Universal Orlando has just announced their full lineup of 2026 events, including all the dates for their Mardi Gras celebration, Halloween Horror Nights, and special Harry Potter-themed events.
Let’s get into all these new dates and events, including more details on how Universal Orlando is celebrating the first Harry Potter film’s 25th anniversary. At Mickey Visit, we report on all the recent news, including menu changes at Disneyland and new summer events at Disney World.
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Rock the Universe
Photo via Universal Orlando
Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, Rock the Universe, returns to Universal Orlando at Universal Studios Florida January 23 through 24, 2026. The lineup features a weekend of music from the most popular Christian artists, including Switchfoot, Lecrae, and Phil Wickham.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
The best spring event at Universal Orlando, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returns February 7 through April 4, 2026. This celebration features one of the best parades Universal Orlando offers and also includes live performances from some of the biggest names in music and a diverse selection of international food inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Events
Harry Potter Universal Wands
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will offer a variety of limited-time experiences throughout the year in celebration of the first Harry Potter film’s 25th anniversary. These include Butterbeer Season from March 1 to May 31, featuring limited edition treats, new themed merchandise, and other offerings inspired by the iconic drink. Back to Hogwarts will run from August 1 to September 1, marking the traditional return to school in the Harry Potter stories. Later this fall, Dark Arts returns with the dramatic “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime projection show in Hogsmeade, along with roaming Death Eaters appearing in the streets of Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Photo via NBC Universal
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th anniversary on select nights from August 28 through November 1, bringing an all-new collection of haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment to Universal Orlando. Widely considered one of the best Halloween events, Halloween Horror Nights is especially popular with adults thanks to its intense scares, mature horror themes, and immersive atmosphere that goes far beyond a typical theme park event. Guests can also enjoy themed food and drinks designed exclusively for the season, with more details to be announced in the months ahead.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Grinchmas Universal Orlando
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will take place from November 14 through January 3, bringing back festive traditions inspired by some of pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters. Guests can enjoy favorites like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with seasonal décor throughout the entire destination. The celebration extends across all 11 Universal Orlando hotels and includes themed food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, and more. Guests can also welcome the new year with live entertainment and special celebrations in the theme parks and at Universal CityWalk on December 31.
Volcano Bay Nights
Universal Volcano Bay beach
The 2026 event lineup also includes the return of Volcano Bay Nights, a limited-time after-hours experience that allows guests to enjoy Universal’s Volcano Bay water park once the sun goes down. During these evenings, guests can experience select attractions with lower crowds, enhanced nighttime lighting, live entertainment, and exclusive food and beverage offerings. Dates will be announced at a later time, but in the past, they typically took place from May through August.
CityWalk Entertainment and Celebrations
Universal CityWalk Orlando
There is also a full lineup of themed events held throughout the year at Universal CityWalk. Seasonal highlights include the Mardi Gras After Party and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s, along with special watch parties for sporting events like the Super Bowl on February 8 and the Kentucky Derby on May 2 at NBC Sports Grill & Brew. CityWalk is also known for its popular annual transformations of the Red Coconut Club, which becomes the Cursed Coconut Club during Mardi Gras, the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights, and the Green and Red Coconut Club during the holiday season.
Universal CityWalk will also host special activities and viewing parties for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish language coverage of the FIFA World Cup, along with a CityWalk Summer Movie Series, a Summer Music Series, and other limited-time entertainment offerings throughout the year.
Events at Universal Orlando Hotels
Cabana Bay Beach Resort dining area
Experiences at Universal Orlando Hotels this year will include a variety of seasonal experiences available to guests staying on property. These offerings include an Acoustic Brunch held every Sunday at The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, featuring a full brunch buffet paired with live music; the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, a family friendly dinner show typically offered on Saturday evenings; and Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where guests enjoy unlimited gourmet food and wine, live music, and a traditional opera performance on select dates throughout the year. Additional experiences include U.S. Hunger meal packing events in November, allowing guests to volunteer and help prepare meals for communities across Central Florida, as well as Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at the Hard Rock Hotel, which showcase live performances from well-known artists during select times of the year.
Passholder Appreciation Days
Cabana Bay Beach Resort room key
Passholders can take advantage of special UOAP exclusive perks across the theme parks, Universal Orlando hotels, and Universal CityWalk during Passholder Appreciation Days presented by Coca-Cola, taking place from August 15 through September 30.
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The post Universal Orlando Just Made 9 Announcements About 2026 Events & Dates appeared first on Mickey Visit – Disney News & Planning Tips.