Despite a pandemic, Busch Gardens’ annual Halloween event Howl-O-Scream is set to continue this fall for 18 nights, along with some major changes and preventative measures.
Now in it’s 21st installment, this year’s event will be modified with a focus on open-air entertainment and scare zones, as well as increased health and safety measures throughout the park. According to a statement, the event will have significantly limited capacity to ensure plenty of open space throughout the 335-acre park. Face covering requirements and temperature checks will also be employed.
Howl-O-Scream’s “Dr. Freakenstein” show, “Fiends,” will now take place on the outdoor Festival Field Stage, where seating will be arranged in a physically distant manner to ensure a safe distance between guests.
The annual recruitment of scare actors has also been modified to a virtual audition process.
“The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards,” the release reads. “These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.”
Howl-O-Scream 2020 is a separately ticketed night event that will take place every Friday through Sunday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 1. Guests are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance as they are required and space is limited. Reservations can be made here.
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This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2020.