The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting chillier, the leaves are getting crunchier. You know what that means! Yes, the holidays are coming to Universal Studios Hollywood — and so is 2026! The new year will be here before you know it, and with it a fresh slate of things to do at Universal. It’s time to start planning for what’s gearing up to be a can’t-miss year at the park.
Universal Studios Hollywood has a stacked event lineup for 2026. Between the out-of-this-world Universal Fan Fest Nights to a whole bundle of Pass Member exclusive events to the bone-chilling Halloween Horror Nights, this calendar has something for everyone. But enough of my yapping! Here’s everything Universal Studios Hollywood has on the docket for 2026.
Universal Studios Hollywood 2026 Event Guide
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Heads up, thrillseekers — we’ve got a brand-new roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026! Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first high-speed, outdoor roller coaster at the LA theme park, and we couldn’t be more excited. The specific opening date has not yet been announced, so stay tuned for more info!
Pass Member Bonus Benefits (February – March)
It’s always a good time of year to be a Universal Pass Member, but it’s a really good time during Pass Member Bonus Benefits. For a few weeks in early 2026, Pass Members have access to limited-time discounts, collectible giveaways, and members-only food and drink offerings. If you’ve got an annual or season pass, you’ll feel like a real Universal insider during Bonus Benefits.
Butterbeer Season (March – May)
If you visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without tasting Butterbeer, did you really visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? If your answer is no, then this springtime event is a must. Butterbeer Season celebrates the beloved wizarding beverage in all its forms: hot, cold, frozen, fudge, ice cream, and more.
Universal Fan Fest Nights (select nights April 23 – May 16)
After an out-of-this-world premiere in 2025, Universal Fan Fest Nights is back for year #2! This separately ticketed, after-hours event brings beloved sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime franchises to life at Universal Studios Hollywood. Check out what to expect from this year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights right here — or better yet, grab your presale tickets right here and receive a limited-edition, complimentary collectible medallion. (Restrictions apply.)
Pass Member Collectible Giveaway (May)
If you’re an annual or season Pass Member, you can expect an exclusive, limited-edition collectible during the springtime. No details on what it’ll be specifically, but I’m always in the market for more Universal tchotchkes.
Pass Member Special Event (May/June)
…But wait, there’s more Pass member-exclusive fun! Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for a very special Pass Member event in the late spring or early summer. More details to come!
Mega Movie Summer (June – August)
It’s not summer without summer blockbusters. And where better to celebrate your favorite flicks than Universal Studios Hollywood? For the second year running, the theme park is throwing down for Mega Movie Summer. That means another year of splash-filled attractions movie-inspired menu items, and more! Stay tuned for the 2026 slate of featured features. And to get a taste of what the 2025 event was like, check out our coverage.
4th of July Celebration (July)
Believe it or not, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Ring in America’s bisesquicentennial (yes, that’s a word) at Universal Studios Hollywood. Festivities will include a fireworks show, patriotic décor and more.
Back to Hogwarts (August – September)
If you’re anything like me, you (still) spend the final weeks of summer secretly hoping an owl will arrive with your long-awaited Hogwarts acceptance letter. And we’re not alone! So take a trip Back to Hogwarts and visit Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to kick off a new academic year and celebrate your house pride.
Pass Member Appreciation Days (August – September)
There are not one, but two glorious times of year to be a Universal Studios Hollywood Pass Member. Both annual and season passholders get extra perks during Pass Member Appreciation Days, including limited-time, in-park food and beverage offerings, extra discounts, and more exclusive benefits TBA.
Halloween Horror Nights (select nights September 3 – November 1)
It simply wouldn’t be Halloween in Southern California without Halloween Horror Nights. In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood will once again transform into all your worst nightmares for this separately ticketed, after-hours event. For the uninitiated, learn what HHN is all about right here.
Pass Member Collectible Giveaway (November)
You’d better have free space on your desk — it’s time for yet another Pass Member Collectible Giveaway! Again, no word on what the limited-edition collectible will be yet. But I give you permission to get excited.
Holidays at Universal (November – December)
It’s official — expect another year of end-of-the-year cheer in 2026! Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood will return for another year of cozy vibes and twinkle lights. Check out our guide to the annual tradition right here.
Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover (December)
Universal has a holiday gift for its biggest fans: a Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover! This after-hours event is exclusive to Pass Members. Get excited for an evening of shorter lines with Universal superfans, plus a whole lot of holiday cheer.
EVE (December 31)
Ring in 2027 at Universal Studios Hollywood! EVE is the theme park’s annual, family-friendly New Year’s Eve party. You can expect DJs, dance floors, fireworks, and lots of attractions open into the early hours of the morning. Cheers!
What are you most excited about for 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Check Out Every Event Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026 appeared first on Discover Universal.
