2025 was a big year for Universal Orlando Resort, with the opening of Universal Epic Universe on May 22nd. But 2026 is set to be another incredible year at the resort, and not just because you'll have unlimited access to Epic Universe for the full duration of your ticket. Universal have announced their events calendar for the year, including everything from Mardi Gras to Halloween Horror Nights so you can plan for the perfect trip.
Here’s an overview of what’s coming to Universal Orlando in 2026:
Universal Orlando 2026 Events | |
|---|---|
Feb 7 - April 4 | Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval |
Mar 1 - May 31 | Butterbeer Season in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
| Aug 1 - Sept 1 | Back to Hogwarts |
Aug 28 - Nov 1 (select dates) | Halloween Horror Nights |
Nov 14 - Jan 3 | Holidays at Universal Orlando |
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
February 7th - April 4th | Universal Studios Florida | Included with park admission
The first event of Universal Orlando’s year really kicks things off with a bang! Expect nonstop floats, food, and music all Mardi Gras long at Universal Studios Florida, featuring exclusive food like Cajun mac and cheese and beignets, decadent parade floats (get ready to catch some beads!) and live concerts from acts including Zedd and Ru Paul.
Find out more about Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Butterbeer Season
March 1st - May 31st | Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure | Included with park admission
If there’s one thing you must do when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s get a Butterbeer. Whether you enjoy it hot, cold, or frozen, this season if you’re a Butterbeer fan then this is the season for you, with limited-time Butterbeer treats and desserts available across both Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Top tip! Make the most of the park hopper access included with our Universal tickets to take the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to really make the most of this season
Back to Hogwarts
August 1st - September 1st | Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure | Included with park admission
Get ready to begin another wizarding school year with a whole month of Back to Hogwarts celebrations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley you'll be able to find exclusive merch, food and drink, and plenty of entertainment.
Halloween Horror Nights
Select nights August 28th - November 1st | Universal Studios Florida | Separately ticketed event
The World’s Premier Halloween Event is back!* Halloween Horror Nights is the highlight of the Universal Orlando year for many guests, and the scares will be returning to Universal Studios in August 2026. This event features terrifying haunted houses inspired by some of the most loved horror franchises, sinister scare zones and outrageous live entertainment, and of course, there’ll be exclusive food offerings and merchandise too.
We can’t wait to find out what haunted houses and scare zones will be coming to Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2026 - in 2025 we had everything from Five Nights at Freddy's to Friday the 13th
And don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to be notified as soon as Halloween Horror Nights 2026 tickets go on sale.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 14th - January 3rd 2027 | Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure | Included with park admission
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort! From Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, plus Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure will be alive with festive cheer during the holiday season.
2026 is a year that can’t be missed at Universal Orlando Resort! Book your tickets today to experience these incredible seasonal events, plus all the incredible attractions and entertainment the parks offer 365 days a year.
