Today the Universal Orlando Resort 2026 events calendar has been released including some very key dates for the parks biggest events.
Mardi Gras will kick-off the 2026 celebrations from February 7 – April 4 with a vibrant celebration featuring dazzling floats with tons of colourful beads, live performances on select nights from some of the biggest names in music, and a diverse array of international cuisine along with mouthwatering dishes inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.
It’s then a swift jump to Halloween Horror Nights which will have a LOT to live up to after arguably one of the best events in recent memory in 2025. The park will be celebrating Halloween Horror Nights 35th anniversary and the event will take place from August 28 – November 1.
Then we fast forward all the way to Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort which will run from November 14 through January 3 and welcome the return of holiday traditions inspired by pop culture’s beloved stories and characters – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – plus festive décor throughout the destination – including all 11 Universal Orlando hotels, themed food and beverage, exclusive merchandise, and more.
Guests can also ring in the new year with live entertainment and festive celebrations at the theme parks and Universal CityWalk on December 31.
With Harry Potter celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026 the park will be having a Butterbeer Season from March 1 through May 31st with limited-edition treats, new merchandise and more celebrating the wizarding beverage and if that wasn’t all the Back to Hogwarts event from August 1 – September 1 will celebrate the timeframe students return to Hogwarts in the stories (more details to follow).
Dark Arts will also return to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this fall with a projection spectacle in Hogsmeade and roaming Death Eaters in the streets of Diagon Alley.
Celebrations Continue at Universal CityWalk
Guests can extend their thrills outside the parks with themed events in Universal CityWalk throughout the year – including the Mardi Gras After Party and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s in the spring, special viewings to watch NBC and Peacock’s Super Bowl (February 8) and the Kentucky Derby (May 2) at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, the wildly-popular annual transformations of the Red Coconut Club into the Cursed Coconut Club for Mardi Gras, the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights and the Green & Red Coconut Club for the Holidays – and more.
Plus, Universal CityWalk will host special activities and viewing parties for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish Language coverage of the FIFA World Cup, a CityWalk Summer Movie Series, a Summer Music Series, and so much more.
Happenings at Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal Orlando hotel guests can enjoy even more seasonal events and offerings at select hotels during their stay, including:
- An Acoustic Brunch every Sunday at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel, where guests can savor a full brunch buffet and chef-inspired creations while enjoying live music.
- A Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where guests can enjoy a festive, family-friendly luau and dinner show on Saturday evenings (subject to change).
- Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where guests can escape to the Mediterranean and enjoy unlimited gourmet food and wines from the hotel’s restaurants, live music and a traditional opera performance. Harbor Nights will take place on February 13, April 17, October 16 and November 27.
- U.S. Hunger Meal Packing in November, where guests can volunteer to help package 555,000 healthy meals for people in need across Central Florida.
- Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at Hard Rock Hotel, showcasing live music from legendary artists throughout the year.
Special dining will also be available for guests on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve at participating hotels, including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
