Universal Orlando Resort has released additional details about its 2026 event lineup, highlighting a full year of seasonal festivals, limited-time experiences and after-hours celebrations across its theme parks, hotels and Universal CityWalk. The calendar includes returning fan favorites, milestone anniversaries and expanded offerings designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Below is a closer look at the major events and experiences planned throughout 2026.
Universal Orlando Resort 2026 Events and Experiences
Rock the Universe
January 23–24
Rock the Universe returns to Universal Studios Florida as Florida’s largest Christian music festival. The two-night event combines live performances from top contemporary Christian music artists with access to select theme park attractions after hours. The event typically attracts thousands of attendees for a weekend centered on faith-based entertainment, fellowship and immersive theme park fun.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
February 7–April 4
Universal Mardi Gras transforms Universal Studios Florida into a colorful, high-energy celebration inspired by the spirit of New Orleans’ Carnaval. Guests can experience nightly parades featuring elaborate floats and bead tossing, live concerts on select evenings from nationally recognized music artists, and an expansive culinary lineup showcasing international cuisine alongside classic Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes.
Butterbeer Season
March 1–May 31
Butterbeer Season returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a spotlight on the franchise’s most iconic beverage. The limited-time event features exclusive Butterbeer-inspired treats, specialty menu items and themed merchandise. The seasonal celebration is part of Universal Orlando’s recognition of the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film.
Back to Hogwarts
August 1–September 1
Back to Hogwarts celebrates the traditional return-to-school period referenced in the Harry Potter stories. During this time, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers themed décor, special merchandise and seasonal experiences that highlight Hogwarts traditions, making it a popular event for longtime fans and families alike.
Passholder Appreciation Days
August 15–September 30
Passholder Appreciation Days provide exclusive perks for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders across the theme parks, hotels and Universal CityWalk. Benefits often include special discounts, limited-time food and beverage offerings, exclusive merchandise and passholder-only experiences. Full details and updates are shared throughout the season on UniversalOrlando.com.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
August 28–November 1
Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th anniversary, continuing its reputation as one of the world’s premier Halloween events. On select nights, Universal Studios Florida will feature a new lineup of haunted houses inspired by major horror franchises and original stories, immersive scare zones filled with costumed performers, live entertainment and themed food and beverages. Additional announcements are expected in the months ahead.
Dark Arts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Select Nights This Fall
Dark Arts returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a nighttime projection experience on Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade. The event includes dramatic lighting, music and visual effects, along with roaming Death Eaters in Diagon Alley. The experience highlights the darker elements of the wizarding universe and is offered on select fall evenings.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
November 14–January 3, 2027
The holiday season brings festive décor, seasonal entertainment and themed experiences across Universal Orlando Resort. Offerings include Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. All 11 on-site hotels participate with themed decorations, holiday menus and exclusive merchandise. Guests can also celebrate New Year’s Eve with live entertainment and special events throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk.
Volcano Bay Nights
Dates to Be Announced
Volcano Bay Nights is expected to return as a limited-capacity, after-hours experience at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. The event allows guests to enjoy select attractions, live entertainment and themed food offerings after dark. Dates and details will be released later in the year.
Additional Experiences at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk will host themed celebrations and special events throughout the year, including Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day festivities at Pat O’Brien’s, major sports viewing parties at NBC Sports Grill & Brew and seasonal transformations of the Red Coconut Club into themed venues for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and the holiday season.
CityWalk will also feature viewing parties for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish-language FIFA World Cup coverage, along with a Summer Movie Series and Summer Music Series.
Seasonal Offerings at Universal Orlando Hotels
Guests staying at Universal Orlando hotels can participate in exclusive events such as weekly Acoustic Brunch at the Hard Rock Hotel, the Wantilan Luau dinner show at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on select dates throughout the year.
Additional highlights include Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged concert series at the Hard Rock Hotel and a U.S. Hunger meal-packing volunteer event in November benefiting Central Florida communities.
Special holiday dining experiences will also be available on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve at participating hotels.
More information about Universal Orlando Resort’s 2026 events and experiences will be announced throughout the year. Guests can find updates and begin planning a visit by visiting UniversalOrlando.com.