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# Busch Gardens Spooktacular Starts September 19 Before Evening Scares
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/theme-parks-virginia-2026-09-18/
- Published: 2026-09-19T01:07:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-19T01:07:39.000Z
- Description: Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s daytime Halloween Spooktacular begins September 19, but families staying past 4 p.m. face chaperone and bag rules before Howl-O-Scream starts at 6. Costumes are limited to younger children.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Theme Parks, Virginia

Families heading to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this weekend should plan for two very different Halloween experiences in one park. The park’s daytime [Halloween Spooktacular begins Saturday, September 19](https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/halloween-spooktacular/?ref=theamericanquorum.com), running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through November 1\. The family event is included with regular park admission.

The daytime program is built around the Sesame Street Forest of Fun and is designed for children rather than thrill-seeking haunt fans. According to the park’s event page, children age nine and younger may wear costumes. Activities include trick-or-treating through the Wild Reserve, a hay maze, a scavenger hunt, family rides, character photo opportunities and three Halloween-themed shows or dance events. Parents should still check the park calendar before leaving home because operating hours and offerings can change by date.

The tone changes quickly after the daytime event ends. [Howl-O-Scream starts at 6 p.m. on select nights](https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/howl-o-scream/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and continues through November 1\. The evening event, also included with applicable park admission, brings five haunted houses, five scare zones and four shows across the park. Busch Gardens says it is not recommended for young children. Costumes are not permitted during Howl-O-Scream, so families using the daytime costume allowance should plan to change or leave before the evening program.

Visitors staying into the evening need to account for rules that begin before the scares do. Under the park’s [Howl-O-Scream chaperone policy](https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/howl-o-scream/chaperone-policy/?ref=theamericanquorum.com), guests age 15 or younger must be accompanied by someone at least 21 after 4 p.m.; one chaperone may supervise no more than six minors. The adult must show government-issued photo identification, enter with the group, remain in the park and be reachable by phone. Guests age 16 or older who arrive without a chaperone should also carry qualifying photo ID to verify age.

A no-bag rule also begins after 4 p.m., with an exception for wristlets and fanny packs smaller than 8 by 5 inches, subject to inspection. The park prohibits re-entry after 8 p.m. Those restrictions make an afternoon car trip for costumes or larger bags a poor bet once the evening is underway.

Before traveling, compare current Virginia park updates and waits in the [TAQ Virginia parks app](https://parks.theamericanquorum.com/?country=US&state=VA&ref=theamericanquorum.com), and follow the [Virginia Theme Parks archive](https://www.theamericanquorum.com/virginia-theme-parks/) for schedule changes and planning news.