Fall is upon us, and that means one thing—spooky season is here!
If you're a fan of Halloween, you're in for a treat because Busch Gardens Williamsburg is pulling out all the stops with two incredible seasonal events: Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Spooktacular. Even better? Members of the military can enjoy exclusive discounts to experience these fall favorites.
Whether you’re a fan of thrilling scares or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes these Halloween events a must-see, and how military families can save big!
BUSCH GARDENS HOWL-O-SCREAM®
Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns this fall in full-force celebrating 25 years of fear with ALL-NEW scares, taking over the entire park with five haunted houses, six terror-tories™, four sinister shows and more.
Unsuspecting horrors await their victims at every turn. Plus, guests can test their thrill threshold with 9 world-class coasters at night, offering a completely different ride experience.
Parental discretion is advised after 6:00 PM, as this year’s event contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children.
WHEN
Selelct nights September 6, 2024-November 3, 2024 from 6pm to close.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
A Sesame Street® Halloween Event
Celebrate not-too-spooky daytime family fun at Busch Gardens’ Halloween Spooktacular in festively decorated Sesame Street Forest of Fun. On Saturdays & Sundays from Sept. 21 - Nov. 3, kids (ages nine and under) are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and join the Halloween fun including exciting, family-friendly rides, our haze maze, a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt and our costume parade.
Enjoy Sesame Street-themed shows including Countdown to Halloween, the ALL-NEW, interactive Monster Mayhem Game Show and the Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party. Trick-or-treat throughout Wild Reserve to gather special Halloween treats and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed up in costume.
Don’t miss not-too-spooky family-friendly fun every weekend at Sesame Street Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
MILITARY DISCOUNTS
1. Military Discounts on Annual Membership for Active Military
Get your 2025 Military Pass today and enjoy unlimited visits for the rest of 2024 at no additional cost! This special offer includes access to both Halloween events and the magical ChristmasTown. The Military Pass is a fantastic way to honor and thank active military members and their families. You can't beat the price.
Busch Gardens & Water Country USA 2025 Military Pass
We are excited to offer Active-Duty Military and their families this great product. You can enjoy unlimited visits to our theme park, water park and general parking during through Jan. 1, 2026.
What do I get with a Military Pass?
- Unlimited Visits--Enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Williamsburg including Howl-O-Scream, Water Country USA, and Christmas Town™ now thru Jan. 1, 2026. Please see park hours prior to your visit. Please see park hours prior to your visit.
- Christmas Event--Celebrate the holidays and New Year with loved ones at Christmas Town.
- Free Parking--Get free General Parking at our parks.
Active-Duty Military can get this offer online through GovX or through their MWR Office. Offer is only valid for admission and general parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg including Howl-O-Scream, Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town. Does not include discounts, Membership benefits or Membership events. Active Duty, Military Dependents, National Guard, Reserve, and Retired with a military ID and MWR privileges may purchase the Military Pass at their local MWR offices. Military Pass expires Jan. 1, 2026.
COST: The price for the Military Pass is $130.85 online. Prices may vary at your local MWR/ITT offices.
2. Waves of Honor Free Admission
The Waves of Honor Program provides military personnel and up to three direct dependents one complimentary admission per year to either SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® or Sesame Place®. This program is not valid at Water Country USA®, Adventure Island®, Aquatica® water parks or Discovery Cove®.
• Service Members and their direct dependents must have a valid Active-Military ID in order to participate.
• Spouses must log in under the Active-Duty Member's account in order to take advantage of the dependent tickets.
• Military guests must register online, print tickets and visit by Nov. 3, 2024.
• Limited-Time Offer: Complimentary ticket(s) purchased after Aug. 5, 2024 may be used to visit Water Country USA thru Sept.15, 2024 instead of Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
3. Discounted 1-Day Tickets
Active-Duty Military can get up to six discounted tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
- Offers extend to any United States Active-Duty Military (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force), Activated or Drilling Reservist, or National Guardsman currently serving
- 1-Day Tickets must be obtained online and redeemed at the park within one year from date of purchase
- Multi-Day Tickets must be obtained online and redeemed at the park within 6 months from date of purchase
4. Veterans Discounted 1-Day Tickets
Veterans can get up to six discounted tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
- Offers extend to U.S. Veterans, retirees and Inactive Ready Reservists who have been honorably served
- Former service member must provide proof of service in order to participate
WHAT'S NEW IN 2025
NEW YEAR. NEW REASONS TO VISIT.
Prepare for a monumental year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, filled with popular events throughout the entire year, as the park celebrates 50 years of operation in 2025. These fan-favorite events give guests endless reasons to come back again and again. The lineup includes:
- Mardi Gras: Let the good times roll with jazzy live music, classic Cajun flavors, and electrifying entertainment throughout all nine of Busch Gardens’ villages during this exciting New Orleans-style event for the whole family.
- Food & Wine Festival: Embark on a culinary journey throughout the world’s most beautiful theme park, sipping and sampling international flavors and local favorites.
- Bier Fest Brews & BBQ: Sip and savor seasonal brew offerings and new beer-inspired recipes at Virginia’s largest beer and barbecue festival.
- Howl-O-Scream: There’s nowhere to hide at Virginia’s premier Halloween event. Take on haunted houses, sinister shows and thrills as terror transforms the entire park.
- Christmas Town: Celebrate the holidays with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and holiday-inspired culinary delights.
That’s just a taste of what’s in store for 2025 at the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park.
Are you ready to experience it all?
