Universal’s after-hours celebration for pop culture superfans is officially back for its second year, and tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026, a limited-time, themed extravaganza at Universal Studios Hollywood that runs on just twelve selected nights from 23rd April through 16th May 2026.
This spring event is its own ticketed experience, distinct from daytime theme park admission, inviting fans to step into immersive worlds built around some of the most beloved franchises in anime, fantasy, gaming and classic cartoons. It combines interactive adventures, character encounters, cosplay, themed food and drink, special merchandise and photo-ops with select rides open during the night.
One of the centrepieces this year is a brand-new adventure starring Scooby-Doo and the Universal Monsters. In Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, guests join the Mystery Inc. crew — Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred — as they hop off the Studio Tour tram and explore iconic film sets, from cobblestoned Little Europe to the Court of Miracles. Along the way, they’ll help solve a mystery involving familiar horror icons like Frankenstein, Dracula and the Wolf Man.
Anime lovers haven’t been forgotten either. One Piece: Grand Pirate Show returns, staging a live action spectacle inspired by the popular Japanese franchise’s story of adventure, friendship and high seas chaos. Perched in the WaterWorld arena, this performance aims to bring fan-favourite characters and pirate antics to life in a way that fans of Eiichiro Oda’s saga will recognise and cheer.
For fantasy and tabletop gaming enthusiasts, Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep makes its welcomed return after its initial debut. In this in-world experience, fans join forces with the Harpers — a heroic spy network — to thwart a plot by the beholder Xanathar and help save the city of Waterdeep. The creature itself, crafted by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, adds a tangible, visual magic to the adventure.
Beyond those headline experiences, Fan Fest Nights expands access to other beloved realms. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a unique walk-through in the Forbidden Forest, guiding guests on a quest to help a Hippogriff under expert guidance. Super Nintendo World comes alive with a Colourful Yoshi Celebration, where visitors can explore the Mushroom Kingdom and meet vibrant versions of everyone’s favourite dinosaur companions.
Tickets are varied, with options ranging from general admission to Universal Express passes that offer quicker access to attractions, plus multiday passes and VIP tour experiences. Some ticket tiers even include daytime access beginning after 2pm ahead of the evening celebration, though standard admission does not cover regular park entry. Visit Universal Hollywood website for more details and how to purchase.
With a mix of nostalgia, live performance, interactive storytelling, and bite-sized thrills, Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 looks to be a celebration designed for both die-hard fans and adventurous newcomers alike.