Howl-O-Scream

Howl-O-Scream is back at SeaWorld San Diego for select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026. It's the park's nighttime Halloween event, and this year they're calling it their largest and most terrifying one yet. It runs from 6 PM until close, and since it's a separate ticket from daytime admission, you'll want to plan your night around it rather than trying to squeeze it in after a full day at the park.

The core of the event is six haunted houses, with two of the new ones drawing on horror and pop culture. I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch follows four teens who dump a body into the sea, only for the dead man to return a year later. Area 64: Mothership is set thirty years before the events of Area 64: Alien Outbreak and is fronted by an 80-foot alien mothership façade. Between the houses, there are immersive scare zones, including Ripper Row and Red Moon Revelry, and themed bars and hidden speakeasies to step into when you need a break from the scares.

There's also a live show, Monster Stomp, a modern rock and rhythm spectacular about Jack the Ripper staged at the Nautilus Amphitheater. It's a good way to see something other than the walk-through attractions if you're spending a few hours there.

Keep a couple of things in mind before you go: Howl-O-Scream is aimed at adults, and the park doesn't recommend it for guests under 13. Costumes aren't permitted, so you'll be going as yourself. Tickets are separate from daytime park admission. A single-night ticket starts at $45.99, down from $99.99; an any-night ticket is $64.99, down from $99.99; and an unlimited scream pass is $112.99, down from $195.99. It runs select nights from September 11 through October 31, 6 PM to close.