If you’re a celebrator of all things scary, then we know you’re already impatiently counting down the days to October 31, 2026. For Halloween enthusiasts, there’s even a spooky season mid-year marker dubbed Halfway to Halloween, which is observed from the end of April into the beginning of May.

Universal Destinations & Experiences is jumping into the countdown fun with the first official announcement for the 35th anniversary of the World’s Premier Halloween Event, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando, and a special “Halfoween” ticket deal for the all-year Universal Horror Unleashed experience in Las Vegas. Get the details below.

When is Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2026 happening?

Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its milestone 35th year at Universal Orlando Resort starting August 28. The premier scare event will take place on select nights at Universal Studios Florida theme park through November 1. There will be exclusive Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, live entertainment, and drinks and food. Guests will find a wide range of ticket opportunities available soon at the official HHN website, here. (HHN announcements for Universal Studios Hollywood are coming soon too!)

What is the theme of this year’s Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights?

The theme of HHN 2026 in Orlando is Infernal Carnival of Nightmares. The official ringmasters will be familiar scare icons: Jack the Clown and his legendary rival, Dr. Oddfellow. Jack the Clown is arguably the most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icon in history, and Halloween Horror Nights 35 will mark the first time that these nemeses join forces to wreak havoc amongst guests.

Their rivalry will also play out in their very own Haunted House called Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control. The first House announcement of the 2026 season, guests will journey into the origin story of these two baddies, learning their beef backstory that established their ongoing rivalry.

Per the official theme park teaser of the House, “As chaos and control collide, the two icons battle for dominance until they ultimately discover that the only way to obtain the power they seek is not to fight each other – but to join forces instead.” It sounds like an epic “versus” theme, which horror fans adore. 

What does the Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas deal offer visitors?

If you’re heading to Las Vegas in the near future and want to get your Halloween feels right now, you’re in luck. Universal Horror Unleashed, the year-round horror experience located at the immersive entertainment district AREA15, is celebrating Halfway to Halloween with a special ticket deal. 

Now through April 30, 2026, guests can take advantage of limited-time $49 general admission tickets (a savings of up to $50), to visit the experience, which features Haunted Houses around the splatter classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters, Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, and Scarecrow: The Reaping.

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Check out Universal Horror Unleashed ticket packages here. 

Get your scares on now with Peacock’s huge catalog of horror films, here.Â