The magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter draws crowds from far and wide. If you’ve been considering a visit, now may be your time. As the summer season comes to an end, the wizarding world is celebrating a new school year with the iconic celebration entitled, Back To Hogwarts. This is a chance for fans to come together at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to relish in the wonders of Hogsmeade, experience spellbinding entertainment and find new parks-exclusive, limited-time treats and merchandise. Here’s what to know to help you plan your visit:
- Back To Hogwarts is a limited engagement within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood running from August 1 to September 1, 2026. It is included with regular theme park admission, so no extra ticket is required.
- Back To Hogwarts will feature new and parks-exclusive merchandise, including a brand new Build-A-Bag product and experience with Lug. This customizable bag can be decorated with unique charms and straps representing your Hogwarts house and additional accessories.
- Guests can show off their Hogwarts house pride by collecting a complimentary sticker throughout Back To Hogwarts. The stickers can be procured from team members at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.
It’s almost time for another school year to begin for wizards and witches. Let’s dive into Back to Hogwarts 2026.
House Pride
During Back to Hogwarts, guests of the wizarding world are invited to show and share their Hogwarts house pride. But first, you might need a refresher on the Hogwarts houses.
Upon arrival at Hogwarts, students are sorted into four distinct houses, each with their own rich history– We have Gryffindor, the house of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Slytherin, the house of Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy, Ravenclaw, the house for those who are intelligent and creative with stars like Luna Lovegood amongst their ranks. And lastly, Hufflepuff, with notable members being Cedrick Digory.
During this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration, guests will have a chance to procure and collect exclusive house stickers from team members at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.
And if you happen to miss one of the houses, you’ll have a chance to grab all four during the final weekend of Back to Hogwarts from August 29 through September 1.
Make sure you look as sharp as a Hogwarts student by visiting Gladrags Wizardwear and picking up a Hogwarts house robe. This is also the perfect place to find a lot of Hogwarts house-specific merch including beanies, scarfs, jumpers and more. It can get chilly in Hogsmeade!
If you’re looking to bring your own owl with you, stop by Owl Post to pick up your very own shoulder pal. They are the perfect companion to be by your side.
To make sure you’ve got everything on your Back-to-Hogwarts list, double check our Guide to Souvenirs in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Tantalizing Treats
While wandering Hogsmeade you can always pick up a classic Butterbeer, a non-alcoholic beverage reminiscent of shortbread, as it goes well with any occasion. And for a limited time, the drink is available in the 25 Year of Magic Mug, pictured above. Butterbeer is especially tasty during Back to Hogwarts, as you can pair it with a Hogwarts House Crest Linzer Cookie. This almond flavored soft cookie is filled with jams and comes in four different flavors: raspberry, sour apple, blueberry, and lemon curd, each corresponding to a different Hogwarts house and decorated accordingly.
The Gryffindor-themed cookie will be offered during the entire event, while the rest of the houses will be offered on a rotation.
Don’t leave Hogsmeade with an empty stomach! We’ve got the scoop on all the tasty treats you’ll need to try in our Food & Drink Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Entertainment
This event will also feature a brand-new form of magical entertainment: The Monster Book of Monsters encounter. This large and ancient book was owned by the one and only Rubeus Hagrid. The information held within the book is highly informative, but you may have trouble accessing it. This book has transformed into the very monster it depicts on its pages and will try to bite your finger if you come near. But, of course, if you listen to the wise words of Hagrid, all you need to do is pet the spine of the book to be let inside. No pressure, right? I mean, look at the book’s not-at-all scary face, who wouldn’t want to pet that?
You’ll also be able to participate in the classic entertainment options of the wizarding world. So don’t forget to visit Hagrid’s Hut to learn about flying creatures on Flight of the Hippogriff and help Ron, Harry, and Hermione navigate a thrilling adventure as you soar above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You can also see how the wand chooses the wizard or witch by stopping by and meeting the wand keeper at Ollivanders Wand Shop.
Magical Merchandise
To start a new school year, you’ll need the perfect bag and supplies. That’s where Lug comes in. Their bags are totally customizable — it’s where fun meets function.
First, you’ll pick a base bag. The selection ranges from smaller crossbody bags to larger purses. From there, you can add a custom strap, coin purse, bag charms, and more! And then comes the fun part: You get to deck out the bag with charms and a zipper puller with your Hogwarts house of choice. (Or you can mix and match.) The bags even come with a holder for your wand. It’s everything you need when traversing the hallways of Hogwarts or the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade.
With all of this new excitement mixed with the already beautiful magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you won’t want to miss Back to Hogwarts
All the traditional offerings of the wizarding world will be available during Back To Hogwarts, too. So make sure to do it all when you’re there! Check out our guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood to help plan.
While supplies last. Limit one (1) per guest. First come, first served. Offer is limited to stock on hand; no rainchecks are available. Offer is subject to availability and may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
How are you showing off your Hogwarts house pride during Back To Hogwarts? Let us know in the comments below.