Tickets are officially on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights, and Universal Studios Hollywood is wasting no time making it clear that year two is going bigger, bolder, and far more fandom-fueled. Running for just 12 nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, this after-hours event is once again exclusive to Hollywood and leans hard into immersive storytelling across sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, anime, and pop culture classics.
The biggest headline this year is easily Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, a brand-new experience that feels tailor-made for longtime Universal fans. This isn’t just a walkthrough attraction tucked into a soundstage. Guests board the iconic Studio Tour tram and head directly into the working backlot, stepping off to explore real outdoor film sets that helped define Universal horror history. From Little Europe to the Court of Miracles, these locations once hosted Frankenstein and The Wolf Man, and now they’re the backdrop for a full-blown Scooby-Doo mystery.
You’re not solving this case alone either. Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are all part of the adventure, guiding guests through an encounter with some of the most legendary monsters ever put on film, including Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. It’s a clever blend of family-friendly fun and classic Universal legacy, and honestly, it feels like something this park has been building toward for decades.
That’s just the beginning. Anime fans will want to mark their calendars for ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show, which returns in a much bigger way this year. Taking over the WaterWorld venue, the live show is inspired by the popular production in Universal Studios Japan and promises a high-energy mix of action, comedy, and chaos. With fan-favorite characters front and center, this is less of a cameo and more of a full theatrical takeover.
Fantasy fans also have plenty to look forward to. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep returns by popular demand, complete with enhancements and a storyline that puts guests in the middle of a high-stakes mission against the beholder Xanathar. One of the standout elements here is the creature itself, brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Seeing that level of craftsmanship in a theme park environment is part of what makes Fan Fest Nights feel different from other limited-time events.
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will get a brand-new walk-through experience that ventures into the Forbidden Forest. Guided by a Hogwarts Professor, visitors must rely on courage and spell-casting skills while encountering magical creatures in a search for a lost Hippogriff. It’s a slower, atmospheric experience, but one that leans into world-building rather than thrills.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD also joins the celebration with the Colorful Yoshi Celebration, introducing multiple new Yoshis throughout the land. It’s a simple concept, but one that fits perfectly with Fan Fest Nights’ focus on character interactions, photo opportunities, and playful surprises tucked into familiar spaces.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event, and every experience is included each night. Alongside the immersive worlds, guests can enjoy cosplay moments, character encounters, themed food and drinks, and exclusive merchandise. Select attractions will also remain open, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World—The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and more.
Ticket options range from single-night admission to Express and Express Unlimited, multi-night passes, After 2PM Day/Night combos, and even a full VIP Tour experience with guided access, dining, and valet parking. There’s also special pricing available for Pass Members on select nights.
Universal Fan Fest Nights feels like Universal Studios Hollywood carving out its own identity in the fandom space, separate from Halloween Horror Nights and traditional daytime offerings. With Scooby-Doo and the Universal Monsters leading the charge, this year’s event leans into nostalgia while still embracing modern fandoms in a big way. And with more announcements still to come, this may only be the beginning.