Busch Gardens Hours & 2019 Operating Schedule

Here's the Busch Gardens hours and operating schedule for the spring/summer season, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town!

In the past, park opening hours varied widely by date, which made it hard to keep track of when you needed to arrive to get the most out of the park.

But in recent years, they've settled down and park hours now start at 10 am each open day, although closing times still vary quite a bit. So make sure you double check the date you're planning to go by looking at my detailed chart below!

In general, during March through May, and Sept.-Oct., the park is only open on Fridays, weekends, and select holiday or Spring Break weekdays. June and July, it's open every day. 

And if you're looking for special events (like Glory in the Gardens) go to my Busch Gardens Events page.

***When you're done looking at the operating schedule, be sure to check out my Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount ticket secrets and deals page.)

Busch Gardens Hours

March Hours

• Pass Member Sneak Peek - 11 am to 8 pm
• Opening day - March 23 - 10 am to 10 pm 
• Open March 24 & 29 - 10 am to 8 pm
• Open March 30-March 31 - 10 am to 10 pm

April Hours

The park is open everyday in April with these exceptions: April 8-11 and April 29-30.

and April 6-7 (10 am to 10 pm), and the week of April then weekends the rest of the month.  

• Open April 1-5 - 10 am to 8 pm
• Open April 6-7 - 10 am to 10 pm
• Open April 12, 14, and April 21-26, and April 28 - 10 am to 8 pm
• Open April 13, 15-20, and April 27 - 10 am to 10 pm 

May Hours

The park is open Fri, Sat, and Sun until May 17, then open everyday the rest of the month.

• Open Fridays, May 3, 10, and 17, and Sundays, May 5, 12, and 19 - 10 am - 8 pm
• Open all Saturdays - 10 am to 10 pm
• Open May 20-23, and May 28-30 - 10 am to 6 pm
• Open Sundays, May 6, 13, and 20 - 10 am to 8 pm (open 10-10 on the 27th)
• Open Fridays, May 24 and May 31 - 10 am to 9 pm
• Open May 25-26 - 10 am to 10 pm
  

For Water Country USA hours, click here.

June Hours

Busch Gardens hours in June - open every day

• Open Fridays and Sundays - 10 am-9 pm (except Friday, May 28, which is 10-10)
• Open all Saturdays - 10 am to 10 pm
• Open weekdays June 3-6 - 10 am-6 pm 
  
• Open weekdays June 10-13, 10 am-7 pm 
• Open weekdays June 17-20 - 10 am-8 pm
• Open weekdays June 24-27 - 10 am-9 pm

July Hours

Busch Gardens hours in July - open every day

• Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays - 10 am to 10 pm
• Open July 3-4 - 10 am to 11 pm
• Open all other weekdays - 10 am -9 pm

August Hours

Busch Gardens hours in August - open every day

• Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10 am to 10 pm
• Open weekdays, August 1, 5-8, 12-15 - open 10 am - 9 pm
• Open weekdays, August 19-22, 26-29 - 10 am-8 pm 

September Hours

Busch Gardens hours in September - open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only (exception: Open on Labor Day too; closed Friday, Sept. 6).

• Open September 1 - 10 am to 10 pm 
• Open September 2 - 10 am to 7 pm 
• Open Sept. 7-8 - Noon to 8 pm 
• Howl-O-Scream - Pass Member Preview - Sept. 13 - Open 5 pm - 11 pm
• Howl-O-Scream - Open weekends Sept. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 - 10 am to 10 pm 
• Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 10 pm on Fridays 
  

October Hours - "Howl-O-Scream"

***Note that Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event, and NOT included in summer Fun Cards. However, it is now included in season passes.

• Open weekends only
• 10 pm to 10 pm on Sundays
  
• 10 am to 12 am Saturdays
• Noon - 11 pm Fridays
• Haunted hours generally start around 6 pm
  
• Last day is Oct. 27

Click here for Howl-O-Scream facts, ticket deals & coupons.

November-December Hours - "Christmas Town"

***Note that Christmas Town is a separate ticketed event, and NOT included in summer Fun Cards. However, it is now included in season passes.

• Christmas Town Pass Member Preview - Nov. 15 - 2 pm to 10 pm
• Christmas Town starts Nov. 16 and runs on select dates through Jan. 1
  
• Christmas Town is open Fridays and Sundays 2 pm to 10 pm, and Saturdays noon to 10 pm
• The park is open daily beginning Nov 29, 2 pm to 10 pm weekdays, Fridays and Sundays, and noon to 10 pm on Saturdays
• Closed Christmas Day

For discount ticket tips, photos, and more on Christmas Town, click here.

Note: The operating schedule is always open to change, so if you want to be completely sure, check the hours on the Busch Gardens Williamsburg website or call the Busch Gardens Williamsburg phone number: 800-343-7946. 

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