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Universal Orlando Reveals Upcoming Events for 2026
The excitement never stops at Universal Orlando Resort, where guests can enjoy unforgettable fun all year long with an incredible lineup of experiences and events for every season. With the launch of the Universal Orlando Events and Experiences Guide, guests can now start planning their 2026 vacations to enjoy special events and experiences that go beyond the award-winning thrills found across the theme parks — including fan-favourite seasonal events, hotel happenings, and exciting special activities and limited-time celebrations across Universal Orlando Resort.
Here’s a closer look at the unforgettable experiences that await throughout the year.
THEME PARK EXPERIENCES AND SEASONAL EVENTS
Guests can enjoy the following seasonal events and experiences across Universal Orlando Resort:
- Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns to Universal Studios Florida January 23–24, offering an unforgettable weekend of faith, fun and powerful music from today’s most popular Christian artists.
- Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns February 7 – April 4 with dazzling floats, colourful beads, live performances on select nights from major music stars, and a diverse selection of international cuisine inspired by New Orleans flavours.
- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, the world’s premier Halloween event, returns for its 35th anniversary on select nights from August 28 – November 1. Guests will encounter terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, themed food and beverages, and more. Additional details will be shared in the months ahead.
- Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort runs from November 14 through January 3, featuring festive traditions including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Guests can also ring in the New Year with live entertainment and celebrations on December 31.
- And more — including the return of Volcano Bay Nights, offering guests the chance to enjoy the award-winning water park after dark. Dates will be announced later.
Plus, special limited-time offerings will appear in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter throughout the year as the first Harry Potter film celebrates its 25th anniversary. These include Butterbeer Season from March 1 – May 31, Back to Hogwarts from August 1 – September 1, and the return of Dark Arts this fall with “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” and roaming Death Eaters. More details to come.
PASSHOLDER APPRECIATION DAYS
Passholders can enjoy exclusive perks throughout the parks, hotels, and Universal CityWalk during Passholder Appreciation Days, presented by Coca-Cola, running from August 15 – September 30. Visit UniversalOrlando.com for updates and benefits throughout the year.
Here’s a snapshot of the 2026 event dates:
| DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|
| January 23–24 | Rock the Universe |
| February 7 – April 4 | Universal Mardi Gras |
| March 1 – May 31 | Butterbeer Season |
| August 1 – September 1 | Back to Hogwarts |
| August 15 – September 30 | Passholder Appreciation Days |
| August 28 – November 1 | Halloween Horror Nights |
| Select nights this fall | Dark Arts |
| November 14 – January 3, 2027 | Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort |
Celebrations Continue at Universal CityWalk
Guests can extend the fun beyond the parks with year-round events at Universal CityWalk, including Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s, Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby viewings at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, and seasonal transformations of the Red Coconut Club for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and the holidays.
Universal CityWalk will also host viewing parties for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage of the FIFA World Cup, plus a Summer Movie Series, Summer Music Series, and more.
Happenings at Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal Orlando hotel guests can enjoy additional seasonal offerings, including:
- Acoustic Brunch every Sunday at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel. Reserve here.
- Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort on Saturday evenings. Tickets available here.
- Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on February 13, April 17, October 16 and November 27. Tickets available here.
- U.S. Hunger Meal Packing in November. More information here.
- Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at Hard Rock Hotel. Tickets available here.
Special dining will also be offered on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve at select hotels.
Additional details about Universal Orlando’s 2026 events and experiences will be released throughout the year. For more information, visit [www.universalorlando.com](http://www.universalorlando.com).
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