Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Brings Scooby-Doo, ONE PIECE and Dungeons & Dragons to Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood sets 12-night fan Fest Nights run for Spring 2026.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s second annual Universal Fan Fest Nights, an after-hours event built around sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime fandoms, returns, and tickets are now on sale. The separately ticketed event runs 12 nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.

Universal says every in-world experience and activation comes included with admission each event night. Food, beverages, and merchandise remain available for separate purchase. Universal also teased more announcements for the event lineup in the weeks ahead.

What Universal Fan Fest Nights Include

Universal Fan Fest Nights invites guests to immersive, interactive experiences created by the park’s entertainment team in collaboration with industry partners. The event also features character moments, cosplay, and photo opportunities throughout the park.

This year’s lineup includes new additions and returning favorites, plus limited-time updates inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

New and Returning Experiences for 2026

Universal is rolling out a new backlot adventure: “Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot.” Guests ride the Studio Tour tram to the backlot, then step into a walk-through mystery with Scooby-Doo, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy. The story brings in classic monsters, including Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. The experience moves through recognizable outdoor sets, including Little Europe and the Court of Miracles, which have served as filming locations for classic Universal horror titles.

“ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show” returns as a live show at the WaterWorld venue. Universal says the production is inspired by a version staged at Universal Studios Japan and will feature a cast of fan-favorite characters in an action-forward, comedic live spectacle.

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests enter a new walk-through adventure that takes them into the Forbidden Forest. The mission centers on finding a lost Hippogriff, with magical creatures and challenges along the way that call for bravery and spell-casting.

Inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Universal will stage a limited-time “Colorful Yoshi Celebration.” Guests can meet multi-colored Yoshis across the land while exploring the Mushroom Kingdom.

Meanwhile, “DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep” returns with enhancements after strong demand. Guests join the Harpers, a heroic spy network, to stop a plot by the beholder Xanathar and protect the city of Waterdeep. Universal says the Xanathar figure was created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Ticket Options Available Now

Universal lists multiple ticket tiers and add-ons, including:

• General Admission
• Universal Express
• Universal Express Unlimited
• After 2PM Day/Night
• After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express
• 2-Night General Admission
• Ultimate Fandom Pass (valid for return visits through May 16, 2026)
• Early Access ticket (requires same-night event admission)
• VIP Tour option, which includes a guided experience, dinner in a private VIP dining room, and complimentary valet parking

Universal also notes special online pricing for select Pass Members on select event nights.

Attractions Open During the Event

Universal says select rides and attractions will operate during Fan Fest Nights, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jurassic World—The Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Transformers: The Ride—3D, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, and The Simpsons Ride.

Read our Universal Studios Hollywood Park Visit Review.

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