Universal Orlando announced Thursday its full slate of annual events and experiences set for 2026, including Mardi Gras, Volcano Bay Nights, holidays at the park and Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights this year celebrates a 35th birthday that’ll kick off Aug. 28 and run through Nov. 1. It’s set to run on select nights, which will be announced at a later date, Universal says.
The park has also yet to begin to tease haunted house and scare zone themes. Last year’s widely well-received 10 franchise-based and original houses included Five Nights at Freddy’s; WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks; Terrifier; Jason Universe; Fallout; Hatchets and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters; Dolls: Let’s Play Dead; Grave of Flesh; Gálkn: Monsters of the North; and El Artista: A Spanish Haunting.
Nothing’s certain for this year’s lineup yet, but rumors of an It-themed house have begun circulating online.
Also announced for 2026 was Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, set to return Feb. 7 through April 4. Expect sky-high parade floats, live music performances and plenty of New Orleans-themed eats.
The park says its still new(ish) Volcano Bay Nights will return this year, although exact dates have yet to be shared. The nighttime waterpark event was first launched in early 2025 and came back again in the fall. It offered guests access to the limited-capacity park at night, with character meet-and-greets, live entertainment and treats.
Holidays at Universal Orlando kick off just days after HHN on Nov. 14 and will run through Jan. 3. The park will see the return of annual traditions like Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. There will also be a slate of New Year’s Eve festivities at the parks and Universal CityWalk, which will be announced in the coming months.
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