Universal Studios Hollywood has aimed for the stars once again this year with the return of 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights. We have a full look at everything going on at this fan-favorite theme park event that layers the full park experience with new 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 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights 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. So let’s take it all in…

Themed Experiences

There are SEVEN immersive activations inspired by fan-favorite IPs including One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering stunt show and fan zone, Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters immersive walkthrough experience, Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff immersive walkthrough experience, Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep immersive walkthrough experience, Super Nintendo World: Let’s Go, Yoshi activity and character greets, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle show and character greets, and Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras themed zone with photo-ops and character greets.

One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering

The WaterWorld arena hosts the Grand Pirate Show, a live stunt production featuring the Straw Hat Crew’s battle on Midori Island. Outside, fans can enjoy a dedicated Fan Zone with character meet-and-greets and a treasure cache of event-exclusive merchandise. Plus, discover a bounty of seaworthy meals and treats at Sanji’s Galley to keep you sailing through the night.

MORE INFO: GUIDE: One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering

More Themed Fun

For a little extra fun, you can partake in a quick and easy scavenger hunt quest that will reward you with a commemorative 3D-printed Sylgar goldfish souvenir commemorating the Dungeons and Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep immersive walk-through!

As you explore each themed activation in the park, you’ll also 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.

Dining

Every single fandom during the event gets some love with special food and drink options. We tried a bunch of the offerings 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 Dining Pass worth the $65 during Universal Fan Fest Nights? Check out our full review below.

Complete Menus

MORE INFO: MENU: 2026 Food and Drink at Universal Fan Fest Nights

Cosplay Guidelines

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 purchase 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 2026

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.

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 EIGHT 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 $49 early entry tickets for 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights

See it for Yourself

Universal Fan Fest Nights takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select dates from April 23 through May 16, 2026.

Event dates include April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, and 15-16. The event will begin each event night at 7pm and tickets are now available for purchase.

Check out our in-depth guides and coverage with everything you need to know!

MORE INFO: Check out all MouseInfo coverage for Universal Fan Fest Nights