Universal Orlando Resort has revealed dates and details for a wide-ranging slate of destination-wide events scheduled throughout 2026, giving guests an early look at seasonal celebrations, limited-time offerings, and special experiences across the resort.
The newly released Universal Orlando Events and Experiences Guide outlines a year that begins with the return of Rock the Universe on January 23–24, bringing Christian music performances to Universal Studios Florida. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval follows from February 7 through April 4, featuring themed floats, live concerts on select nights, and a rotating menu of international and New Orleans–inspired cuisine.
For horror fans, Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights will return for its 35th anniversary on select nights from August 28 through November 1. The event will once again include haunted houses based on well-known horror properties and original concepts, scare zones, live entertainment, and themed food and beverages, with additional details expected in the coming months.
The year closes with Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, running from November 14 through January 3. Seasonal offerings will include Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, destination-wide décor across all 11 on-site hotels, and New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31.
Additional experiences planned for 2026 include the return of Volcano Bay Nights and a series of limited-time activations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrating the first film’s 25th anniversary. These include Butterbeer Season from March 1 to May 31, Back to Hogwarts from August 1 to September 1, and the return of Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle later in the year.
THEME PARK EXPERIENCES AND SEASONAL EVENTS
Guests can enjoy the following seasonal events and experiences across Universal Orlando Resort:
- Rock the Universe, January 23 – 24
- Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, February 7- April 4
- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, August 28 – November 1.
- Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, November 14 through January 3e.
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can also expect exclusive perks during Passholder Appreciation Days, running from August 15 through September 30, while Universal CityWalk and on-site hotels will host themed parties, viewing events, and seasonal programming throughout the year.
Here’s a snapshot of the dates for the aforementioned 2026 theme park experiences and event dates:
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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2026 EVENT DATES
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DATE
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EVENT
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January 23 – 24
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Rock the Universe
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February 7 – April 4
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Universal Mardi Gras
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March 1 – May 31
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Butterbeer Season
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August 1 – September 1
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Back to Hogwarts
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August 15 – September 30
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Passholder Appreciation Days
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August 28 – November 1
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Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
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Select Nights this Fall
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Dark Arts
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November 14 – January 3, 2027
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Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
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