Close Banner
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!
View Comments

Comments

1251–1300 of 1528 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:21 p.m.
Jessica Says...

I imagine the Holidays at Hogwarts must be beautiful!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:20 p.m.
Jrowens Says...

Sounds like a lot of fun things going on at Universal! I’d love to visit there!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:20 p.m.
Jessica Says...

Love Harry Potter world! Would love to go during the holidays!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m.
Karaislove Says...

I would love to go to Disneyland one day!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m.
Colleen Says...

Love that you do the homework for us, so we can enjoy the savings and the parks!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m.
EJMommy Says...

Can't wait to go back to UOR!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m.
Cheryl Says...

I wish I could get the nerve to do HHN! I just hate things jumping out at me!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:17 p.m.
KellyK Says...

Thanks for the great info! As always!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m.
Brandi Says...

Would love to take the family at Christmas!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m.
Jess Says...

My kids would love the Grinchmas event. Might have to make a December visit!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m.
Tracy eng Says...

This company has made my trips great. Great prices and easy transactions. Love Christmas anytime! My fav hiliday

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m.
MelKell Says...

I haven't been to Universal in 24 years! My how it's changed!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Evelyn Rosado Says...

Hoping to book Universal for the holidays next year.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Matt L Says...

Good info, thanks!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Mandy B. Says...

As much as I love Harry Potter (and I do!), I cannot wait for Halloween Horror Nights! I always love seeing the creativity they're able to pull off each year. Talk about a dream job!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Wade E Cowser Says...

Still have yet to visit. Having a hard time deciding between summer and winter to visit.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Emily W. Says...

Very cool lineup.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Smechs Says...

We LOVE Harry Potter World and Marvel Super Heroes!!! We would LOVE to experience the new Hagrid ride!!! Hoping to get back to Universal soon!!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:14 p.m.
Cindy Romania Says...

Thanks! This help a lot! Really, November it would be perfect

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:13 p.m.
Stephanie Wittek Says...

I didn’t know they had a July 4th event!! Gotta make it to one of those. :)

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:13 p.m.
Ryan Partlow Says...

Thanks for the info!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m.
Chelsea Bonilla Says...

I hope to one day ride the Hogwarts Express!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m.
thedog Says...

Will be going in July. Love the celebrations and the detail info

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m.
Sherry in Vermont Says...

Love, love, LOVE Universal Studios! Just went for the first time ever at 56 years old, and I want to go back so bad!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m.
Renee Manian Says...

Harry Potter World is on my bucket list!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:11 p.m.
Mary Says...

Great information, gets you really excited for the rest of this year!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:11 p.m.
WhitneyM Says...

We’ve been wanting to try out universal studios!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m.
Christy Peckham Says...

We are college touring in August and would love to spend a couple days at Universal Studios with our oldest son! He starts his senior year this fall. My how time flies!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m.
Mike Lambert Says...

Nice blog!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m.
Marcus Sisconetto Says...

It'd be great to see all the holiday magic going on!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m.
Doris Taylor Says...

I would love to bring my 3 Grandchildren, they are at the age now were they would remember going, visiting a Christmas would be awesome!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m.
Gary Carter Says...

We'll be there this September for our first HHN.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m.
Christy Says...

Love the deals

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:07 p.m.
Kristine K Says...

We were there in March, and the Harry Potter area is amazing!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m.
Daneen Says...

One of these days I will make it there for a special holiday. As for now, February 2020 will have to do! I will be celebrating my parents' retirements and my big 4-0....so for now, that is celebration enough for me!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m.
Gina E. Says...

OMG so much fun looking stuff! Thanks for the highlights! <3

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m.
Rochelle Says...

We’ve never been here. This would be an awesome adventure !

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m.
Irma Says...

So ready for another trip to Universal Orlando!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m.
Sefarrell Says...

I can’t wait to head back down there!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m.
Britt Says...

My kids are dying to go back! It really is magical!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:04 p.m.
Natalie Mason Says...

Hope to take the family soon!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:04 p.m.
Nonnie Says...

I love your site

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
Bridget Foster Says...

So excited to visit this attraction. It has been WAY TOO LONG since my last visit to Universal!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
MNLorri Says...

Great info!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
Sandy Says...

Thanksgiving is a great time to visit Universal! The weather is perfect, and you get to see all the Christmas decorations and parades.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
Katy Heit Says...

I didn’t know all these events. Thank you for all the useful info.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
Candace Stoneberg Says...

We used UT for our last vacation and I can’t say enough good things. I found a better deal after booking and contacted customer support and they made our deal even better!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
Andrea Williams Says...

Very useful info, as always! Thank you for being such an amazing resource for the latest theme park news and discounts!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m.
RONALD DELARME Says...

groovey

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:02 p.m.
Nicole Says...

So helpful, love you guys!

Reply

Leave a comment

About Undercover Tourist

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.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.