SeaWorld San Diego is daring guests to hunt for a drink this Halloween season, hiding speakeasy bars inside the haunted mazes of its Howl-O-Scream event. The nighttime affair runs on select nights through October 31, and this year's twist sends thirsty park-goers chasing down passwords just to find the hidden watering holes tucked behind the scares.
Howl-O-Scream has exclusive speakeasies hidden inside each maze, according to a SeaWorld San Diego video posted Wednesday. Visitors can find the speakeasy password in the event's Instagram stories each night, per the same post, while guests can also grab a drink at one of the themed bars scattered throughout the event without needing to crack any codes. SeaWorld's own event page confirms the event runs on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026, with park entry opening at 6 p.m. and the scares kicking off at 7 p.m., according to SeaWorld.
Six Haunted Houses, Five Hidden Bars
Per SeaWorld's official site, the park is pouring cocktails, beer and spirits at six themed bars and five speakeasies this year, part of a lineup that also includes six haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and rides. A separate guide from Undercover Tourist puts the bar count at seven rather than six, an inconsistency that has not been resolved between the two sources. That same outlet also claims every one of the six haunted houses hides its own speakeasy inside, though SeaWorld's own listing of five speakeasies against six houses leaves that detail unconfirmed.
For guests hunting the hidden bars, the password hunt itself has become part of the game. Undercover Tourist advises fans to follow the event's Instagram stories for code words before heading to the park, echoing the same tip shared directly in SeaWorld's own promotional video. Beyond the secret bars, the after-dark event gives visitors nighttime access to the Arctic Rescue, Electric Eel and Emperor rides, according to SeaWorld's attractions page.
New Scare Zones And Vile Vignettes Join The Mix
This year's haunt adds new scare zones named Overgrowth, Terrors of the Deep and Ripper Row, according to Laughing Place. The outlet describes Overgrowth as a nightmarish walk through an overrun greenhouse. The event also features what the site calls Vile Vignettes — mini-staged scenes designed to terrify and interact with unsuspecting visitors as they wander the park after dark.
Haunted Attraction Network separately reports the 2026 lineup totals six haunted houses, eight scare zones, five vile vignettes and two live shows, a tally that lines up with the broader scope SeaWorld has promoted for this year's event. Laughing Place notes that more announcements are still expected on entertainment, themed food and bars, and additional hidden speakeasies.
Food, Fine Print And What A Ticket Covers
Hungry guests can fuel up on smoked turkey legs, patty melts, Tostilocos, churros and caramel apples, per SeaWorld's attractions listing. Howl-O-Scream is separately ticketed from regular park admission, and SeaWorld states that Annual Passes and Fun Cards are not valid for entry. A single-night ticket provides one admission to SeaWorld San Diego from 6 p.m. until closing on the selected date, according to the park.
