Universal Announces Halloween Horror Nights, Dark Arts, and Back to Hogwarts Dates for 2026

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Universal Orlando has announced its 2026 event schedule, including dates for popular attractions like Halloween Horror Nights and experiences at Hogwarts Castle. The calendar is packed with both returning favorites and brand new events throughout the year.

Winter and Spring Events

Universal’s official 2026 calendar includes several additional seasonal events throughout the year.

Rock the Universe is a Christian music festival happening January 23rd and 24th. It combines live concerts with inspiring faith-based activities, featuring popular Christian artists and evening access to some of the park’s attractions.

From February 7th to April 4th, 2026, Universal Studios will host ‘Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval,’ a celebration blending the fun of New Orleans Mardi Gras with tastes from around the world. The event will feature food booths with international cuisine, a colorful parade with bead throwing, and live music on select evenings.

From March 1st to May 31st, guests can enjoy Butterbeer Season! Inspired by the popular drink from the Harry Potter books and films, the resort will offer special Butterbeer-flavored treats and drinks for a limited time in the Wizarding areas.

Summer to Christmas Events

From August 1st to September 1st, 2026, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will host a ‘Back to Hogwarts’ celebration. This special event coincides with the beginning of the school year at Hogwarts. Guests can expect themed decorations, unique food and drinks, and merchandise related to the start of term in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

From August 15th to September 30th, we’re celebrating our annual passholders with special Appreciation Days! Passholders can enjoy exclusive benefits like discounts, unique merchandise, and special experiences throughout the theme parks, hotels, and CityWalk.

As a horror fan, I’m already counting down the days! Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is celebrating its 35th year, running on select nights from August 28th to November 1st, 2026. It’s a separately ticketed event, meaning you need a special pass to experience the fright after the regular park closes. What makes it so great? Think incredibly detailed haunted houses, spooky scare zones throughout the park, and live shows. They always have themed food and merchandise too, which is a fun touch. Right now, Universal isn’t spilling the beans on what houses or themes we can expect in 2026, but trust me, it’s an event you won’t want to miss if you’re a thrill-seeker!

During select nights in fall 2026, guests will once again be able to experience Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle. This nighttime show features impressive projections on Hogwarts Castle in the Hogsmeade area of the park. In the past, it has also included appearances by performers dressed as Death Eaters in Diagon Alley. Universal has not yet announced the specific dates or how often the show will take place.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal’s annual holiday event, will take place from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Guests can expect festive decorations, special shows, and holiday-themed food and drinks throughout the resort.

2026 Universal Orlando Event Dates

  • January 5-31: Annual Passholder Benefits

  • January 23–24: Rock the Universe

  • February 7–April 4: Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

  • March 1–May 31: Butterbeer Season

  • August 1–September 1: Back to Hogwarts

  • August 15–September 30: Passholder Appreciation Days

  • August 28–November 1 (select nights): Halloween Horror Nights

  • Select fall nights: Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

  • November 14, 2026–January 3, 2027: Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

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2026-01-21 20:00