Universal Studios Hollywood is officially bringing Universal Fan Fest Nights back for a second year, and the 2026 lineup is bigger, bolder, and more fan-driven than ever. Designed as a celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime fandoms, this after-hours event transforms the park into a collection of immersive, interactive worlds—all included with admission each night.
Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026, which runs for 12 select nights from April 23rd through May 16th, exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood. From classic monster mysteries to anime spectacle and tabletop fantasy, this year’s event lineup feels carefully curated for fans who want to really go there.
What is Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event that invites guests to step directly into their favorite fandoms through immersive walkthroughs, live shows, character encounters, cosplay opportunities, and themed food and merchandise (available for separate purchase).
Every experience and activation is included with admission, and the event runs on the following dates: April 23–25; May 1–3, 7–9, and 14–16, 2026.
What’s new at Universal Fan Fest this year?
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 expands the event in some big, fan-focused ways, headlined by the all-new Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, which blends classic animation with legendary Universal Monsters in an immersive studio backlot walkthrough. This year also introduces a brand-new Harry Potter walkthrough set in the Forbidden Forest, and a major evolution of ONE PIECE with the Grand Pirate Show taking over the WaterWorld stage.
Scooby-Doo meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot
The standout new experience for 2026 is Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, an all-new immersive walkthrough that blends classic animation with legendary horror icons.
Guests will board the Studio Tour tram and arrive on Universal’s historic backlot, where they’ll explore iconic filming locations like Little Europe and the Court of Miracles alongside Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred. The mystery unfolds as guests attempt to solve a case involving cinema’s most legendary monsters: Frankenstein, Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man.
Personally, this is the experience I’m most excited about. Scooby-Doo paired with classic Universal Monsters is a perfect match, it’s fun, spooky, nostalgic, and accessible. It feels like a natural evolution of Universal’s legacy horror, presented in a way that works for all ages and fandom levels.
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show takes over WaterWorld
ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a full-scale live show at the iconic WaterWorld venue.
Inspired by the massively popular Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show delivers action, comedy, and chaos through a high-energy stage performance featuring fan-favorite characters. The show brings the themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure to life in a way only a large-scale live production can.
I’m especially excited to see Universal repurpose the WaterWorld stage for something entirely new. It’s one of the park’s most impressive venues, and using it to host a major anime spectacle feels like a smart move.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter introduces a new walkthrough
Fans of The Wizarding World are getting a brand-new walk-through experience for Fan Fest Nights 2026, and it’s one I’ve personally been hoping for.
Guests will venture into the Forbidden Forest alongside a Hogwarts Professor to search for a lost Hippogriff. Along the way, they’ll encounter magical creatures, face atmospheric obstacles, and use their courage to complete the journey.
This experience leans heavily into immersion and storytelling, making it a perfect fit for an after-hours event. It finally feels like the kind of interactive Harry Potter offering that Fan Fest Nights was made for. Plus, it’s one of the experiences I added to my wishlist last year.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Hosts a Colorful Yoshi Celebration
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD joins the fun with an all-new Colorful Yoshi Celebration, exclusive to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
During the event, guests can explore the Mushroom Kingdom while encountering new multi-colored Yoshis throughout the land. It’s a cheerful, visually vibrant addition that complements the high-energy tone of Fan Fest Nights and adds even more reasons to revisit one of the park’s most popular areas.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep Returns
Due to overwhelming popularity, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep returns for 2026 with enhancements.
This immersive walkthrough places guests in the middle of a high-stakes quest alongside the Harpers, a legendary spy network, as they attempt to stop the infamous beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep. One of the experience’s highlights remains Xanathar himself, brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
I’m genuinely happy to see D&D return, even though I would’ve loved a brand-new quest this year. Still, for fans who missed it—or anyone eager to dive back into Waterdeep—it remains one of the most impressive fantasy experiences Universal has ever created.
Will the New Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Roller Coaster be open for Fan Fest Nights?
At this time, Universal Studios Hollywood has not confirmed whether Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be open during Universal Fan Fest Nights. Ride availability can vary by event night, so guests should keep an eye on official updates closer to the event dates for the most accurate information.
Ticket options of Universal Fan Fest Nights
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event with admission granting access to all immersive experiences and activations each event night. Tickets are available for select dates from April 23 through May 16, 2026, and options vary by date and availability. Guests can choose from multiple ticket tiers depending on the night they plan to attend, with all tickets including access to every Fan Fest Nights experience; themed food, beverages, and merchandise are available for separate purchase.
| Ticket Option | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| General Admission | General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access. |
| Universal Express | Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access. |
| Universal Express Unlimited | Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access. |
| After 2PM Day/Night | Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights. |
| After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express | Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event. |
| 2-Night General Admission | 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access. |
| Ultimate Fandom Pass | General Admission pass to enjoy for up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase). No blockout dates on return visits. All visits must be completed by May 16, 2026. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access. |
| Early Access Ticket | Early access, beginning at 6pm (subject to change), to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket for the same date must be purchased separately. |
| Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour | Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking. |
| Pass Member Special Pricing | Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select event nights. |
Final Thoughts
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 shows clear growth from its inaugural year. The lineup balances nostalgia with modern fandoms, while also finding creative new uses for iconic spaces like the Studio Backlot and the WaterWorld stage.
Scooby-Doo’s monster-filled mystery is inspired, the Harry Potter walkthrough finally delivers the immersion fans have wanted, ONE PIECE’s live show elevates the event’s spectacle, and Dungeons & Dragons remains a must-see.
Looking ahead beyond Fan Fest Nights? Be sure to check out our full 2026 Event Lineup for Universal Studios, where we break down every major seasonal event, limited-time offering, and can’t-miss experience coming to the parks next year so you can start planning what to hit—and when.
