September in Tampa Bay Is Spooky Good Fun…And More

This September Tampa Bay is packed with thrilling events and spooky spectacles. From heart-pounding scares at Howl-O-Scream in Busch Gardens to enchanting Halloween adventures at ZooTampa, and a taste of the science behind the iconic Cuban sandwich, there’s a wide array of experiences to delight every taste in this month’s lineup of Tampa Bay’s exciting happenings.

  1. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay (Sept. 8th – Oct. 31st): Ready for heart-pounding scares? Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay will transform into a nightmarish playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying creatures lurking around every corner.
  2. Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay’s Spooktacular (Sept. 9th – Oct. 31st): Step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witch-in-training! A costume parade, storytime, and trick or treating are some activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will cast magical spells at the Festival Walkway from 12 – 4 p.m.
  3. Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park (Sept. 8th – Nov. 4th): Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of spine-tingling scares and thrills at Scream-A-Geddon. This captivating haunt park, operated by a family with decades of expertise, offers eight terrifying attractions that are sure to make you scream.
  4. The Science of the Cuban Sandwich at MOSI (Sept. 16th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.): Here’s your opportunity to explore the art and science behind the iconic Cuban sandwich. Did we mention that enjoying great food, music, and fantastic company will be part of this flavor-filled extravaganza?
  5. Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Sept. 29th – Oct. 29th): Enjoy a family-friendly evening with spooky encounters, haunted tales, and magical moments. Watch as ZooTampa transforms into a supernatural wonderland where creatures come to life after dark.
  6. Undead in the Water: The Gathering (Starting Sept. 22nd): Step into the mysterious and haunting world of Undead in the Water — a gathering of the undead on the waters of Tampa Bay. Stay tuned for announcements about this unique and immersive event.
  7. Spanish Nights at the Straz (Sept. 22nd – 24th): In this upbeat celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Opera Tampa will dazzle audiences with music from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and beyond. It is a perfect night out for anyone looking to live la vida opera.
  8. Uncorked Wine Fest at ZooTampa (Sept. 23rd): It’s the 3rd annual Uncorked: Tampa Wine Fest, featuring over 150 wines and bubblies from across the globe. Attendees can sip and stroll their way around some of the favorite enclosures at the zoo after hours. This is a 21+ event.
  9. Beats on the Street (Sept. 23rd): Water Street Tampa will come alive with the electrifying sounds of local musicians performing jazz, folk, pop, and sounds in between. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as the bustling urban neighborhood transforms into a musical wonderland. Best of all, admission is free.
  10. Walking Ghost Tours (Year-round): Delve into the supernatural history of Ybor City and downtown Tampa Bay on these captivating walking tours. Explore haunted sites, hear ghostly tales, and learn about the spectral residents that still linger.