Universal Studios Hollywood is officially back with the second year of its fan-focused after-hours celebration, and the 2026 lineup leans hard into immersive storytelling, live entertainment, and beloved franchises.
Fan Fest Nights returns as a separately ticketed event for a limited 12-night run, scheduled for April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, and 14-16, 2026, and it’s exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood.
This year’s event rolls out several all-new experiences alongside returning favorites, giving fans even more reasons to stay in the park after dark. Highlights include a Scooby-Doo mystery set on the iconic backlot, a live One Piece stage show, and fresh adventures inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
One of the most ambitious additions is Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters, a walk-through experience titled Mystery on the Backlot. It’s designed to feel like stepping directly into a live-action Scooby-Doo case.
Guests board the Studio Tour tram to reach the backlot, where Scooby-Doo, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy guide them through a mystery involving classic Universal Monsters.
The experience weaves through real filming locations, including Little Europe and the Court of Miracles, sites used in Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941). As Universal describes it:
“Mystery on the Backlot. This all-new, immersive walk-through adventure is designed to give guests the sensation of stepping into a live-action mystery with the Scooby-Doo gang and the Universal Monsters.
“Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have a chance to walk along a movie studio backlot with Scooby-Doo himself and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy. While navigating the backlot, they’ll solve a mystery involving Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolf Man.
“Settings include the cobblestone streets of Little Europe to the iconic Court of Miracles, the original filming locations for portions of the historic Universal horror films Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941).”
Anime fans also have something big to look forward to with One Piece making its return in a completely new format. This time, it takes over the WaterWorld venue as a full-scale live production. According to Universal,
“One Piece returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue. Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, One Piece: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a performance featuring a cast of fan-favorite characters.”
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will step into a darker, more mysterious corner of the wizarding universe. The new walk-through experience sends visitors into the Forbidden Forest on a mission involving a missing Hippogriff. Universal’s description reads:
“This new, unique, walk-through experience will take guests into the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff. With guidance from a Hogwarts Professor, they will encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as they face a series of obstacles which will require them to summon their bravery and cast spells to help a Hippogriff in need.”
Meanwhile, Super Nintendo World adds a splash of color with the all-new Colorful Yoshi Celebration. Guests can explore the land while encountering multiple Yoshis in different colors throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. Universal calls it:
“A vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in Super Nintendo World. This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.”
Rounding out the lineup is the return of Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep, back by popular demand with enhancements. Inspired by the tabletop phenomenon, the experience places guests in the middle of a high-stakes adventure against the infamous beholder Xanathar. Universal explains:
“This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, in this walk-through experience guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D.
“Guests will join the Harpers — a heroic spy network — to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep. A giant floating eyeball of sorts, Xanathar was uniquely created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.”
Tickets for Fan Fest Nights are on sale now, with options that include General Admission, Universal Express, and Universal Express Unlimited.
During the event, guests can also access select attractions such as 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 Ride, and The Simpsons Ride.
I went ot Fan Fest Nights last year, and it was a ton of fun! Fan Fest Nights 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for theme park and pop culture fans alike.
