Howl-O-Scream 2026
Haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows, and nighttime thrill rides.
13 haunted experiences near East Lake.
East Lake is home to over a dozen haunted happenings this season. For a major scare, consider Busch Gardens Tampa's extensive attractions. If a more intimate, potentially family-friendly experience is preferred, look to local gatherings. Whether you're seeking an all-out fright-fest or a community event, there are numerous ways to celebrate the season. Some attractions are ticketed events in nearby cities, while others offer a more accessible, local celebration.
Over 50 treat stations, a costume contest, flash mob, and movie.
Old Hollywood glamour meets Tampa's ghostly past at the Cuban Club.
Featuring a live shadow cast performance by Beyond Any Measure.
Nightly walking tour exploring Downtown Tampa's haunted history and tragic past.
See all haunted houses, trails, and scare attractions in your area.
The walk-through itself runs 15-30 minutes per attraction, but budget 2-3 hours once you add parking, queues, and the midway. A multi-haunt park with four attractions is a full 4-hour evening on a busy Saturday. Plan food beforehand or on-site, and don't schedule a movie or dinner reservation after a peak-weekend haunt trip; overruns are the rule, not the exception.
Many run lights-on matinees, no-actor daytime walk-throughs, or designated family hours early in the evening, usually on weekend afternoons for a lower price. These let kids, nervous friends, and prop-design fans see the sets without ambushes. Some haunts also sell glow necklaces that signal actors to dial back scares. Check the schedule page for "family," "junior," or "lights-on" listings.
Your ticket assigns a 15-30 minute entry window, not a guaranteed walk-in time; you still queue within your slot. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for parking and scanning. Miss your window and you're usually folded into the next slot only if capacity allows. On the last two October weekends, book the earliest window you can tolerate, because delays stack as the night goes on.