If you thought last year’s inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights was just the beginning, you were right—because 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger and wilder. Universal Studios Hollywood has officially announced the return of Universal Fan Fest Nights, running select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, and fans, this is not one to miss.
So, what’s on deck for year two? The event is doubling down on the things that made it such a hit last year—immersive worlds, in-park exclusives, fan-driven energy—and then adding some new heavy hitters. The biggest announcement? Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters, an innovative mash-up that takes fans onto Universal’s iconic backlot. Picture the Mystery Inc. gang crossing paths with Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man—this is going to be a mash-up of nostalgia, chills, and campy mystery-solving all rolled into one.
And the best part? Presale tickets are already live now through December 17, 2025, and for the first time ever, fans who lock in their spot early will snag a limited edition Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 collectible medallion. That’s the kind of souvenir that screams “exclusive bragging rights.”
The event is spread across multiple weekends:
- April 23–25
- May 1–3
- May 7–9
- May 15–16
That gives fans plenty of chances to get in on the action.
What to Expect Inside
Universal Fan Fest Nights isn’t just about one activation—it’s a full-on celebration of fandoms across sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, and beyond. Fans can expect live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay photo ops, curated food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and access to some of Universal’s top attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Jurassic World—The Ride, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
And that Scooby-Doo x Monsters mash-up? That’s just the start. Universal has teased that more announcements are coming in the months ahead, so it’s safe to say this is only the first wave of news.
Fan Fest at L.A. Comic Con
The announcement also ties into Universal Studios Hollywood’s upcoming presence at L.A. Comic Con (September 26–28, 2025). On Saturday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m., a special panel will dive into what’s next for Fan Fest Nights, Halloween Horror Nights, and even the brand-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster opening in 2026. Expect some big reveals there, with names like John Murdy, Stephen Siercks, Jon Corfino, and Abbye Finnan on the panel—plus moderation by the Los Angeles Times’ Todd Martens.
Why This Matters
Universal has made it clear: Fan Fest Nights isn’t just a one-off—it’s becoming a signature fan event for the park. And with presale tickets including the collectible medallion, this is exactly the kind of fan-first detail that shows Universal is leaning into building a must-do annual tradition.
As Universal Studios Hollywood’s General Manager Scott Strobl puts it, “We are passionate about creating a top-notch fan event for our guests and can’t wait to share how incredible year two will be.”
So, the countdown begins—April 23, 2026, when the gates open once again for an after-hours fan takeover of Universal Studios Hollywood.
