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A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2023

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - PinterestWhen it comes to putting on spectacular events, Universal Orlando Resort doesn't hold back. Universal Studios Florida has long been home to one of the nation's premier events — Halloween Horror Nights. If scary isn't your style, you'll find other year-round, family-friendly Universal Orlando events such as Mardi Gras and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Our Frog Family leaps at the chance to experience as many of the annual events as we can, and we know yours will, too!

We wanted to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2023 and beyond because the Universal Studios concerts, parties, festivals and events are some of the best reasons to visit! You will find more resources and tips for planning your Universal Orlando Resort trip inside our Orlando Planning Guide. You'll also find all of the Universal Orlando events listed on our Crowd Calendar, which is the easiest way to see the best times to visit. Note: These Universal Orlando Resort events appear in the order that they are held throughout the year. We don't yet have confirmed dates for all of the events, but we'll be adding them to this page as soon as they become available!

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2023 and Beyond

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 27 to 28, 2023

A separately ticketed special event, Rock the Universe is Florida's biggest Christian music festival. Universal Studios Florida closes at 6 p.m. for the event, but guests with concert tickets are able to enter the park starting at 4 p.m. On Jan. 27, check out performances from Skillet, Tauren Wells, Bethel Music, Rend Collective, Evan Craft and Katy Nichole. On Jan. 28, you can rock out to music from Zach Williams, Matthew West, Dante Bowe, Anne Wilson, We Are Messengers and Cain.

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 4 to April 16, 2023

Universal Orlando Events - Mardi Gras

This Universal Orlando rite of passage takes place each spring on select dates at Universal Studios. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Mardi Gras parade through the park and live concerts. With flashy floats created by Kern Studios, the company that has created Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947, this event is as authentic as it gets (while still remaining kid-friendly)! You can check out authentic New Orleans bands. Plus there are Universal Studios concerts from big names in rock, pop, country and more! (In 2022, we rocked out to Sugar Ray and Styx! Leap and I were truly living our best lives.) There is always plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up. Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios for more deets!

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. See all of the partying for yourself!

JUNE - AUGUST

Fourth of July Celebration (Universal Studios Florida) — July 4, 2023

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - Fourth of July Celebration

Fourth of July festivities at Universal Studios Florida returned in 2022 and we couldn't have been hoppier! Frogs enjoyed a high-energy band, live DJ, meet and greets with beloved characters and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers. The celebration culminated with a special fireworks display that frogs could view from anywhere in the park. All holiday activities were included with admission to Universal Studios. We can't wait to be back next year!

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Halloween Horror Nights 31 (Universal Studios Florida) — September to October

Universal Orlando Events - Pumpkin Lord Icon

The biggest Universal Studios Florida event of the year is held on select nights every fall. For horror fans and those of you who just like to be scared, Halloween Horror Nights is not to be missed! The park is transformed from a bubbly theme park into a place of terror. "Scare zones" are set up while creatures roam about. Think you're safe? Ha! You might just find a zombie breathing down your neck. The big lure of the night is the movie set-quality haunted houses themed around popular TV shows, classic and current films and sometimes even video games or music videos.

This event is not intended for children and is a separately-ticketed event. In fact, you'll probably need our Halloween Horror Nights guide just to make it through the night. Tickets are currently on sale, and we highly recommend buying tickets in advance. Save some green on a single-night dated ticket by purchasing through Undercover Tourist!

Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with walkthroughs of some of the haunted houses on our YouTube channel. Check out our favorite house of this year's event below!

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle — September and October

Universal Orlando Events - Dark Arts

The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle projection show made its first (dark) mark in 2019 and plotted a vengeful return to Universal's Islands of Adventure in 2021 and 2022. As darkness falls, Death Eaters (followers of the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort), infiltrate the streets of Hogsmeade as green light and fog permeate the village, right before the images of dark creatures and Voldemort himself cloak the castle walls. The show runs on select nights from dusk until the park closes.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — November and December

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure)

Universal Orlando Events - Celestina Warbeck

Holiday wishes do come true! Muggles are able to experience Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley trimmed with festive holiday decorations. Even the shops of the Wizarding World are trimmed! There are holiday-themed food and drinks, as well as entertainment.

Universal Orlando Events - Christmas at Hogwarts

The highlight of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a holiday show taking place on Hogwarts Castle. This incredible experience uses mapped-projection technology to "cast a spell" onto the castle and features iconic moments from the films.

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (Universal Studios Florida) 

Cap each night off at Universal Studios Florida during the holiday season with Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's as larger-than-life balloons and floats fill with favorite Illumination and DreamWorks Animation characters. During the parade, guests will see the Minions, Shrek, "Madagascar" characters and more. Santa also attends so he can light up the New York Christmas tree!

Grinchmas (Universal's Islands of Adventure) 

Universal Orlando Events - Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular

For those of you who love the Grinch, there is no finer time to visit Universal's Islands of Adventure than during Grinchmas. Seuss Landing is transformed into the wonderful world of Grinchmas with the heartwarming live show, "Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular." The show features some of your favorite Grinch characters. It's also set to music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller — who host an annual concert on select nights at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers. The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast also came back last year for the first time since 2019!

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2023 and beyond are you most looking forward to attending? Stop by the comments to tell us below!

Related: Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Survival Guide

Related: A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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801–850 of 1524 comments
Jun 26, 2019 at 8:49 p.m. Patricia Serfino Says...

Lots of cool holiday themed things in December!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 8:49 p.m. Tiffany K Says...

I cant wait to ride Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure! Id love to visit Disney World or Universal during Hollywood Horror nights!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 8:25 p.m. nupur kesarwani Says...

love summer

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Jun 26, 2019 at 8:14 p.m. susan Says...

What a great summer!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 7:58 p.m. Abigail Hash Says...

Would love this experience for my family

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Jun 26, 2019 at 7:58 p.m. Danielle Fuller Says...

The holiday celebrations at Universal are something I’m definitely wanting to experience! It just seems so magical!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 7:46 p.m. Wedway Says...

Too bad there aren't special Harry Potter happenings every month!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 7:41 p.m. Sarah M Sipes Says...

We are excited

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Jun 26, 2019 at 7:40 p.m. Sarah M Sipes Says...

We are excited!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 6:28 p.m. Brittany Gilley Says...

Thanks for the great info!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 6:26 p.m. Conniei Says...

Looking forward to more fun at Universal this year!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 6:22 p.m. Mark Sweeney Says...

Definitely a place to have fun

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:55 p.m. Kamarie Shelley Says...

Literally my favorite place!!❤️❤️❤️

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:34 p.m. Jason C Says...

Looking forward to more fun this year!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:34 p.m. ellen Says...

Want to see Harry Potter

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:10 p.m. Clayton Stevens Says...

family fun at Universal, doesn't get any better!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:09 p.m. Ethel Turkowski Says...

Great list, very helpful!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:09 p.m. Jaye Smith Says...

Wow, who knew there was so much to celebrate? IT's going to be hard to choose which event to attend.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 5:02 p.m. Reba Coutermarsh Says...

never experienced it

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Jun 26, 2019 at 4:58 p.m. MJBywren Says...

This calendar is so helpful in planning our trip. This year it's Christmas time for us. Looking forward to EVERYTHING!! Thanks Frog Family.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 4:58 p.m. Liz Says...

Can't wait to visit Universal again!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 4:53 p.m. Alicia M Says...

You're the best!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 3:46 p.m. Chris S R Says...

We were there in the spring - just missed Hagrid!! Now we MUST go back!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 3:14 p.m. Stacy Giacosa-Bauer Says...

The prices are awesome & my family loves vacationing at Universal!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 3:13 p.m. Charlette Bond Says...

It is on my list of places to go. Would love to take some grandkids.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 3:11 p.m. Alysa Says...

I rode Hagrid's coaster this past week. It was AMAZING!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 3:09 p.m. Quinnz Says...

Love this company we’ve used em many times

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2:48 p.m. Rebekah H Says...

I love Harry Potter and can't wait to visit Universal!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. HANNAH R Says...

Can't wait to visit Universal again!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2:08 p.m. Sal Keith Says...

We’re so excited to make Universal our last family trip before our son heads off to college

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2:04 p.m. Andrea Dashiell Says...

This looks like fun!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2:02 p.m. Karen L Says...

Never been to Universal, but can't wait to go someday!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 2 p.m. kim Says...

YAY!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:57 p.m. Sam Forouzi Says...

Great!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Limozine Says...

Our favorite family vacation spot!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. patrick jones Says...

mardi gras and halloween horror nights look fun!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:46 p.m. Angie curran Says...

Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date on all the goings on. We appreciate it.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:46 p.m. Kathy Says...

Fun times!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. chris g Says...

would love to get a review and learn more of US Private VIP tour..is it worth it? what do you get for the price?

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Jul 1, 2019 at 4:11 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Chris,

Here is everything that's included with the VIP Experience: priority front-of-the-line access, exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, complimentary valet parking, reserved seating at shows (excluding special events, such as Mardi Gras or Mannheim Steamroller during the holidays), free continental breakfast and lunch, Universal Express Unlimited (for the remainder of your day), Universal CityWalk Party Pass and discounts at select merchandise locations. It starts at $189 per frog. You can find more details here. Call (866) 346-9350 for details including pricing for the private VIP tour. The private tour covers all meals and allows you to customize your itinerary. Ultimately, it's up to you and your family, but we'd suggest factoring in when you're planning on going. For instance, if it's a super busy day, you'd probably want to take advantage of the front-of-line access!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Jun 26, 2019 at 1:04 p.m. Jackie Russell Says...

We visited US & IOA last year in Oct on a whim while traveling to Florida for a Disney Cruise. We had a horrible flight experience which lead to the airline to giving us vouchers for another trip within the year. We loved US & IOA so much we felt we should use the tickets to go back this year to spend more than just 1.5 days at the parks. There was so much to do for our kids at then ages 10/8/4, we were super impressed. Just booked our park tickets through Undercover Tourist since they had the BEST RATES and can't wait to go back!! We plan on utilizing the park plans this year and just taking in all in, thanks Undercover Tourist for all you do!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 12:54 p.m. elleng3613 Says...

This website is so informative and user friendly. We used it in the past for Disney planning!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 12:47 p.m. Kampfire Kid Says...

I've never been to Universal because every time i go to Orlando I want to spend all my time at Disney. Hopefully i can win a trip to Universal some day.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 12:43 p.m. DarJo Says...

Very informative, planning bug Orlando vacation in 2020. Never done Universal, but it's a definite this time. Thanks!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 12:36 p.m. Bridget Says...

Didn’t know about the Feb concert but will def be looking for it next year! Cool!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 12:26 p.m. SPietra Says...

Looking forward to a Christmas trip this year. Definitely will be using your services as I have I. The past. Excellent service, great discounts. Keep providing the good things that you’ve been providing.

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 12:24 p.m. Susan Hubert Says...

Thanks for all the great information. Your site is very helpful when planning.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 11:49 a.m. Laurielle W Says...

Can't wait to return to the Wizarding World!! #hogwartsishome

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Jun 26, 2019 at 11:49 a.m. Ron Ablang Says...

I don't know where you got the schedules from but good work making them.

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Jun 26, 2019 at 11:36 a.m. Dustin Says...

Thanks for the info on Universal. We have only been to the Disney parks so far, but will be working Universal in as the kids gain interest!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 11:33 a.m. Margaret N. Says...

Awesome site! Very helpful!

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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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