Universal Studios Hollywood has one of the best after-dark events in the theme park calendar, and the 2026 edition is bringing a lineup that spans anime, classic animation, tabletop gaming, and the Wizarding World. Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 runs on select nights from April 23 through May 16, and if you have not been before, this guide covers everything you need to know before you buy tickets.
Six main experiences, a full roster of open rides, a Dining Pass, and multiple ticket tiers — here is the complete breakdown.
Quick Summary
- Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 runs April 23 – May 16 on select nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Event hours: 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM
- Separately ticketed event — not included with regular park admission
- Six main experiences including Scooby-Doo, One Piece, Sailor Moon, D&D, Super Nintendo World, and Harry Potter
- Multiple ticket types available including General Admission, Express, and Ultimate Fandom Pass
- Cosplay is allowed — no full-face masks permitted
- Dining Pass available at $59 plus tax for 6 food items
What Is Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed evening event at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event transforms the park after hours with exclusive experiences, entertainment, and programming that is not available during regular operating hours.
The 2026 edition runs from April 23 through May 16 on select nights only. Hours are 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM. This is not a daytime event — it is an after-dark celebration designed for fans who want a different kind of park experience.
Regular park tickets do not cover entry to Fan Fest Nights. You need a specifically purchased Fan Fest Nights ticket to attend.
The Six Main Experiences at Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026
Scooby-Doo Meets Universal Monsters — Studio Tour Backlot Walk-Through
This is the big new addition for 2026. Scooby-Doo Meets Universal Monsters is a walk-through experience set in the Studio Tour backlot — meaning you get access to areas of the lot that are typically only visible from the tram. The classic Universal Monsters lineup gets a Scooby-Doo treatment, and the backlot setting makes it genuinely atmospheric in a way that indoor haunted houses cannot replicate.
One Piece Grand Pirate Show — WaterWorld Theater
One Piece has become one of the most popular anime properties in the world, and Universal Studios Hollywood is leaning into that with a dedicated live show at the WaterWorld theater. The WaterWorld venue is one of the best large-scale show locations at any Universal park — expect a high-energy, theatrical production built for One Piece fans.
Sailor Moon CG Film — DreamWorks Theatre
The DreamWorks Theatre is one of the most technically impressive venues at USH, and Universal is using it for an exclusive Sailor Moon CG film during Fan Fest Nights. If you are a Sailor Moon fan, this is a rare chance to experience the franchise in an immersive cinematic setting specifically created for Fan Fest.
Dungeons and Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep
D&D gets its own Fan Fest Nights experience with Secrets of Waterdeep — a themed experience built around the legendary Forgotten Realms setting. This one is for tabletop fans and fantasy enthusiasts who want to step into the world of D&D in a live environment.
Super Nintendo World: Colorful Yoshi Celebration
Super Nintendo World at USH is already one of the most visually spectacular themed lands in any theme park. The Colorful Yoshi Celebration adds Fan Fest Nights-exclusive programming to the land, giving Nintendo fans additional reasons to visit during the event beyond the standard Super Nintendo World experience.
Forbidden Forest: Hippogriff Walk-Through
Wizarding World fans get a dedicated Fan Fest Nights experience with a walk-through of the Forbidden Forest, featuring the Hippogriff. This adds depth to the Wizarding World area beyond the standard Hogsmeade experience, making it worth a visit even if you come to USH regularly.
Rides Open During Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026
Fan Fest Nights is not just about the special experiences — the park’s major rides are also open for the duration of the event. Open attractions include:
- Jurassic World — The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- Transformers: The Ride — 3D
Lower crowds in the evening hours typically mean shorter wait times on these rides compared to a standard park day. If you want to marathon Forbidden Journey or get multiple runs on Mario Kart, Fan Fest Nights is a good opportunity.
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Ticket Options
Universal offers multiple ticket tiers for Fan Fest Nights, giving you flexibility based on your priorities:
- General Admission — Standard Fan Fest Nights entry
- Express — Includes one-time Express access on select rides
- Express Unlimited — Unlimited Express access on select rides throughout the night
- After 2PM Day/Night — Covers afternoon regular park entry plus Fan Fest Nights
- 2-Night Pass — Covers two separate Fan Fest Nights dates
- Ultimate Fandom Pass — Premium ticket with enhanced access
- Early Access — Entry before the 7:30 PM general admission time
- VIP Tour — Full VIP experience with guided access
If you are visiting from out of town and only have one night, the After 2PM Day/Night option gives you the best value — you get a full afternoon in the regular park plus the full Fan Fest Nights event in one ticket.
The Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass
Universal offers a Dining Pass for $59 plus tax that covers six food items during Fan Fest Nights. If you plan to eat during the event, this is worth calculating against the individual item prices.
Fan Fest Nights food options are typically curated for the event themes, with themed bites and drinks that you cannot get during regular park hours. Check the specific offerings when you visit to decide if the Dining Pass makes sense for your group.
Cosplay Policy at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Fan Fest Nights has a guest-friendly cosplay policy. Cosplay is allowed at the event — and encouraged, given the anime, gaming, and fantasy themes. The one restriction: no full-face masks are permitted.
This is a much more open policy than most theme parks apply to costumed guests, and it is one of the things that makes Fan Fest Nights feel distinct from a standard theme park evening. Expect to see impressive costumes throughout the park.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026
Arrive early. Early Access tickets are worth it if you want to hit the most popular experiences before lines build. The Scooby-Doo walk-through and One Piece show will draw big crowds early in the night.
Plan your experience order. Six main experiences plus rides means you need a game plan. Know which Fan Fest Nights experiences are your priority and hit those first, then fill in with rides and dining as the night progresses.
Wear your cosplay. Fan Fest Nights is one of the rare events where showing up in a full One Piece, Sailor Moon, or D&D costume is completely normal and celebrated. Lean into it.
Use the Dining Pass strategically. Do not blow all six tokens early. Space them through the night and make sure to hit any event-exclusive food items that interest you.
Your Complete Guide to Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 at Hollywood
The Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Universal Studios Hollywood guide is simple at its core: six incredible fan-focused experiences, all your favorite rides with lighter crowds, cosplay-friendly atmosphere, and a dedicated late-night window just for event guests.
Whether you are coming for One Piece, Sailor Moon, D&D, the Hippogriff walk-through, or just to experience Super Nintendo World after dark — Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 is worth the separately ticketed price of entry.
Tickets are on sale now for select nights from April 23 through May 16. Book early for the best availability on your preferred date, and get your cosplay ready. Fan Fest Nights starts at 7:30 PM — and it runs until 1:30 in the morning.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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