Complete Guide to Events & Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort This Year

Universal Orlando Resort just announced the dates for every. single. event in 2026, so you can get to planning your theme park vacation right away. I don’t think I’ve been this excited since I was picked as the audience participant for the Animal Actors on Location! show back in the early 2000s. From our award-winning Halloween Horror Nights to Universal Mardi Gras and everything in between, there’s always something happening at Universal Orlando Resort.

Mark your calendars (or get your day planners, if you’re like me) because here we go! Here are all the 2026 events coming to Universal Orlando Resort.

Bonus Benefits | January 5–31

Exclusive menu items, hotel discounts, a giveaway and more. Get ready, Passholders, because Bonus Benefits are back from January 5–31. That’s nearly a month for us to show you some extra love!

Rock the Universe | January 23–24

Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian music festival. At this separately ticketed event, fans can gather to enjoy live music, worship experiences, and thrilling rides at this event that Christian music fans have looked forward to for over 25 years.

Find out more here: Rock the Universe: A Christian Music Festival | Universal Orlando.

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval | February 7–April 4

It’s a Mardi party — and you don’t want to miss it! Honestly, this is one of my favorite events because it’s just pure vibes. Plus, it’s included with your admission to Universal Studios Florida!

Let the good times roll and catch beads at the famed Mardi Gras Parade, which is just pure spectacle. Groove along to amazing live concerts on select nights with your friends. Oh, and you’ll want to eat and drink everything in sight, from classics like freshly baked beignets doused in powdered sugar to international dishes that change every year. Need I say more? This event should definitely be on your spring itinerary.

Find out all the details here: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 | Parade, Concerts, Food, Beads & More.

Butterbeer Season | March 1–May 31

I’ll never forget when my best friend tried his first-ever Butterbeer. He rhapsodized how it tasted just like he imagined (aka delicious) and proceeded to get a second frozen Butterbeer and Butterbeer ice cream before the day was through.

Butterbeer Season is the perfect time to gather and toast to everyone’s favorite wizarding beverage, whether you’re trying it for your first or 100th time! It features seasonal and exclusive Butterbeer treats along with specialty merchandise, all to celebrate this iconic beverage. The celebration takes place in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across three parks: Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and wizarding Paris. Hot, cold, or frozen, grab a mug and share a laugh over your Butterbeer mustache.

Stay tuned as more delicious details are revealed soon.

Grad Bash | April 17, 18, 24 & 30

I wish I could say I love going to these events, but, alas, I haven’t been eligible for a graduation event for many (many) years. But I can guarantee high school seniors will have a blast with their friends at this grad celebration with exclusive, private access to both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plus, they’ll enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, street entertainment, and more.

This is a separately ticketed event — get your grad on here: Grad Bash 2026 | Universal Orlando Youth Grad Events.

Volcano Bay Nights | Stay Tuned for Dates

I’m low-key obsessed with Volcano Bay during the day. It seriously has some of the best water park attractions I have ever experienced. But add in nighttime lighting (like, have you seen how gorgeous that volcano is lit up at night?), seriously reduced wait times, and some uniquely Universal entertainment and I’m ready to dive right in.

Another hot tip that I’m selfishly hesitant to share (but I won’t gatekeep from you): I’m going to book a Volcano Bay view room at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort so I can truly maximize everything about this event.

This is a separately ticketed event — learn more here: Volcano Bay Nights 2026 in Universal Orlando Resort

Gradventure | May 1, 8, 15 & 21

Oh my goodness, now we’re really going way back. Middle school grads can celebrate with their friends as they enjoy complete, private access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure all night long at this separately ticketed event. I’m pretty sure I just went to the local diner when I graduated, so you go, teens!

Read all about it here: Gradventure 2026 | Universal Orlando Youth Grad Events.

Bonus Benefits | May 1–21

You became a Passholder for all the fun in our parks, and we’re sweetening that wise decision with even more Bonus Benefits from May 1–21, with exclusive offerings in the parks, Universal CityWalk and at select Universal Orlando hotels.

Summer Fun at Universal Orlando Resort | May–August

School is out and good vibes are in. Head to Universal Orlando to celebrate the movies!

Experience the thrills and chills of your favorite attractions across all four theme parks, see your favorite movies come to life in the Universal Mega Movie Parade, sway to the scores of stirring films and watch the fountains dance in CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, and represent your Hogwarts House pride during Hogwarts Always — all happening on select dates throughout the year!

Plus, dance to the Summer Concert Series at Universal CityWalk and grab your popcorn for the Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark. Stay tuned for more details about what’s sure to be a jam-packed summer!

Fourth of July

Sport your red, white, and blue and grab your sunscreen so you can spend the whole day celebrating independence with special activities sprinkled throughout Universal Orlando Resort — all included with your admission.

Passholder Appreciation Days | August 15–September 30

Gosh, I love a perk. It’s so VIP. And UOAPs are the VIP-est of them all.

Passholder Appreciation Days are an annual celebration of the UOAP family — exclusive to Passholders! — with over six weeks of offers, special events, and more. It’s our way of returning the love to our favorite people. And here’s more good news: Passholder Nights will be returning too! Join the UOAP family for a night where Passholders get the park to themselves. Enjoy favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment, and more. Stay tuned for more information.

Passholder Nights | Stay Tuned for Dates

It’s UOAP’s park after dark. Join the UOAP family for a night where Passholders get the park to themselves. Enjoy favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment, and more. Don’t forget to book a stay at your favorite Universal hotel, too! Stay tuned for more details and dates.

Back to Hogwarts | August 1–September 1

Before the new school year begins, journey Back to Hogwarts and visit Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to celebrate your house pride. On September 1, join the beloved tradition as students depart from King’s Cross Station and Platform 9¾ leading to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Grab your robes, ready your wands, and gather your fellow witches and wizards to celebrate in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the wizarding world, from thrilling attractions and delicious treats to enchanting memories celebrating Back to Hogwarts

Halloween Horror Nights | Select Nights August 28–November 1

There’s a reason this event has been named the Golden Ticket Legend Award for Best Halloween Event — it’s because it’s the best of the best Halloween events around.

If you are into the best jump scares, production quality of haunted houses, and honestly all-around-vibes, then you HAVE to get your tickets for this event early — especially if you want to participate in any of the lights-on “Behind the Screams” tour or specialty VIP tours! If that’s not temping enough, you’ll also venture through next-level scare zones, experience thrilling live shows, and stock up on themed food and beverage offerings and merch.

PRO TIP: Book a stay at a Universal Orlando hotel and the fear will follow you home in the form of specialty themed bars and lobby experiences.

Stay tuned for future updates here: Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2026 | Universal Orlando

Dark Arts | Select Nights in the Fall

On select nights in the fall, you can witness the darker side of magic during Dark Arts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In Diagon Alley, come face-to-face with some of Voldemort’s most devoted followers as they search for others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause. 

As darkness falls over Hogsmeade, gather around Hogwarts castle and witness an ominous spectacle of light and music. The Death Eaters, Dementors, and other unspeakable creatures will cloak the castle walls in sinister images and fiendish magic, summoning Lord Voldemort and his cruel legions into the fray. 

This event takes place on select nights in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Click here to learn more about Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle.

Holidays at Universal Orlando | November 14–January 3

The Holidays at Universal deliver traditional holiday fun wrapped in a big irreverent Universal bow. It’s Holidays the way only Universal can do it.

Laugh along with the antics of the Grinch (or sing “Fah Who Doraze” with the Whos) during The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, experience the excitement of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across three parks, and see larger than life balloons soaring in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Plus, enjoy seasonal entertainment, limited-time food and merchandise offerings, and decor throughout the destination, as well as holiday cheer and decor at all the Universal Orlando hotels!

PRO TIP: The Holidays at Universal include the New Year, too! Between the theme parks and CityWalk, Universal does New Year’s Eve excitement like nowhere else.

This event takes place in Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, and it’s included in your theme park admission! Get in the holiday spirit here.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Events | Year-Round

A visit to Universal Orlando isn’t complete without checking in to one of our fabulous hotels. Not only do you get exclusive theme park benefits (walking paths or free transportation to the parks? Early entry? Yes, please!), but they also have their own slew of fun events throughout the year to make your vacation feel like nothing but fun from sunup to sundown.

Check out all the upcoming fun listed below:

January

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

February

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday
• Harbor Nights Romantico: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, February 13

March

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

April

• Easter Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, April 5
• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday
• Harbor Nights Primavera: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, April 17

May

• Mother’s Day Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, May 10
• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

June

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

July

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

August

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

September

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

October

• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday
• Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, October 16

November

• Thanksgiving Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, November 26
• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday
• Holiday Harbor Nights: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, November 27

December

• Christmas Dining: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, December 25
• New Year’s Eve Dining and Ticketed Events: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, December 31
• Wantilan Luau: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Every Saturday
• Acoustic Brunch: Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Every Sunday

Throughout the Year

• Velvet Sessions: Hard Rock Hotel, various dates
• Velvet Unplugged: Hard Rock Hotel, various dates

Universal CityWalk Events | Year-Round

Head to Universal CityWalk to dine, shop, and enjoy entertainment year-round. Honestly, my vibes are definitely the Dead Coconut during Halloween Horror Nights and grooving to the Summer Music Series!

February

• Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4
• Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4
• Bob Marley’s Birthday Celebration at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom: February 7
• Watch NBC and Peacock’s Super Bowl at NBC Sports Grill & Brew: February 8
• National Margarita Day at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: February 21–22

March

• Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4
• Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4
• St. Patrick’s Day at Pat O’Brien’s: March 17

April

• Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s: Fridays & Saturdays, February 7–April 4
• Cursed Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, February 7–April 4

May

• Kentucky Derby at NBC Sports Grill & Brew: May 2
• Cinco de Mayo at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: May 5
• Mother’s Day Brunch at Vivo Italian Kitchen: May 10

June

• Love is Universal Nights at Red Coconut Club: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, June 4–27
• Father’s Day at Bigfire: June 21
• Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15
• Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15

July

• Independence Day: July 4
• Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15
• Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15

August

• Summer Music Series at the Waterfront Stage: Saturdays, June 20–August 15
• Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark: Select Dates June–August 15
• Jamaican Independence Day at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom: August 8
• Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1
• Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October

September

• Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1
• Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October
• Jimmy Buffett Day at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: September 4

October

• Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1
• Halloween Bash at the Plaza Stage: Fridays, August 28–September 25, Fridays & Saturdays in October

November

• Dead Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, August 28–November 1
• Green & Red Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, November 20–January 3
• Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet: November 21–January 3
• Thanksgiving at Bigfire: November 26

December

• Green & Red Coconut Club: Wednesdays–Sundays, November 20–January 3
• New Year’s Eve 2027 Celebration: December 31

Whew! And I think that’s it…I mean, in addition to all the awesome thrills you can find at all four Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. And grabbing a slice at Pizza Moon. And meeting some of your favorite characters. And collecting digital coins with a Power-Up Band. And I didn’t even tell you about new my favorite rooftop bar, Bar Helios. And I can’t forget about my personal goal to go down the water slides in every hotel. And…well, you know what? You’re gonna have to just come and see it all for yourself. We’ll be here waiting for you!