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A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2024

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 2024 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 2024 and Beyond

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 3 to April 7, 2024

Universal Orlando Special Events - Jester Float

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 2024, we've rocked out to Walker Hayes, The All-American Rejects and Ava Max! Leap and I have truly been living our best lives.) 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!

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

Butterbeer Season — March 15 to April 30, 2024

Universal Orlando Special Events - Butterbeer Cart

If you frequently don a foam mustache in the parks, listen up: Butterbeer Season is arriving at Universal Orlando! During this festive period, wizards and witches will be able to try delectable Butterbeer-flavored treats, such as an ice lolly and caramels, in addition to the traditional items served daily. Additionally, for a limited time, you'll be able to purchase a cold or frozen Butterbeer in a special collectible silver stein. Cheers!

JUNE - AUGUST

Fourth of July Celebration (Universal Studios Florida) — July 4, 2024

Universal Orlando Events - Fourth of July

Fourth of July is always a hoppening time at Universal Studios Florida! Frogs can enjoy a high-energy band, live DJ, meet and greets with beloved characters (including characters from "Despicable Me," "Madagascar" and "SpongeBob Squarepants") and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers. The celebration culminates with a special fireworks display that frogs can view from anywhere in the park. All holiday activities are typically included with admission to Universal Studios. We can't wait to be back this year!

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Select Nights in September and October

Halloween Horror Nights 2023 - Oddfellow

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

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 plots a vengeful return to Universal Islands of Adventure every year. 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 to December

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 — 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 returned for 2023 in a brand-new location.

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 24 to 25, 2025

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.

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2024 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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1301–1350 of 1526 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. gremom Says...

Can't wait to experience the new Hagrid adventure!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:36 p.m. Dana Says...

We are so excited for the new ride and Christmas at Hogwarts!!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. Tonya Leckenby Says...

Already planning 2020 trip!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. Laura Says...

Love this site! Was so helpful planning our Disney vacay in 2017! Cannot wait till we can afford to go again to use it again! I always recommend my friends and family to this site for all their traveling needs

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. Sharon E Covert Says...

Awesome

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. VMoney Says...

Always wanted to attend Mickey’s not so scary Halloween party..,so many great events around this time!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. Christa Andrews Says...

I'd love to go to the Mardi Gras!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:59 p.m. Liz Says...

Can't wait to go and see Harry Pottry World. I can probably just send all day there!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:59 p.m. Christine F Says...

This would be awesome!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:59 p.m. FlowerMum05 Says...

My kids LOVE adventures, especially with their mum and dad!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:59 p.m. Marissa Davis Says...

Such awesome info!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:58 p.m. Lisa Says...

Thanks for the chance!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:58 p.m. carrie Allen Says...

Can't wait to go to Universal in September. Orlando is the best.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:58 p.m. Samantha Plotkin Says...

Would love to see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:57 p.m. Tina Millirons Says...

I’d love to go during Christmas! So much fun!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:57 p.m. dev3a Says...

Would LOVE to visit Volcano Bay!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:57 p.m. Mjilly Says...

Our family cannot wait for HHN! I’m curious why you say this event is not for children... I understand young children, but my kids (tween and teen) love haunts!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 9:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi,

We wouldn't recommend Halloween Horror Nights for those under 13 years old because the haunted houses and scare zones may be too intense and frightening for younger children.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:56 p.m. Jewels Says...

I can’t wait to go visit universal! Haven’t been in so long!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:56 p.m. Susan Says...

So cool! Nice to know whats going on thru the year... might make it harder for planning though!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:55 p.m. Melanie Says...

Can't wait to go back, would love to try holiday time!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:55 p.m. Jan Says...

Looks great!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. Pskinney Says...

Music lineup looks great

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. Susan Morris Says...

I like the special events during the fall and winter months. Cooler weather is perfect time to visit!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. SNOTT Says...

I'm so glad I found Undercover Tourist!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. Patricia Piek - de Ruyter Says...

We are coming to Florida this August (from the Netherlands) and love too visit the Universal parks again!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. Kearstin Hinebaugh Says...

I would love to visit again during Halloween Horror Nights! Our first trip to Universal was earlier this month and we can't wait to go back!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:54 p.m. Jessica LaRosa Says...

Best way to save!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:53 p.m. Ange Says...

I love how all of the events are listed!! It sure makes it easy to find what I’m looking for!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:53 p.m. Candace James Says...

Would love to visit Universal any time of the year! Our 6 year old is into all the themes they have at the park. It would be a wonderful family experience.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Cheryl S Says...

Bummed January doesn’t have the HP celebrations anymore!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Jen Says...

I would love to see Universal Studios Orlando! I’ve been to the Hollywood Universal Studios about 6 times..

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Joy Says...

Would love to visit universal for the 1st time with my family, my daughter is 7.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Denise Chadney Says...

Harry Potter !!! Looks so AMAZING :)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:52 p.m. Kim G Says...

I used Undercover Tourist for my last Disney World / Universal adventure back in 2014 and they were amazing!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:51 p.m. Ron A Blair Says...

I've used Undercover Tourist several times. Whether i'm looking for discounted tickets or looking for tips to maximize time well spent on vacation, Undercover Tourist has always helped my family have the best vacations ever!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:50 p.m. Sherry K Says...

Nothing in August. :/

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:50 p.m. Colleen Neel Says...

We love to go in October! Usually cooler (although wasn't last time we went.. 2017) and crowds are a bit more managable. We've never gone to any of the Halloween special events though..

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:50 p.m. Heather S Says...

Would love to visit Orlando in 2019! Thanks for the tips!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:49 p.m. Stephanie Spindler Says...

Would love to go at Christmas!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:49 p.m. Christine Says...

Absolutely love all of Universal’s events throughout the year!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:49 p.m. Amanda Thomson Says...

I love Undercover tourist! Such great deals and information. I used your website to help me plan a trip to Disneyland earlier this year, and would really love for my kids to see Universal Orlando. Thanks!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:49 p.m. Jamaica Jenny Says...

Christmas at Hogwarts is my FAVORITE!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:49 p.m. Colleen P Says...

Always something to do and enjoy in Florida!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. Scott Thompson Says...

Awesome post!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. Brenda Murphree Says...

My family always use Undercover Tourist for all our Disney and Universal tickets. Thank you!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. Susan S. Says...

Love this site! Love Universal! Need a vacation. :-)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. mike shell Says...

Loved it!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:48 p.m. Donna Edgar Says...

I'd love to see Hogwarts for Christmas.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. Leanne Says...

Love Universal

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. Jason R Says...

I really want to do Christmas in Universal.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. Nikki v Says...

Would love to visit at Halloween!

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