Universal Studios Hollywood has aimed for the stars this year with their new Universal Fan Fest Nights and we have a full look at everything going on for this inaugural year. This is an unprecedented theme park event that layers the full park experience with an incredible amount of entertainment, experiences, dining, and shopping opportunities celebrating a wide range of fandoms.

With hosted tickets, we were given access to the park to uncover all the fun for ourselves. Here’s a look at everything you need to know for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

What to Expect

Universal Fan Fest Nights is a new after-hours, extra-charge event offering a wide-ranging mix of fun experiences including sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime. Unlike Disneyland’s singular-themed “Nite” events, this offering takes a more expansive “buffet-style” approach, similar to Halloween Horror Nights, where ALL experiences are available EACH event night — so there’s no need to choose between them!

There’s live entertainment, photo ops, and a welcoming atmosphere for cosplay which is not typically allowed during the day. Of course, there’s exciting themed dining menus, exclusive new merchandise, and more surprises! Let’s dive in!

Themed Experiences

There are SEVEN immersive activations inspired by fan-favorite IPs including  Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley immersive experience, Star Trek: Red Alert walkthrough experience, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep walkthrough experience, One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering area with meet and greet, Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed 4D video presentation, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter extras including magical creatures, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Let’s Go, Yoshi with a Yoshi egg scavenger hunt and Yoshi meet and greet.

Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley

Step back in time to Hill Valley 1955, beginning with a ride on the Studio Tour “Fan Tram” to Courthouse Square. Interact with characters at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and witness the iconic lightning strike at the Clock Tower that sends Marty back to the future. Plus, nosh on a nostalgic menu of themed food and drink to complete the journey.

MORE INFO: GUIDE: Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley at Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025

More Themed Fun

Beyond the showcase of fandoms with interactive activities, there’s more fun to enjoy including a WICKED Meet and Greet with Elphaba and Glinda and an entire Block Party in Universal Plaza with costume contest, trivia, and more.

As you explore each themed activation in the park, you’ll find a host of dining and shopping opportunities celebrating each fandom. Plus, stores at the parks entrance and in CityWalk are also packed with must-have items to commemorate your visit.

Digital Medallion Quest

MORE INFO: GUDIE: Free keepsake at Universal Fan Fest Nights Digital Medallion Quest

Merch Run

With seven different IPs as part of the celebration, there’s a fair share of items that will be vying for your attention.

MORE INFO: MERCH RUN: Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 — everything in store

Dining

Every single fandom during the event gets some love with special food and drink. We tried a bunch of the options which you can learn more about in our review below or check out the full menu and do some browser window shopping.

Plus, epicurious fans who are planning to have a foodie fest during the event can take advantage of a six-redemption Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass which allows you to chose from several of the evening’s themed food and drink options. Is Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass worth the $65? You can check out our full review of it below.

Complete Menu of Food and Drink

MORE INFO: MENU: ALL food and drink (with prices), Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025

Cosplay Encouraged

Cosplay is allowed BUT there’s a lot of rules — mostly aimed at keeping you and those around you safe. Obviously, you also shouldn’t pretend like you’re a character in the park, that’s an easy way to get a quick boot from the event. But make sure you are fully aware what will and won’t be allowed if you decide to dress up!

IMPORTANT: If you plan to drink alcohol you will not be permitted to do so if more than half your face is painted as Team Members will not be able to clearly verify your identity. Check out the official guidelines below for details.

MORE INFO: Official Universal Studios Hollywood guidelines on cosplay for Fan Fest Nights 2025

More to Explore

Universal Fan Fest Nights is a special after-hours event but most of the park’s regular features will still be in regular operation throughout the night. Of course, everything is subject to availability, temporary downtime, and closure.

Rides and Attractions

These popular attractions are expected to be in operation each event night.

Restaurants and Dining

The following locations are expected to offer their regular menus each event night.

Special Ticket Offer

We confirmed first hand that both annual passholders and regular ticket holders at Universal Studios Hollywood can purchase in-park, day-of, upgrades to visit Universal Fan Fest Nights on the day of their visit for just $49 per person. Not only that, but these already-discounted tickets (regular price was $74 on the day of our visit) also come with early entry into the event which is an additional $20 add-on when purchased online. So that’s nearly 50% off of the regular price and you get nearly NINE hours of access to just about every offering in the park PLUS all of the special Fan Fest Nights offerings. If you’re on the fence, let this be your wake up call!

MORE INFO: HOW TO: Get $50 early entry tickets for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025

See it for Yourself

Universal Fan Fest Nights take place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights April 25–May 18, 2025.

MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage for Universal Fan Fest Nights

Tickets

Universal Fan Fest Nights tickets range from the cheapest option at $74 for General Admission (offering entry to the event) to the most expensive option at $373 for the VIP Tour (which includes a guided tour, unlimited express access, private trolley transport, gourmet dinner, and valet parking). Mid-range options offer a combination of daytime park admission with limited express access to rides and attractions, plus evening event access with early entry to select experiences.

One/Two Day Tickets

• General Admission – From $74
• Universal Express – From $173
  • Includes admission & one-time express access to each in-world experience, ride, and attraction.
• Universal Express Unlimited – From $203
  • Includes admission & unlimited express access to each in-world experience, ride, and attraction.
• After 2 PM Day/Night – From $114

  • Daytime admission after 2 p.m. + same-day evening General Admission to Fan Fest Nights.
  • Early event access to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
• After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express – From $228
  • Daytime admission after 2 p.m. + same-day evening admission with express access.
  • One-time express access to each ride/attraction during the day & event.
  • Early event access to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
• VIP Tour – From $373
  • Guided walking tour, VIP trolley, unlimited express access, gourmet dinner (excludes alcohol), and valet parking.
• Early Access Ticket – From $20
  • Entry to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
  • Requires separate event admission for the same date.

Multi-Night Tickets

• 2-Night General Admission – From $109
  • Select any available event night for your first visit, starting April 25, 2025.
• Ultimate Fandom Pass – From $249
  • General Admission access to all event nights (based on selected first visit date

MORE INFO: Official site for tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights