Universal Orlando Resort Shares Full 2026 Event Calendar. Universal Orlando Resort just released its official 2026 event schedule, giving travelers a head start on planning their trips for the year. The lineup includes the return of major festivals like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights, plus new celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film. Guests can find the full “Events & Experiences Guide” on the Universal Orlando website starting today.
2026 Theme Park Events: Universal’s parks will host several seasonal events throughout the year. Here is what is coming up:
- Rock the Universe (Jan. 23–24): Florida’s biggest Christian music festival at Universal Studios Florida.
- Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Feb. 7 – April 4): A nightly parade with beads, food from around the world, and live concerts on specific dates.
- Butterbeer Season (March 1 – May 31): New treats and merchandise centered around the famous wizarding drink.
- Back to Hogwarts (Aug. 1 – Sept. 1): Special activities in the Harry Potter lands to mark the start of the school year.
- Halloween Horror Nights (Aug. 28 – Nov. 1): The event celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with new haunted houses and scare zones on select nights.
- The Holidays at Universal (Nov. 14 – Jan. 3, 2027): Includes Christmas in the Wizarding World, the Grinchmas celebration, and the Macy’s Holiday Parade.
2026 Event Calendar At-A-Glance:
| Dates | Event |
| Jan. 23 – 24 | Rock the Universe |
| Feb. 7 – April 4 | Universal Mardi Gras |
| March 1 – May 31 | Butterbeer Season |
| Aug. 1 – Sept. 1 | Back to Hogwarts |
| Aug. 15 – Sept. 30 | Passholder Appreciation Days |
| Aug. 28 – Nov. 1 | Halloween Horror Nights |
| Nov. 14 – Jan. 3 | Holidays at Universal |
Entertainment at CityWalk and Hotels – Outside the parks, Universal CityWalk will host viewing parties for the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the Super Bowl (Feb. 8). The Red Coconut Club will also continue its seasonal themes, changing its look for Mardi Gras, Halloween, and the Holidays.
Universal’s hotels have their own scheduled events, too. Harbor Nights returns to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on four nights (Feb. 13, April 17, Oct. 16, and Nov. 27). Hard Rock Hotel will continue its Velvet Sessions concert series and weekly Acoustic Brunch.
For more details or to book a stay, visit www.universalorlando.com.
Feb. 7-Apr. 4, 2026 Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – It’s unforgettable springtime fun for everyone. Enjoy a spectacular parade on select nights, outrageous street performers, vibrant music, colorful costumes, and countless beads flying through the air. You can savor mouthwatering food, including authentic Cajun specialties and flavors from around the world, available for purchase.
Mar. 1-May 31 Butterbeer™ Season in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – You never forget your first Butterbeer™. And it’s even better shared with friends. Now you can find new treats and themed merch.
Apr. 17, 18, 24, 30 Grad Events – Celebrate Graduation at Universal Orlando with Grad Bash, a once-in-a-lifetime, rite-of-passage celebration for high school seniors, and Gradventure, where middle school grads can enjoy the only two-park middle school graduation event around, with live DJs, plenty of street entertainment, and the most exciting rides and attractions
Aug. 28-Nov. 1, 2026 Halloween Horror Nights – You never feel more alive than when you’re scared to death at Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. Face terrifying haunted houses, sinister scare zones, outrageous live entertainment, and some of Universal Studios’ most exhilarating attractions.
May–August Summer Fun at Universal Orlando Resort – School is out, and good vibes are in. Head to Universal Orlando to celebrate the movies! Experience the thrills and chills of your favorite attractions across all four theme parks, see your favorite movies come to life in the Universal Mega Movie Parade, sway to the scores of stirring films, and watch the fountains dance in CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular — all happening on select dates throughout the year!
Plus, dance to the Summer Concert Series at Universal CityWalk and grab your popcorn for the Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark. Stay tuned for more details about what’s sure to be a jam-packed summer!
Select Dates Year-Round CityWalk Events – CityWalk is where it all comes together. Where unforgettable fun meets restaurants that don’t just make you say “Yum”, but “Wow”. It’s the one place where the dining tastes of every member of the family and entertainment everyone can enjoy all intersect. It’s everything you’re looking for. And anything but ordinary.
Nov. 14, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 Holidays at Universal Orlando – Are you ready for Holidays at Universal? Don’t miss Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ across three spectacular theme parks, Seuss Landing™ all spruced up for Grinchmas™, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
