Most people who live in Tampa Bay have driven past Gibsonton their entire lives without stopping. For over 100 years it was the winter home of America's carnies, sideshow performers, and traveling showmen. The zoning laws once allowed exotic animals and carnival rides in residential yards. The Showmen's Association built a retirement village there for performers who spent their lives behind the curtain. It is one of the strangest places in Florida and almost nobody knows it exists.

The Carnival of Terror Horror Bus takes you inside that world. Three stops. Four hours. 22 guests on a luxury mini-bus departing from Safety Harbor Resort.

Stop 1 - The Showmen's Museum, after hours.

Private after-hours access to one of the most unusual museums in Florida. Most Tampa Bay residents have never been inside.

Stop 2 - Showmen's Bar and Grill, Gibsonton.

Where the performers and carnies of Gibsonton have gathered for decades. Still operating. Still steeped in the culture.

Stop 3 - Showmen's Rest Cemetery, Gibsonton. Est. 1951.

The final resting place of hundreds of circus and carnival workers beneath a monument reading "A Tribute to All Showmen Under God's Big Top." Grady Stiles, known as Lobster Boy, is buried here. So is Al Tomaini, the 8'4" giant, and Edmondo "Papa" Zacchini, the pioneer of the Human Cannonball act. This is not a re-creation. These are real people in a real place most Floridians have never heard of.

Between stops the bus becomes a moving midway with carnival-themed snacks, music trivia, bingo, games, and interactive moments. 

BYOB welcome, no glass containers.

Past Horror Bus events have all sold out. This one will too.

Pickup and return: Safety Harbor Resort / Ages 21+ / Limited to 22 guests / April 25 only

From $119 per person / BYOB (no glass containers)