Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026: Everything Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood
Last Updated: February 15, 2026
Universal Fan Fest Nights is returning to Universal Studios Hollywood for its second year, running on select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026. The after-hours event celebrates sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime franchises with immersive walk-through experiences, character meet-and-greets, themed dining, and exclusive merchandise. Presale tickets are available now.
After a successful inaugural run in 2025, Universal is expanding the event with five major franchise experiences. Here’s everything announced so far for Fan Fest Nights 2026.
Table of Contents
- Dates, Tickets, and Pricing
- Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters
- One Piece: Grand Pirate Show
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Super Nintendo World
- What to Know Before You Go
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dates, Tickets, and Pricing
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 takes place on select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event is separately ticketed from regular park admission, meaning you’ll need a dedicated Fan Fest Nights ticket to attend.
Two ticket options are currently available during the presale period:
- General Admission: Valid for one selected event night. All franchise experiences are included regardless of which night you attend.
- Ultimate Fandom Pass: Grants General Admission access to every event night throughout the entire run.
Both presale ticket types include a complimentary limited-edition collectible medallion. Tickets can be purchased through the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket store.
Universal has not yet announced specific pricing for 2026. Additional details are expected as the event approaches.
Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters
The headline experience for Fan Fest Nights 2026 is a mashup between Scooby-Doo and the classic Universal Monsters. Guests become extras in a “movie gone wrong” as Universal Monsters are unleashed on the Universal Studios Backlot.
The experience tasks guests with joining Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang to solve the case and save the film shoot. Universal describes the walkthrough as featuring immersive sets, character encounters, and “cinematic chaos” throughout the backlot.
This marks the first time Scooby-Doo has appeared in a major Universal event experience, and the crossover with Universal’s classic monster franchise could make this the most talked-about attraction of the entire event.
One Piece: Grand Pirate Show
One Piece returns to Fan Fest Nights with a major upgrade. The ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show is described as a high-energy spectacular featuring Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew in battles, stunts, and pyrotechnics.
Beyond the show, the ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Gathering fan zone will feature themed dining options including dishes from Sanji’s Galley, plus photo opportunities with the Straw Hat Crew.
One Piece was one of the standout franchises at the inaugural Fan Fest Nights in 2025, and the addition of a dedicated show format signals Universal’s commitment to expanding anime representation at the event.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood gets a Fan Fest Nights overlay with a Forbidden Forest experience. Guests venture into the Forbidden Forest for an evening on the Hogwarts grounds that takes “an unexpected turn,” sending them on a journey to help rescue a Hippogriff in need.
The experience includes navigating enchanted paths, encountering magical creatures, and putting spell skills to the test in an immersive walkthrough format. This represents a unique opportunity to experience the Wizarding World area in a completely different context than regular park hours.
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons makes its Universal theme park debut at Fan Fest Nights 2026. The experience drops guests into a fully immersive adventure in the depths of Waterdeep, the iconic Forgotten Realms city.
Players must face the evil beholder Xanathar and work to save the Sword Coast. For D&D fans, the choice of Xanathar as the antagonist is a deep cut. The beholder crime lord is the star of the popular sourcebook “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” and one of the most recognizable villains in modern D&D lore.
This is a significant franchise addition for Universal. With the 2023 Dungeons and Dragons film performing well and the game’s player base growing rapidly, D&D represents a massive fandom that hasn’t had a dedicated theme park experience until now.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood receives a special Fan Fest Nights overlay featuring colorful Yoshis descending on the Mushroom Kingdom. Light blue, pink, yellow, and purple Yoshis join the land for interactive fun and character meet-and-greets exclusive to event nights.
Universal has also confirmed a land-wide puzzle experience during Fan Fest Nights, tasking guests with exploring the Mushroom Kingdom, uncovering clues, and solving the puzzle throughout the night. This interactive element adds a layer of gameplay beyond the regular Power-Up Band activities available during standard park hours.
The colorful Yoshi characters first appeared at Fan Fest Nights 2025 and proved to be one of the most popular photo opportunities at the event.
What to Know Before You Go
Based on the inaugural event in 2025, here are some tips for planning your Fan Fest Nights visit:
- All franchises appear every night. Unlike Halloween Horror Nights where house lineups can vary, every Fan Fest Nights experience is available on every event date. Pick the night that works best for your schedule.
- Arrive early. Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours event, but arriving when gates open gives you more time to experience everything without rushing.
- Budget for food and merchandise. Themed dining and exclusive merchandise are a major part of the experience. Sanji’s Galley and other themed food options are separately priced.
- Comfortable shoes are a must. Between the backlot experiences and walking through the entire park, expect to cover significant ground throughout the night.
- Follow @unifanfestnights on Instagram for real-time updates as more details are revealed before the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026?
Select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Is Fan Fest Nights included with regular park admission?
No. Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event. You’ll need a dedicated event ticket to attend.
Are presale tickets available?
Yes. Presale tickets are available now through the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket store. Both General Admission (single night) and Ultimate Fandom Pass (all nights) options are available. Presale tickets include a complimentary limited-edition collectible medallion.
What franchises are featured at Fan Fest Nights 2026?
Five franchise experiences have been announced: Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters, One Piece: Grand Pirate Show, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons, and Super Nintendo World. Universal has indicated additional details will be revealed as the event approaches.
Is this different from Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes. While both are after-hours events at Universal Studios Hollywood, Fan Fest Nights focuses on celebrating fandoms across sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime rather than horror. The tone is celebratory rather than scary, making it suitable for a wider audience.
