We're continuing our look at the special events coming to the theme parks this year. From Mardi Gras to Halloween Horror Nights®, we're taking a look at the Universal Orlando® Resort special events for 2015. You'll find the Universal Orlando special events for 2015 listed on our Crowd Calendar, a great tool for planning when to visit. You can find more resource to help you plan your trip in our Orlando Planning Guide.
These special events appear in the order that they are held throughout the year. We don't have dates yet for all of the 2015 events, but we'll be adding them to this page as soon as they become available.
A Celebration of Harry Potter™ (Universal Studios Florida®)
While it's already passed for this year, A Celebration of Harry Potter™ takes place at the end of January. The 2015 dates were Jan. 30- Feb. 1. Attendees have the chance to join in interview and autograph sessions with film talent, learn the art of dueling, visit a Harry Potter™ expo and more! The event has something for Harry Potter™ fans of all ages. Some of the 2015 film talent attending included Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and more! A Celebration of Harry Potter™ is included with regular park admission, although guests who have purchased the specific A Celebration of Harry Potter™ Vacation Package are admitted ahead of regular park guests and are invited to the Exclusive Evening Event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
Mardi Gras (Universal Studios Florida®)
Mardi Gras takes place each spring on select nights at Universal Studios starting in February and going through April. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Mardi Gras parade through the park and 16 live concerts, plus authentic New Orleans bands. This year's major acts include Jessie J, Heart, Kelly Clarkson, Barenaked Ladies and The Band Perry. Make sure to come hungry, because there is plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up! Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. After the fun in the park is done, head over to Universal CityWalk®, where the party continues at seven venues, including Pat O’Briens®, CityWalk’s Mardi Gras headquarters.
Mardi Gras 2015 Concert Lineup
Feb. 7 - Olivia Newton John
Feb. 14 - Jessie J
Feb. 15 - Barenaked Ladies
Feb. 21 - Kelly Clarkson
Feb. 28 - Heart
March 7 - Trace Adkins
March 13 - MKTO
March 14 - Styx
March 15 - American Authors
March 20 - Becky G
March 21 - Yandel
March 22 - The B-52s
March 28 - Phillip Phillips
April 4 - The All-American Rejects
April 11 - The Band Perry
April 18 - Trey Songz
French Quarter 2015 Concert Lineup
Feb. 7 - Rockin' Jake
Feb. 14 - The Big Easy Playboys
Feb. 15 - The Big Easy Playboys
Feb. 21 - Grady Champion
Feb. 28 - Cha Wa
March 7 - Beth Mckee & The Sliders
March 13 - Mississippi Rail Company
March 14 - Mississippi Rail Company
March 15 - Mississippi Rail Company
March 20 - Soul Project
March 21 - Soul Project
March 22 - Soul Project
March 28 - Naughty Professor
April 4 - Daddy Mac Blues Band
April 11 - Big Al and the Heavyweights
April 14 - Gravy
(Read more about Mardi Gras at Universal Studios here.)
(Watch a video of the Mardi Gras 2014 sights and sounds.)
Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida)
Some of Christian rock's biggest performers take to the stage at Universal Studios. This year it will be held on Sept. 11 and 12. Switchfoot and Kari Jobe are some of the artists performing at this separately ticketed event that is not included with regular theme park admission.
Halloween Horror Nights® (Universal Studios)*
Universal Orlando's biggest event of the year is held on select nights every fall at Universal Studios. This year the event starts on Sept. 25 and goes through Oct. 31, although individual dates have not yet been announced. For horror fans and those of you who just like to be scared, this event is not to be missed. The park is transformed from bubbly theme park into a place of terror, with "scare zones" set up and creatures roaming about. Think you're safe? Ha! You might just find a zombie breathing down your neck. The big lure of the night are the movie set-quality haunted houses that are themed around popular TV shows, classic films and some of your favorite video games. This event is not intended for children and is not included with regular theme park admission. Tickets go on sale a month or so before the event begins, and we do recommend buying tickets in advance as some nights do sell out.
(Scenes from our night at Halloween Horror Nights 2014)
(Tips for attending Halloween Horror Nights)
(Watch a video of the Halloween Horror Nights Sights & Sounds.)
Macy’s Holiday Parade (Universal Studios)
Floats and balloons direct from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City head south for the winter during the Macy's Holiday Parade, which also features the big man himself — Santa! The parades usually begin the first week of December and end on Dec. 31. Macy’s Holiday Parade is included with regular park admission.
Tips for celebrating Universal's holiday fun
Grinchmas (Universal's Islands of Adventure®)
For those of you who love the Grinch, there is no finer time to visit Islands of Adventure than December. Seuss Landing is transformed into the wonderful world of Grinchmas with the heartwarming live show, the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular, featuring some of your favorite Grinch characters and set to music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs. Grinchmas is included with regular park admission.
Tips for celebrating Universal's holiday fun
Related: Special Events at the Walt Disney World Resort
We wanted to provide you this overview of the Universal Orlando Special Events for 2015, because the parties, festivals and events are some of the best reasons to visit! You will find more resources and tips for planning your Universal Orlando trip inside our Orlando Planning Guide.
*WARNING! EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. NO COSTUMES OR MASKS ALLOWED.
Separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. Dates, times, attractions and entertainment are subject to availability and may change without notice. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Related Characters © 2015 Macy’s Inc. All rights reserved. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2015 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2015 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
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