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Universal Orlando Releases Full 2026 Events and Experiences Guide With Year-Round Fun
The party calendar is officially stacked at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has unveiled its 2026 Events and Experiences Guide, giving fans a first look at a full year of festivals, seasonal celebrations, limited-time offerings, and special hotel and CityWalk happenings that go far beyond the rides. Whether you are planning a quick weekend escape or plotting a full-on theme park takeover, 2026 is shaping up to be a greatest hits tour of Universal favorites with a few magical twists along the way.
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The year kicks off with Rock the Universe returning to Universal Studios Florida January 23 and 24, bringing Florida’s biggest Christian music festival back for a high-energy weekend of faith, fun, and powerful performances. From there, the beads start flying as Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs February 7 through April 4, featuring colorful floats, live concerts on select nights, and a food lineup inspired by New Orleans and global cuisine.
Late summer into fall delivers the scream season fans live for as Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th anniversary on select nights from August 28 through November 1, promising an all-new slate of haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and themed food and drinks. The year wraps in tinsel and cheer with Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort from November 14 through January 3, 2027, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, festive décor across all 11 hotels, and New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout the destination.
Wizarding World fans will want to circle multiple dates as special limited-time offerings roll out throughout the year in celebration of the first Harry Potter film’s 25th anniversary. Butterbeer Season runs from March 1 through May 31, featuring limited-edition treats and merchandise that celebrate the iconic drink. Back to Hogwarts takes place August 1 through September 1, marking the traditional return-to-school timeframe in the stories. Dark Arts returns this fall with the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle projection show in Hogsmeade and roaming Death Eaters in Diagon Alley. Universal also confirmed the return of Volcano Bay Nights, giving guests the chance to enjoy the water park after dark, with dates to be announced later.
Passholder Appreciation Days presented by Coca-Cola will run from August 15 through September 30, offering exclusive perks across the resort. Guests can look forward to Mardi Gras After Parties and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s, Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby watch parties at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, and the always-popular Red Coconut Club transformations including 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 FIFA World Cup coverage, along with summer movie and music series events.
Related: The Best Times to Plan a Universal Orlando Vacation for Lower Crowds
Hotel guests have plenty to look forward to as well, with Acoustic Brunch every Sunday at Hard Rock Hotel’s The Kitchen, Wantilan Luau dinners at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on select dates throughout the year, Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged concerts at Hard Rock Hotel, and a U.S. Hunger meal-packing event in November. Seasonal holiday dining will also be available at several hotels, including Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
More details about this year’s events will be released throughout the year, but one thing is clear. If 2026 had a theme, it would be “why choose one season when you can do them all.”
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