans can access special pricing on one-park and two-park Unlimited Memberships.

Qualifying memberships include seasonal event admission, free general parking, complimentary guest tickets and additional membership benefits.

Veterans Appreciation Promotions

Busch Gardens periodically offers complimentary or discounted admission promotions for eligible veterans.

The 2026 complimentary admission and 50%-off ticket promotion required registration by August 30 and visits by September 1, so that particular offer has expired.

Veterans should check the official offers page for current promotions and verify eligibility through ID.me.

Explore Busch Gardens Military Veteran Discounts

MilitaryBridge Tip: Consider a Military Membership

If you’re planning to visit Busch Gardens for Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town or multiple seasonal events in 2027, compare the discounted military membership with the cost of individual tickets.

A membership could provide additional value, particularly if you plan to visit several times throughout the year.

Eligibility, discount availability and program terms are subject to change.