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Complete Guide to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego: Mazes, Scare Zones, Tickets, Shows, Food & More
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If you're looking for a Halloween event in San Diego that combines haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, nighttime roller coasters, themed cocktails and hidden speakeasies, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego is back for 2026 with its biggest lineup yet.
Howl-O-Scream returns to SeaWorld San Diego on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026, transforming the park after dark into an adult-focused Halloween experience filled with six haunted houses, eight scare zones, five Vile Vignettes, live entertainment, themed bars and secret speakeasies.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Howl-O-Scream San Diego, including 2026 tickets, Pass Member discounts, haunted houses, scare zones, shows, nighttime rides, food and drinks, speakeasies and front-of-the-line upgrades.
Disclosure: Event details, prices, menus, operating hours and entertainment are subject to change. Check SeaWorld's official Howl-O-Scream page before your visit.
When Is Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego?
Howl-O-Scream 2026 takes place on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026.
The event officially begins at 7 p.m., although Howl-O-Scream ticket holders can enter starting at 6 p.m. The event is separately ticketed and is not included with regular daytime SeaWorld admission.
SeaWorld describes Howl-O-Scream as an event intended for a mature audience. Children under 18 are permitted to attend, but the park warns that the event contains intense adult content and is not recommended for children under 13. Costumes and face paint are not permitted.
The Six Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses for 2026
The haunted houses are the heart of Howl-O-Scream, and there are six haunted houses to experience in 2026.
1. I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch — NEW
For the first time, Howl-O-Scream San Diego is bringing a major movie-inspired haunted house to the event.
I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch takes guests into the story of the July 4th tragedy from the film franchise. After an accident, four teenagers dump a body into the sea—only to discover that the past isn't staying buried.
This is an especially interesting addition for horror fans and anyone who grew up with the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise.
2. Area 64: MOTHERSHIP — NEW
If aliens and government conspiracies are more your style, don't miss Area 64: MOTHERSHIP.
The new haunted house serves as a prequel to the previous Area 64: Alien Outbreak experience and takes guests 30 years into the past.
The attraction includes an enormous 80-foot-long alien mothership façade, which SeaWorld describes as the largest haunted-house show scene ever created for Howl-O-Scream San Diego.
3. Nightmare Experiment Sweet DreamzZz
What happens when a wellness center turns into a terrifying testing facility?
In Nightmare Experiment Sweet DreamzZz, guests become test subjects in a sleep-aid experiment with horrifying side effects, including hallucinations and uncontrollable rage.
4. Death Water Bayou Awakening
Enter a sinister New Orleans-inspired world where a Mardi Gras celebration turns into a nightmare.
Bayou witches, dark magic and an ancient creature await as guests are pulled deeper into the swamp in Death Water Bayou Awakening.
5. Simon's Slaughterhouse
Fans of gore will want to put Simon's Slaughterhouse on their list.
The returning haunted house takes guests into a gruesome meat-processing plant filled with meat hooks, buzz saws and Simon the Butcher.
For 2026, SeaWorld has added new sensory effects to the attraction.
6. 3D MAZE: Circus of the Damned
Grab your special 3D glasses and enter the twisted Circus of the Damned.
The 3D haunted maze has been reimagined for 2026 with a distorted, surreal carnival environment. Guests must navigate the bizarre big top while trying to avoid the evil ringmaster and his condemned performers.
The Eight Howl-O-Scream Scare Zones
You don't have to enter a haunted house to encounter something terrifying at Howl-O-Scream.
There are eight scare zones throughout the event, including three brand-new areas for 2026.
Overgrowth — NEW
A mutant botanical nightmare has taken over a greenhouse. Twisting vines, strange plants and lurking horrors make this one of the new scare zones to explore in 2026.
Ripper Row — NEW
Step into the streets of Jack the Ripper's London.
In Ripper Row, paranoia has taken over and guests never know whether the person walking toward them is friend or foe.
Terrors of the Deep — NEW
The ocean isn't safe after dark.
In Terrors of the Deep, monstrous sea creatures and other horrors emerge from the water while fishermen become the hunted.
Red Moon Revelry
A bloodthirsty vampire commune gathers to celebrate the blood moon in Red Moon Revelry.
All Hallow's Harvest
Cursed scarecrows are waiting in this haunted farmland, where the harvest isn't pumpkins—it's bodies and souls.
Carnival of Chaos
If you survive Circus of the Damned, you can continue the nightmare in Carnival of Chaos, where sinister carnies and sideshow performers roam the midway.
Deadly Toys
Creepy dolls and sinister toys have taken over this disturbing play area. As SeaWorld puts it, playtime doesn't end until the toys have had their fun.
Graveyard
Fog, undead inhabitants and things that refuse to stay buried make Graveyard another place where you'll want to watch your surroundings.
Vile Vignettes Add Even More Scares
One of the fun things about Howl-O-Scream is that the entertainment isn't limited to traditional haunted houses.
The event features five Vile Vignettes, which are smaller interactive theatrical scenes featuring characters who can interact with guests.
Card Shark — NEW
A sinister gambler and smuggler challenges guests to a high-stakes game where winning comes with a very unusual prize.
Dolly Delightful: RECALLED — NEW
This creepy doll has been recalled, but that isn't stopping her from seeking revenge.
Growth Opportunity — NEW
The botanist behind Overgrowth needs a groundskeeper. Unfortunately, the job interview could have deadly consequences.
Summon the Spirits
A paranormal investigator attempts to contact one of Jack the Ripper's victims.
Misfortune
Step into a fortune teller's tent and learn what the future supposedly holds—but don't expect good news.
Howl-O-Scream Shows
Opening and Closing Scaremony — NEW
Start and end your night with the Opening and Closing Scaremony.
The new show takes place in the Carnival of Chaos and follows creatures from beyond, a betrayal and the battle for control of the Ringmaster's domain.
Monster Stomp
One of Howl-O-Scream's signature shows returns with Monster Stomp.
This rock-and-rhythm production brings the story of Jack the Ripper to the stage with live singing, choreography and percussion.
Monster Stomp is performed at the Nautilus Amphitheater, and reserved seating is available as part of select Evil Upgrades.
Ride a Roller Coaster in the Dark
If haunted houses aren't enough, Howl-O-Scream also offers the opportunity to experience select SeaWorld rides after dark.
The 2026 lineup includes:
Arctic Rescue
Electric Eel
Emperor
Rides are weather permitting.
For thrill-seekers, riding a coaster in the darkness adds another element to the night—and the Front Line Fear Ultimate upgrade can include unlimited priority access to these three rides.
Howl-O-Scream Bars and Drinks
SeaWorld is turning up the nightlife for Howl-O-Scream with six themed cocktail bars throughout the event.
The current 2026 lineup includes:
The Rusted Dagger — NEW
Fanta Fright House
Inferno Bar
Coffin 1380
Toybox
Big Top Drinks
These locations offer themed cocktails and other beverages, with mocktail options available as well.
Fanta Fright House
The Fanta Fright House is a new addition for 2026 and adds a colorful, Halloween-themed stop for specialty beverages.
The Five Secret Speakeasies
One of the most unique parts of Howl-O-Scream is the event's five hidden speakeasies.
SeaWorld confirms that there are five speakeasies, but their names and access information are not all publicly listed on the main event page.
The secret nature of these locations is part of the experience. Keep an eye on SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream social channels for information released on the night of your visit.
Pro tip: If you're interested in finding the speakeasies, don't simply rush through the haunted houses. Look for unusual doors and hidden entrances and pay attention to Howl-O-Scream's social media updates.
What About Howl-O-Scream Food?
Food is another part of the Halloween experience, although SeaWorld's main 2026 event page currently highlights the themed bars and drinks more extensively than a complete food menu.
Expect Halloween-themed food and beverage options throughout the event, along with specialty cocktails, mocktails, beer and spirits.
If you're planning your night around specific food items, I recommend checking SeaWorld's menus closer to your visit because seasonal offerings and locations can change.
How Much Are Howl-O-Scream Tickets?
Ticket prices vary by date and can change, so it's worth checking the official SeaWorld ticket page before purchasing.
At the time of publication, SeaWorld is advertising the following 2026 options:
Single-Night Ticket
The Single-Night Ticket is valid for one visit on the selected date.
Current pricing starts at $45.99, compared with a listed regular price of $99.99. Guests can enter beginning at 6 p.m., with the Howl-O-Scream event starting at 7 p.m.
Any-Night Ticket
The Any-Night Ticket gives you more flexibility because it can be used for one Howl-O-Scream visit on an eligible event night.
Current pricing is $68.99, compared with a listed regular price of $99.99.
Unlimited Scream Pass
Planning to visit more than once?
The Unlimited Scream Pass provides unlimited Howl-O-Scream admission on select event nights from September 11 through October 31.
The current listed price is $112.99, compared with a listed regular price of $195.99. The pass does not include daytime admission to SeaWorld.
Day + Night Tickets
Want to spend the entire day at SeaWorld before staying for Howl-O-Scream?
SeaWorld also offers Single-Day + Single-Night and Any-Day + Any-Night tickets.
The current Single-Day + Single-Night price starts at $105.99, while the Any-Day + Any-Night option is currently listed at $149.99. These tickets combine daytime SeaWorld admission with a Howl-O-Scream visit.
Group Tickets
If you're bringing a larger Halloween crew, SeaWorld also offers group pricing for parties of 15 or more. The current listed price starts at $40.99 per person for a single-night group ticket.
Do SeaWorld Annual Passes Include Howl-O-Scream?
No.
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, so a SeaWorld Annual Pass or Fun Card does not provide automatic admission.
However, Pass Members should log into their SeaWorld Pass Member Portal before purchasing because SeaWorld offers exclusive Howl-O-Scream ticket discounts to Pass Members. The discount can vary, so check your account for the current offer rather than assuming the discount is the same for every Pass level.
Pass Members can also take advantage of SeaWorld's Passport to Screams promotion. Active SoCal, Silver, Gold and California Platinum Pass Members can earn Howl-O-Scream rewards by visiting SeaWorld and scanning their Annual Pass at participating kiosks. Rewards have included Howl-O-Scream Bucks, drinks, snacks and a Howl-O-Scream house or ride Quick Queue.
Tip: If you already have a SeaWorld Annual Pass, check your Pass Member Portal before buying your Howl-O-Scream ticket. You may have a better offer available to you.
Howl-O-Scream Evil Upgrades: Are They Worth Adding?
If you want to experience as many haunted houses as possible in one night, you may want to consider one of SeaWorld's Evil Upgrades.
Front Line Fear
The basic Front Line Fear option provides one-time priority access to five haunted houses:
Area 64: MOTHERSHIP
Nightmare Experiment Sweet DreamzZz
Death Water Bayou Awakening
Simon's Slaughterhouse
3D MAZE: Circus of the Damned
It does not include I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch.
Front Line Fear Extreme
Front Line Fear Extreme includes one-time priority access to the five houses above plus priority access to:
Arctic Rescue
Electric Eel
Emperor
It also includes reserved seating for Monster Stomp.
Front Line Fear Ultimate
For the biggest upgrade, Front Line Fear Ultimate includes unlimited priority access to the five primary haunted houses, unlimited priority access to the three major thrill rides, reserved Monster Stomp seating and one-time priority access to I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch.
Sip & Scream
There is also a Sip & Scream option that combines one-time priority access to a haunted house with a 20-ounce cocktail in a limited-edition light-up souvenir cup, or a mocktail option.
VIP Terror Tour
For the ultimate Howl-O-Scream experience, SeaWorld offers the VIP Terror Tour.
The tour includes Howl-O-Scream admission, a private VIP guide for three hours, a lights-on haunted house experience before the event begins, themed snacks and beverages, front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses, reserved seating at Monster Stomp and a Front Line Fear pass for additional priority access after the tour.
How to Plan Your Howl-O-Scream Night
With six haunted houses, eight scare zones, five Vile Vignettes, two live entertainment experiences, three nighttime coasters, bars and hidden speakeasies, it can be difficult to experience everything in one night.
Here are a few tips:
Arrive early. Although Howl-O-Scream begins at 7 p.m., ticket holders can enter beginning at 6 p.m.
Have a plan. Download or check the Howl-O-Scream event map before you arrive and decide which haunted houses are your priorities.
Consider Front Line Fear. If your goal is to experience all six haunted houses, skipping the lines can make a major difference.
Don't forget the scare zones. They're easy to overlook when you're racing from maze to maze, but they are an important part of the overall Howl-O-Scream atmosphere.
Save time for Monster Stomp. The live show gives you a chance to sit down and enjoy some entertainment between haunted houses.
Look for the speakeasies. If secret bars are on your Halloween bucket list, keep an eye out for hidden entrances and watch Howl-O-Scream's social channels.
Ride a coaster in the dark. If the weather cooperates, Arctic Rescue, Electric Eel and Emperor provide a completely different kind of nighttime thrill.
Howl-O-Scream vs. SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
It's important not to confuse Howl-O-Scream with SeaWorld's daytime Halloween Spooktacular.
Spooktacular is the family-friendly Halloween celebration that takes place during the day. Howl-O-Scream is the separately ticketed nighttime event featuring haunted houses, scare zones, horror-themed entertainment, bars and intense Halloween attractions.
If you're looking for trick-or-treating and family Halloween entertainment, Spooktacular is the better fit. If you're looking for haunted houses and nighttime scares, Howl-O-Scream is the event to consider.
Howl-O-Scream 2026: The Bottom Line
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego continues to expand in 2026, with six haunted houses, eight scare zones, five Vile Vignettes, live entertainment, nighttime coasters, six themed cocktail bars and five hidden speakeasies.
The biggest additions this year include I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch, Area 64: MOTHERSHIP, three new scare zones and three new Vile Vignettes.
Whether you're coming for the haunted houses, the horror-themed entertainment, the nighttime rides or the hidden speakeasies, it's worth arriving with a plan so you can make the most of your night.
And if you're a SeaWorld Pass Member, don't purchase your ticket before checking your Pass Member Portal for the current Howl-O-Scream discount.
Plan Your Visit
Howl-O-Scream 2026
SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: Select nights September 11–October 31, 2026
Event begins:7 p.m.
Entry begins:6 p.m.
Admission:Separate ticket required
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