Universal Orlando has released its lineup of events, celebrations, activities, and hotel happenings for 2026, outlining a year of what’s happenings across its theme parks, hotels, and Universal CityWalk.
Theme Park Experiences and Seasonal Events
Rock the Universe, a Christian music festival, returns to Universal Studios Florida on January 23 and 24. The weekend-long event will have performances from some of today’s most popular Christian music artists.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run from February 7 through April 4. The celebration features colorful parade floats with tons of beads, live concerts on select nights from major music acts, and a wide-ranging food lineup inspired by global cuisines and classic New Orleans flavors.
Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th anniversary on select nights from August 28 through November 1. The event features a slate of new haunted houses inspired by major horror franchises and original stories, immersive scare zones, live entertainment, and themed food and drinks. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
Holidays at Universal Orlando will take place from November 14 through January 3. Festivities include Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with festive décor throughout the resort, including all on-site hotels. Guests can also celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31 with live entertainment and special festivities in the theme parks and at Universal CityWalk.
Additional offerings are planned throughout the year, including the return of Volcano Bay Nights, which allows guests to experience Volcano Bay water park after dark. Dates and details will be announced later.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Limited-Time Offerings
Special experiences will roll out throughout the year in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the first Harry Potter film marks its 25th anniversary.
Butterbeer Season runs from March 1 through May 31 and will feature limited-edition treats, new merchandise, and themed offerings celebrating the iconic wizarding beverage.
Back to Hogwarts will take place from August 1 through September 1, aligning with the traditional return-to-school period in the Harry Potter stories.
Later in the fall, Dark Arts returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the projection show “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” in Hogsmeade and roaming Death Eaters in Diagon Alley. More information will be shared closer to the event.
| DATE | EVENT |
| January 23 – 24 | Rock the Universe |
| February 7 – April 4 | Universal Mardi Gras |
| March 1 – May 31 | Butterbeer Season |
| August 1 – September 1 | Back to Hogwarts |
| August 15 – September 30 | Passholder Appreciation Days |
| August 28 – November 1 (Select Nights) | Halloween Horror Nights |
| Select Nights this Fall | Dark Arts |
| November 14 – January 3, 2027 | Holidays at Universal Orlando |
Passholder Appreciation Days
Passholder Appreciation Days will run from August 15 through September 30. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can enjoy exclusive perks across the theme parks, hotels, and Universal CityWalk.
Celebrations at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk will host a range of themed events and viewing parties in 2026. Highlights include the Mardi Gras After Party and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s, as well as special watch parties for the Super Bowl on February 8 and the Kentucky Derby on May 2 at NBC Sports Grill & Brew.
The Red Coconut Club will once again transform seasonally into the Cursed Coconut Club for Mardi Gras, the Dead Coconut Club during Halloween Horror Nights, and the Green & Red Coconut Club for the holidays.
CityWalk will also host viewing parties for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage of the FIFA World Cup, along with a CityWalk Summer Movie Series, a Summer Music Series, and more.
Happenings at Universal Orlando Hotels
Guests staying at Universal Orlando hotels can take part in additional seasonal events and offerings at select properties.
Hard Rock Hotel will offer an Acoustic Brunch every Sunday at The Kitchen, featuring a full brunch buffet, chef-inspired dishes, and live music.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort will host the Wantilan Luau on Saturday evenings, offering a family-friendly luau and dinner show, subject to change.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will bring back Harbor Nights on February 13, April 17, October 16, and November 27. The event includes unlimited gourmet food and wine, live music, and a traditional opera performance.
In November, guests can participate in the U.S. Hunger Meal Packing event, helping package 555,000 healthy meals for individuals and families in need across Central Florida.
Hard Rock Hotel will also continue Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged, showcasing live performances from musical artists throughout the year.
Special holiday dining will be available on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve at participating hotels, including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
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