Last year, Universal Studios Hollywood launched its first-ever Fan Fest Nights, and for a lot of fans, myself included, it was a major success. There was something special about seeing so many different fandoms come together in one place, all with the same excitement for the event. As soon as I left, I was already wondering how Universal could top it the following year. Now that Fan Fest Nights is back, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Universal Studios Hollywood for the 2026 event.
What is Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Fan Fest Nights is Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual after-hours event dedicated to celebrating fandoms that do not always get the spotlight during regular park operations. From anime and video games to classic cartoons and fantasy franchises, the event is built to give fans a more immersive experience centered around the properties they love.
In a lot of ways, it feels like Universal took the same level of creativity and event planning that goes into Halloween Horror Nights and redirected it into something more family-friendly. Instead of scares, Fan Fest Nights focuses on themed entertainment, special experiences, exclusive shows, and fandom-driven fun.
When is Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Fan Fest Nights is a very limited event. Rather than running nightly for an extended stretch, it only takes place on 12 select nights.
The event runs on:
April 23, 24, and 25, then May 1 through 3, May 7 through 9, and May 14 through 16.
If you are planning to go, it is definitely the kind of event you want to schedule ahead for. Once those nights are done, that is it until next year.
How much is Fan Fest Nights?
Ticket prices vary depending on the kind of experience you want. General admission is the most affordable entry point, while options like Universal Express, VIP, and the Ultimate Fandom Pass climb much higher.
Ticket Prices
Fan Fest General Admission — Starting at $74
Fan Fest General Admission After 2 PM — Starting at $114
Fan Fest Early Access Add-On — Starting at $20
Fan Fest Pass Member Special — Platinum Pass holders can purchase a $40 ticket inside the park
Fan Fest Universal Express — Starting at $144
Fan Fest Universal Express Unlimited — Starting at $174
Fan Fest After 2 PM Universal Express — Starting at $204
Fan Fest VIP Tour — Starting at $350
Fan Fest Ultimate Fandom Pass — Starting at $199
If you are planning to eat while you are there, I highly recommend looking into the dining pass as well. It runs about $65 and includes two entrees plus four snacks, drinks, or dessert items. If you already know you are going to be trying the event food, it can pay for itself pretty quickly.
What dates are best for Fan Fest Nights?
With Spring Break out of the way, the crowds may be a little more manageable, but this is still a weekend-focused event and a family-friendly one at that, so you should still expect strong attendance.
If you are trying to go on the cheapest and likely least crowded nights, the Thursday dates are probably your best bet. That said, if I had to recommend the best overall time to go, I would lean toward the final two weeks of the event. Since Fan Fest Nights is still relatively new, last year there was plenty of discussion online about the event feeling more polished and better figured out toward the end of its run.
Will the Fast and Furious Coaster be open for Fan Fest Nights?
Unfortunately, no. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will not be open during Universal Fan Fest Nights. The coaster is currently expected to open sometime this summer, so it will likely be part of Universal’s larger summer offerings instead.
What is there to do at Fan Fest Nights?
There is plenty to experience, including exclusive shows, walkthrough attractions, character encounters, and themed entertainment across the park.
Scooby Doo x Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot
Artistic Rendering
Much like last year’s Back to the Future experience, this offering will be tied to the tram excursion to the Backlot. Guests will be dropped off in Little Europe and allowed to walk the set while taking part in a mystery involving the Scooby gang and Universal Monsters.
Personally, I love both Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters, so this is one of the things I am most excited for. If it captures even a little of the magic that last year’s Back to the Future backlot experience had, this could be one of the highlights of the event.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon show at the Dreamworks Theater
I have not personally watched Sailor Moon, but I have really enjoyed the anime shows Universal has been bringing into the DreamWorks Theatre for these events. The Chainsaw Man show during Halloween Horror Nights was a fun stop, and last year’s Jujutsu Kaisen show was also a solid addition.
I know some guests were disappointed that previous anime presentations were not translated, but honestly, I do not think that is necessarily a bad thing. Keeping these shows authentic to their original presentation gives them a unique identity, and I appreciate Universal leaning into that. I am excited to check out the Sailor Moon show, and who knows, maybe this will be the thing that finally gets me to sit down and watch the series.
One Piece: Pirate Spectacle at Waterworld Stage
One thing I have wanted from Halloween Horror Nights for a while is a different kind of show at the WaterWorld venue (other than the Purge), so I definitely was not expecting Fan Fest Nights to be the event that delivered on that idea first.
I love the regular WaterWorld stunt show and usually try to make time for it whenever I visit the park. To me, it is one of the clearest examples of what Universal does best. So seeing that space used for a One Piece show feels like a big win. It also feels like a smart way to bring One Piece back in a more meaningful format.
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest walkthrough
After last year’s event, I put together a personal wishlist of things I wanted to see added in 2026, and right at the top was a Harry Potter walkthrough.
Out of all the major franchises already built into Universal Studios Hollywood, Harry Potter felt a bit underused during Fan Fest Nights. So seeing the Wizarding World get a more immersive walkthrough experience this year is incredibly exciting. There is so much from that world that fans want to experience up close, and this kind of attraction feels like something Universal could honestly refresh and bring back year after year.
I am very excited to see how it turns out, and yes, I am at least jokingly taking credit for putting it into the universe.
Dungeons & Dragons: Return to Waterdeep walkthrough
Another thing on my wishlist was more Dungeons & Dragons content, so I was happy to see Dungeons & Dragons returning as well.
With how much source material D&D has to pull from, this feels like one of the easiest concepts to revisit annually by simply changing the story, setting, or monsters involved. While bringing back last year’s experience in a redux format may not be the most exciting choice on paper, I understand why Universal would do it. Fan Fest Nights has such a limited run that plenty of people likely missed it the first time around or just did not know what to expect.
This gives more guests a chance to experience it before the event moves on to entirely new adventures. And honestly, I am just glad it is back. Maybe this year I will end up as a Wizard instead of a Barbarian.
Super Nintendo World Colorful Yoshi Meet & Greets
Super Nintendo World is also getting a little extra love during the event with colorful Yoshi meet-and-greets.
If you are a big Yoshi fan, or you just want another excuse to spend some time in Super Nintendo World, this will be a fun addition. Just keep in mind that last year this area of the park closed earlier than the rest of the event, so it is worth making it a priority if it is high on your list.
Can you wear cosplay at Fan Fest Nights?
Yes, you can, and Universal is very much encouraging guests to lean into the spirit of the event. Cosplay is part of what makes Fan Fest Nights feel like a celebration of fandom, and it is nice to see the park embracing that.
That said, there are still costume guidelines you need to follow. Universal has a full cosplay policy available, but some of the most important rules include:
guests must remain fully clothed, including shirts and shoes; masks that partially or fully cover the face are not allowed; prosthetic makeup cannot cover more than the forehead; face paint is permitted, but guests with more than half their face covered will not be served alcohol; service animals cannot be incorporated into a costume; weapons of any kind, real or fake, are prohibited; and excessively long or hazardous costume elements are not allowed.
It is a long list, but it is all there for safety reasons. So cosplay, have fun, and just make sure you check the guidelines before arriving.
Final Thoughts
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 is shaping up to be another fun celebration of fandom, and honestly, that is what makes the event stand out. It is not trying to be Halloween Horror Nights in a different outfit. It has its own identity, and that identity gives Universal a chance to embrace anime, fantasy, gaming, and classic pop culture in a way the park normally does not.
Between the Backlot mystery, WaterWorld show, anime additions, and immersive walkthroughs, there is a lot here to be excited about. And if Universal continues refining the event the way it seemed to last year, Fan Fest Nights could become one of the park’s most interesting annual traditions.
