Guides and Tips

Guide to Shows & Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort

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Celestial Goodnight fountain show and fireworks at Epic Universe

There are so many rides to thrill you, icons to meet, and treats to try around Universal Orlando Resort. But have you enjoyed all the shows tucked in around the Universe? This guide will take you though the most entertaining shows and unforgettable experiences on our streets, around our islands, across our worlds, and in our city! Here’s everything you need to know before you plan your next theme park day.

Read on for a full breakdown of the shows and entertainment offering across Universal Orlando Resort!

JUMP TO:

UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE | UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA | UNIVERSAL ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE | UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

Universal Epic Universe

The Untrainable Dragon

Hiccup and Toothless soaring over the audience in The Untrainable Dragon show at Epic Universe

Location: How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

The Vikings of Berk welcome you into their newly opened dragon hatchery, so take a seat and prepare for your heart to flutter! Oh, but there’s a party crasher: a massive, unknown dragon breaks into the hatchery, and Hiccup, Astrid, and Gobber must work “Together” to understand this uncontrollable beast and keep the village, and the baby dragons, safe. Prepare for a lot of butterflies, awe-inspiring and larger than life dragons, tunes you’ll be humming along to all day, and, of course, Toothless soaring above the audience.

PRO TIP: After the show, stop by Toothless’ Treasures and pick up your own dragon to hatch and train!

Le Cirque Arcanus

An aerialist performs during Le Cirque Arcanus at Epic Universe

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic  

The traveling Le Cirque Arcanus has opened its tent in the center of Place Cachée as ringmaster Skender welcomes all witches and wizards to experience the wonders and mysteries of this dazzling spectacle. In an effort to restore Le Cirque Arcanus to its former glory, Skender has stolen New Scamander’s suitcase, filled with magical beasts. Circus employee Gwenlyn goes on a mission to rescue the creatures before Skender finds out. Nothing is ever what it seems, so sit back and watch this spectacle of wonders and fantastic beasts!

Place Cachée Jazz Band

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

You never know what you’ll stumble upon in Place Cachée. You may come across a magical music box and its jazzy companions! This band tends to stop by Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique to share their enchanting sounds along this rue de Paris. Join in as they swing and sing to some tunes from the 1920s. Allons-y — you don’t want to miss this performance!

Darkmoor Musicians

A violinist performs for guests in Dark Universe at Epic Universe

Location: Dark Universe

There are many haunting stories in and about the village of Darkmoor. If you dare to venture down these chilling, cobbled paths, gather around the Burgomaster in front of Das Stakehaus to hear the tales of the monsters that have plagued this village for time immemorial. These town rumors are accompanied by the unsettling strains of a violin masterfully played by well-meaning villagers who share their stories in cautious council. Heed any warnings shared, as they may save you if — when — you come face-to-face with a monster yourself.

Cosmos Fountain

Location: Celestial Park

Throughout your travels across the different worlds, stop for a beat in Celestial Park and sit around the Cosmos Fountain in front of Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel. There, you may catch up to 16 different shows that celebrate each world on your journey through Universal Epic Universe. With 100 water jets, the center of which can get up to 80 feet tall, and lights that illuminate every shade of the rainbow, you’ll be amazed by the wondrous spectacle.

Universal Celestial Goodnight

Celestial Goodnight fountain show and fireworks at Epic Universe

Location: Celestial Park

Celebrate your day at Universal Epic Universe with a dazzling finale of music, color and light. This nightly (weather permitting) spectacular features glittering fireworks and fountains that dance from one end of the park to the other, all choreographed to sweeping music that brings to life the excitement of each of the theme park’s five amazing worlds.

The Celestial Trio

Location: Celestial Park

With an ice cream from Frosty Moon in-hand, gather around the Hemisphere stage for a Celestian spin on your favorite Earthen songs. This trio of performers — a saxophonist, a drummer, and a singer — add their own exquisite flare to galactic hits that will make you want to dance under the stars. You won’t want to miss these divine melodies. 

Roaming Violinist

Location: Celestial Park

Throughout Celestial Park you may catch the marvelous twinkling of a roaming violinist. Flying around in search of their next muse, this roaming performer is happy to share the songs they’ve learned along their travels and those whispered to them by Apollo himself. Look to the stars around the Hemisphere stage and over by Meteor Astropub for a chance to hear these resonate tones.

The Dueling Guitarists at The Oak & Star Tavern

Location: Celestial Park

While enjoying some exquisite barbeque — and phenomenal Mango Bread — you might see a couple of guitarists take the stage across from the Plastered Owl bar to create a fun atmosphere only written about in the stars. With a mix of familiar bops, comedy, and audience participation, your meal under the oak tree will be one to remember!

Universal Studios Florida

The Bourne Stuntacular

The opening scene of The Bourne Stuntacular at Unviersal Studios Florida, featuring Jason Bourne standing on stage next to a red sports car

Location: Hollywood

Step into the world of Jason Bourne in a live stunt spectacular packed with explosive action, thrilling chases, brutal combat, and jaw-dropping practical effects. As danger closes in from every direction, you’ll be pulled into an adrenaline-fueled adventure where trust is fragile, and survival is never guaranteed. This is more than a stunt show — it’s an unforgettable action experience.

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show

The exterior of the Universal Horror Make-up Show

Location: Hollywood

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show will undergo a temporary closure beginning May 12, 2026 to make way for a reimagined experience.

One of my all-time favorite shows, I’ve always been a fan of the laughs and screams created by the outrageous duo taking the stage at Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show. They pull back the mask on the Hollywood secrets behind the most famous — and infamous — monster movies in Universal Pictures’ legacy of horror. With practical effects, movie clips, audience participation, and sinister surprises, you’ll be leaving with your sides in stitches. Say “Hi!” to Eddie for me!

PRO TIP: Step into the lobby of this theater to check out some of the iconic props used in original and modern horror movies.

Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas

Location: Hollywood

Hot off the press: Marilyn Monroe has been spotted filming for her latest movie in the streets outside Mel’s Drive-In! Extras may be needed for the big dance number she and her Diamond Bellas have been working on. You’ll want to be in the crowd as this iconic star and her Bellas sing and dance their way through her classic discography. Don’t miss the chance to catch this blonde bombshell in action!

Universal Mega Movie Parade

The Trolls float in the Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida

Location: Hollywood & New York

Watch as some of your favorite Universal characters and moments jump right off the screen and dance through the streets of Hollywood and New York. You’ll learn to “Sing!” and dance with Rosita, Johnny, and Ash, practice kung fu with Po, go “Back to the Future,” and help the “Ghostbusters” overcome mysterious paranormal forces. All in time for the Fourth of July parade, where there have definitely been zero shark sightings in the area.

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular

A mother takes a selfie with her kids in front of the Cinesational nighttime show

Location: Central Park

Experience the power of movie music in a breathtaking nighttime spectacular on the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. As unforgettable scores swell through the air, towering water screens, dazzling projections, fountains, fireworks, drones, and lighting effects bring iconic film moments rushing back to life. Every note is designed to awaken the emotion, excitement, and memories that made these stories universal, surrounding you in a cinematic celebration of the movies you love.

Animal Actors On Location!

A young guest sits on stage while an animal trainer and dog approach her during Animal Actors on Location at Universal Studios Florida

Location: Hollywood

Come snoot-to-snoot and beak-to-beak with the biggest stars of Hollywood, and see how our pawed, hoofed, and feathered friends get ready for their silver screen debuts! Take your seat as these stars go through the paces of the glamorous routines they undertake each day in preparation for their close ups. They’ll ready their lines, hit all their cues, and perfectly execute amazing stunts in this uniquely fun animal stunt show. You may even catch a diva moment or a flying pig!

DreamWorks Imagination Celebration

Location: DreamWorks Land

Unleash your creativity as you help Amara recapture Zayne’s imagination in this multisensory adventure through the worlds of Shrek, Poppy, Po, and King Julien. Let your head fly up into the clouds as these characters invite you to move it, move it in this spectacular dance party. Reliving your favorite DreamWorks stories has never been so fun!

Po Live!

Young guests strike kung-fu poses while watching Po Live! in DreamWorks Land

Location: DreamWorks Land

Learn kung fu in the heart of Panda Village! Master Po will guide you through various moves inspired by his friends in the Furious Five as he babysits his mischievous cousin, Ling-Ling. Po will teach you how to harness your chi through interactive challenges. Get ready for your Panda Pose and keep an eye out for any stray baby pandas: Master Po may just call on you for a demonstration!

PRO TIP: Get your pre-work out snack at DreamWorks Imagination Cafe before stepping into Po’s dojo! I know I can’t start any training session without some fuel.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

A close-up of Celestina Warbeck singing during her show in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Stroll along Carkitt Market to catch the wizarding world sensation: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. This performance will take you through some hit classics, from jazzy love ballads to her inspiring Quidditch anthem. They’ll charm your heart right out of you with these enchanting songs. You’ll be humming them all day!

PRO TIP: Stop by The Fountain of Fair Fortune to grab a delicious Butterbeer before singing along to these catchy tunes.

Tales of Beedle the Bard

A performer interacts with puppets during the Tales of Beedle the Bard in Diagon Alley

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts invites you to gather around the Carkitt Market stage as they breathe life into the wizarding world’s most famous tales of Beedle the Bard. This troupe will conjure one of the many tales found in these pages, using scenic pieces, props and puppetry to retell these stories. You can catch their rendition of “The Tale of the Three Brothers” throughout the day, each a delight to experience!

Beat Builders

Location: San Francisco

Don’t mind the scaffolding outside the building next to Fast & Furious – Supercharged — I’m sure the construction is almost done. Well, maybe the site workers will get right to it after they lay the foundation on their building playlist. They absolutely take advantage of all the different sounds they can create and layer with their equipment in this percussion-focused show!

The Blue Brothers Show

The Blues Brothers pose in front of the Pantages in Universal Studios Florida

Location: Delancey Street in New York

On a mission, Jake and Elwood Blues roll up on Delancey Street in their Bluesmobile to bring their rhythm and blues to the streets of New York. This duo takes over the steps of these apartment buildings as they’re accompanied by the powerful vocals of Mabel and Jazz’s, well, jazzy saxophone. This quartet plays the heart out of New York in their performance of R&B classics that you won’t be able to resist shaking your tail feathers to. Make sure to give some lovin’ to these soul men when you’re cruising through New York!

PRO TIP: Trust me when I say you absolutely MUST catch the Holidays at Universal version of this show. Festive doesn’t even begin to cover it!

¡Vamos! – Báilalo

Two performers smile and dance together during Vamos - Bailalo at Universal Studios Florida

Location: New York

This high-energy dance show invites you to grab your partner and take a spin on our dance floor: the streets of New York! As soon as the Latin beats get loud over the airways outside Louie’s Italian Restaurant, you won’t be able to stop bailando. These dancers will teach you how to groove as suavemente as them. You’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a few new moves!

Music Plaza Stage

A guest records a performance on the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida

Location: New York

You know that giant stage right next to Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon? It becomes the focus of excitement when Universal Studios Florida welcomes bands and performers each year to rock out for Rock the Universe in the winter and on select nights during Universal Mardi Gras in the spring.I got to experience one of my first real concerts on this stage in 2016, and I’ll never forget feeling the bass in my chest and hearing the screams from the crowd!

If you’re visiting between January and April, you absolutely must explore the Universal Orlando Resort website for all the info on lineups and concert dates during either of these events! Check out this page to learn more about Universal Mardi Gras and explore this page for all the details on Rock the Universe!

Universal Islands of Adventure

Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear

Thing 1, Thing 2, The Grinch, and The Cat in the Hat pose with a performer as part of Oh, the Stories You'll Hear!

Location: Seuss Landing

Classic tales by Dr. Seuss come to life in this musical street performance. Let your kids (or inner child) sit for story time as the storyteller recounts the fun hijinks of beloved characters like The Grinch, The Lorax (my personal favorite), Sam-I-am, and more. Hang around after the stories end to meet some of these icons before they jump back onto the page!

Frog Choir

Hogwarts students perform with frogs in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Don’t miss these talented Hogwarts students and their singing frogs as they perform acapella renditions of some of the wizarding world’s most famous songs. “Can You Dance like a Hippogriff?” is always stuck in my head and leaves me wondering how exactly one dances like a Hippogriff. These are the thoughts I ponder when waiting in line for Flight of the Hippogriff, practicing my bows and preparing to come face-to-face with one myself.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

Durmstrang students pose with staffs during the Triwizard Spirit Rally in Hogsmeade Village

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Students from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute have decided to put on a demonstration of their schools’ spirit as they get ready to cheer on their champions in the Triwizard Tournament. The grace and poise of the Beauxbatons students are on full display as they glide across the stage. Not to be shown up, the Durmstrang students unleash the power of their fierce moves as they flip and fight in synchronized choreography.

Hogwarts Castle Shows

Fireworks and lights in front of Hogwarts Castle during Hogwarts Always in Hogsmeade Village

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

A seasonal projection show at Hogwarts castle? Count me in! Throughout the year, you can enjoy Hogwarts Always which takes you through a full year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Cheer for your favorite house and see which wins the House Cup! As fall begins and things take a more hallowed turn, the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle takes over. Experience a darker side of magic as Dementors, Death Eaters, and other creatures take form onto the castle. When we approach the Holidays at Universal, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle will deck the halls and towers. Join in these celebrations as only the wizarding world can!

Universal CityWalk

Universal’s Rising Star

Three guests laugh and sing karaoke together onstage at Rising Star in Universal CityWalk

Location: Universal CityWalk Promenade

Here you become the star as you take to the stage for your rendition of your favorite tracks. A live band and backup singers jam out behind you, making you feel like your favorite artist. You can sing solo, as a duet, or in a small group, or you can enjoy the performances of others from the audience. Catch me on the second floor dancing and sipping my favorite drink, the High Note Highball.

PRO TIP: Order one of your favorite pies from Red Oven Pizza Bakery between songs — I’m looking at you, Big Eye Pepperoni — and have it delivered right to your table. Don’t miss a single performance!

Pat O’Brien’s

Guests clap for the pianist in Pat O'Brien's at Universal CityWalk

Location: Universal CityWalk Promenade

My absolute favorite experience in Universal Orlando Resort; a night in the city isn’t complete without a stop at Pat O’Brien’s to check out their dueling pianos! While they specialize in classic bar songs and ballads, you never know what they may be ready to try tickling on the ivory, so make sure to drop them a recommendation and get ready to sing along to your favorite songs!

PRO TIP: While you enjoy the energy of the pianos, explore the menu for some NOLA inspired dishes! I’m always noshing on the Mardi Gras Gumbo with a Fuzzy Leprechaun. Trust me, it’s the perfect start or end to your night in the City!

Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom

A singer performs on stage at Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom in Universal CityWalk

Location: Universal CityWalk Promenade

In this replica of Bob Marley’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, a live reggae band and DJ perform in the open-air courtyard as you sample from the Jamaican-influenced menu and embrace the spirit of the “King of Reggae” with his ideals of faith, hope, and rebellion. Between sips of Rastafarian Tings, non-alcoholic drinks that are truly amazing, swing on to the dance floor and feel the reggae rhythm.

Red Coconut Club

An exterior view of the Red Coconut Club at night.

Location: Universal CityWalk Promenade

This seasonal club is the life of any party in Universal CityWalk! Whether you’re visiting during Universal Mardi Gras (Cursed Coconut Club), Halloween Horror Nights (Dead Coconut Club), or the Holidays at Universal (Green & Red Coconut Club), the Red Coconut Club will be decked out in festive furnishing to keep the party going. There are even nights in June to celebrate Pride with Love is Universal Nights at Red Coconut Club. You can grab seasonally crafted cocktails at the bar or take to the highly themed dance floor. Of course, there are always the immaculate vibes upstairs that you simply must explore; you never know what you might find. Don’t miss out on the live performances on select weekends during these events!

What’s your must-do show anytime you’re at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments!

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