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Home / Blog / Special Events / A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

by Mommy Frog on February 4, 2025
1590 Orlando Video

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - Pinterest

When 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 want to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2025 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 Jump Start 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.

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 1 to March 30, 2025

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! (This year, get ready to rock out to T-Pain, Joe Jonas, Kool & The Gang, Juanes, Scotty McCreery, Foster The People, Illenium, All Time Low, Lawrence, Coco Jones, DJ Pauly D and TLC.)

There is always plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up, as well as tons of international offerings so you can taste how countries and cultures around the world celebrate the Carnaval season. Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios for more deets!

Universal Orlando Special Events - Jester Float

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

Butterbeer Season — March 1 to May 31, 2025

Toast to everyone's favorite wizarding beverage and celebrate with seasonal-exclusive Butterbeer treats and specialty merchandise during Universal Orlando Resort's second annual Butterbeer Season. Grab a mug, don your frothy mustache and share a laugh with your hot, cold or frozen Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks!

Grad Bash — April 4, 5, 11 and 25, 2025

High school seniors will have a blast with their friends at this graduation celebration with exclusive, private access to both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plus, they'll enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, street entertainment and more!

Universal Volcano Bay Nights — April 12 and 26, May 3, 10, and 17, 2025

Debuting in 2025, the Volcano God, Vol, is inviting you to splash and play all night long at Universal Volcano Bay Nights. Take in the water theme park's beautiful nighttime lighting as you enjoy reduced wait times on 10 of your favorite rides and unique Universal entertainment, including DreamWorks characters meet and greets, a DJ and games and activities for the whole family! You'll also receive a complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup and get to enjoy specialty themed island treats and eats. Tickets are now on sale through Universal Orlando Resort! Check out our guide to Volcano Bay Nights for everything you need to know about this wet and wild new event.

Gradventure — May 2, 9, 16 and 17, 2025

Middle school grads will be able to celebrate with their friends as they enjoy complete, private access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure all night long at this separately ticketed event.

Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening — May 22, 2025

Epic universe - Birds Eye View

In our humble froggy opinion, we consider the opening of a brand-new theme park as a special event. Well at least, it's a special event that doesn't hoppen often — but when it does, it's pretty epic. Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, with portals to five new immersive worlds. Discount tickets through Undercover Tourist are available now!

JUNE - JULY

Fourth of July — July 4, 2025

Fourth of July is always a hoppening time at Universal Orlando Resort! Frogs can enjoy high-energy bands, live DJs, meet and greets with beloved characters (including characters from "Despicable Me," "Madagascar" and "SpongeBob Squarepants") and patriotic-themed stilt walkers in Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk. The celebration culminates with a special fireworks display over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. We can't wait to be back this year!

AUGUST - DECEMBER

Passholder Appreciation Days — Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, 2025

Passholders will be able to enjoy over six weeks of offers, special events and more during this annual celebration of the UOAP family.

Passholder Appreciation Nights — Aug. 15-16, 2025

Universal Orlando Events - Passholder Appreciation Nights

Who wouldn't want to have Universal Islands of Adventure all to themselves? Passholders will get to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment and more when the sun goes down.

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Aug. 29 to Nov. 2, 2025

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.

Universal Orlando Events - SURR3AL

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. Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with walkthroughs of some of the haunted houses on our YouTube channel.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025

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

Universal Orlando Events - Celestina Warbeck

Holiday wishes do come true! Muggles can 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 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 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. Guests can also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers.

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 23-24, 2026

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 can enter the park starting at 4 p.m. We'll update this blog as soon as we know the rockin' acts performing next year!

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2025 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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Comments

801–850 of 1528 comments
Jun 26, 2019 at 9:41 p.m.
paragoncn Says...

Rode Hagrid's last week, it was amazing!

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 9:39 p.m.
lexthetrex Says...

so excited for Halloween Horror Nights this year!!!

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Jun 26, 2019 at 9:04 p.m.
RockyRoad82 Says...

Love this website! We are planning a trip to WDW and definitely reading up on all the useful articles and plans you provide!

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 8:50 p.m.
Pati Says...

We had the greatest time ever in Disneyland! Thank you for making better by helping us plan our vacation!

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 8:49 p.m.
Patricia Serfino Says...

Lots of cool holiday themed things in December!

Reply
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!!

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

love summer

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

What a great summer!

Reply
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!

Reply
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!!

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

Thanks for the great info!

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

Looking forward to more fun at Universal this year!

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

Definitely a place to have fun

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

Literally my favorite place!!❤️❤️❤️

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

Looking forward to more fun this year!

Reply
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!

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

Great list, very helpful!

Reply
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.

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

never experienced it

Reply
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.

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

Can't wait to visit Universal again!

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

You're the best!

Reply
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!

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

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

Reply
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.

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

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

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

Love this company we’ve used em many times

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

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

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

Can't wait to visit Universal again!

Reply
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

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

This looks like fun!

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

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

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

YAY!

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

Great!

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

Our favorite family vacation spot!

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

mardi gras and halloween horror nights look fun!

Reply
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.

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

Fun times!!

Reply
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?

Reply
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

Reply
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!!

Reply
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!

Reply
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.

Reply
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!

Reply
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!

Reply
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.

Reply

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