Universal Studios Hollywood’s 2026 Fan Fest Nights was a separately ticketed, after-hours event held on 12 selected nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026. It featured sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime experiences, but the event has concluded; Universal has not announced dates for a future edition.
What was Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Universal Fan Fest Nights was an after-hours fandom event at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California. The 2026 edition was the event’s second annual run. Universal announced it on January 15, 2026, as a program spanning sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime, with themed experiences and selected park attractions.
The 12 event nights were April 23–25, May 1–3, May 7–9 and May 14–16, 2026. Universal’s current event page says the event has concluded and invites visitors to stay tuned for future updates; it does not give dates for another edition.
Which fandoms and experiences were featured?
Universal said every fandom was represented on each event night. The lineup combined new experiences with the return of Dungeons & Dragons.
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This experience brought Scooby-Doo and the Universal Monsters together in a backlot mystery. Guests followed the themed story through the studio environment.
ONE PIECE
The event included ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show and a themed fan zone, bringing the anime and manga franchise into the event’s live entertainment lineup.
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Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons returned as part of the 2026 program. The announcement identified it as a returning experience but did not establish that every activity or detail from a previous edition would be repeated.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A Forbidden Forest walkthrough featured a Hippogriff and invited guests to test their spell skills. The official description is available in the Discover Universal event guide. An interactive Harry Potter wand may appeal as optional fandom merchandise, but Universal did not say that a personally purchased wand was needed or that outside wands would work in the walkthrough.
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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD had themed event activity, and the April 2026 overview also described Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon programming. Universal’s event guide provides the fuller overview of the 2026 experiences and event details.
What did an event ticket include?
Universal said event admission included the event’s experiences and activations on each event night. The ticket was for the after-hours event, not daytime general admission: the event-only General Admission and event Express descriptions did not include daytime park entry. Do not assume a regular daytime ticket or season pass included Fan Fest Nights.
Themed food and merchandise were available for separate purchase. Universal’s current event page identifies apparel, collectibles and cosplay accessories as merchandise categories, but does not establish a particular product as required for an experience.
Which rides were listed?
Universal’s announcement named the following attractions as part of the event offering:
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- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Jurassic World—The Ride
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride—3D
- Revenge of the Mummy
- The Simpsons Ride
This was an announced list, not a guarantee that each attraction operated on every date. Universal says capacity, closures and other factors can affect attraction availability and access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What ticket options were offered in 2026?
Universal’s January 2026 announcement listed several historical options. They are not current offers, and the announcement said ticket details could change.
| Option | What the announcement established |
|---|---|
| Event General Admission | Admission to the separately ticketed event; it did not include daytime park entry. |
| Universal Express and Express Unlimited | Express access for event experiences, rides and attractions. The announcement distinguished the options but did not establish a price here. |
| After 2PM Day/Night combinations | Combined daytime and event admission options. |
| 2-Night General Admission | Admission for two event nights. |
| Ultimate Fandom Pass | A multi-night option with use limited through May 16, 2026. |
| Early Access | Entry beginning at 6 p.m., subject to change, requiring a same-date event admission ticket purchased separately. |
| VIP Tour | A guided VIP option was listed; the announcement did not state its price in the cited details. |
| Pass Member special pricing | Special pricing for eligible pass members was listed; eligibility and terms were subject to Universal’s ticket details. |
For historical comparison, the meaningful differences were daytime admission, the type of Express access, the number of event nights covered, early entry and whether it required a separate event ticket, and guided VIP service. There was no single best fit established for every visitor; the useful choice depended on schedule and priorities.
Could guests wear costumes?
Yes. The April 2026 official guide said guests could wear costumes at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood on event dates, subject to Universal’s Code of Conduct and cosplay costume guidelines. The guide does not reproduce every restriction, so consult the official event information and current costume and prop rules before bringing an outfit or accessory.
Quick Recap
What should visitors know about availability and logistics?
- Prices, dates, times, attractions, entertainment and experience details were subject to change, availability or cancellation.
- Attractions or access could be restricted because of capacity, closures or other factors.
- Parking was not provided as part of the event admission.
- The official Universal Studios Hollywood app was described as free and offering digital menus for select restaurants, ticket purchases, wait and show times, and interactive maps. Data and other charges may apply.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
