Around October there is a separate ticketed event at Busch Gardens called the Howl-o-Scream party.

Various haunted houses and "scare zones" are created, the lights are dimmed, and hundreds of actors attempt to make you jump!

While the park is converted from the day time theme park to the horror show, guests can either wait outside or pay to view a show which also includes a all-you-can-eat buffet.

The event places focus on haunted houses, "Scare Zones," and shows that pertain to a specific theme. The haunted houses are enclosed areas with specific storylines and highly themed decor.

Typically, they lead guests through a somewhat claustrophobic maze with various features designed to startle, confuse, or disquiet those who enter using a combination of strobe lights, fog machines, and other instruments of this sort. Scare zones are similar to haunted houses; however, they are outdoor areas set in the main paths. Scare Zones also feature a specific theme and contain objects used in haunted houses: typically people dressed up as creatures pertaining to the theme, fog machines, strobe lights, and also decor (boxes, broken street lights, and similar accoutrement) pertaining to the theme.

The shows are similar in structure to the standard stage shows shown at Busch Gardens; however, they have a Halloween setting, and feature dark humor and grotesque scenery.