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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

101–150 of 1528 comments
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:52 p.m.
HEATHER Says...

Thank you Undercover Tourist for being such a huge help when planning an amazing Disney World vacation. Now I'm back to find tips and information for our first trip to Universal Orlando.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:51 p.m.
Usama Nassir Says...

Looking forward to visiting Disney world.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:27 p.m.
Erika S. Says...

I loooove Universal Studios Orlando. It's always a great time. Undercover Tourist gives the best inside scoops on all things travel related. ????

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:20 p.m.
Classicalhsmama Says...

Christmas at Universal sounds fantastic!!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:03 p.m.
Stacey G Says...

Thanks for the great info.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 8:03 p.m.
Heather T Says...

Love the site! Great information and opportunities to save!!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 7:53 p.m.
Amanda Hackathorn Says...

Cant wait to take my 4 boys here!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 7:50 p.m.
Molly B Says...

UT is the best!! Love them!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 6:28 p.m.
Erica Ford Says...

Great info!!!❤

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Jul 6, 2019 at 6:15 p.m.
Jennifer Hogg Says...

I would LOVE to visit during Halloween or Christmas time!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 6:11 p.m.
Jessie Xander Says...

Going in September to hopefully see the halloween decorations but can't afford the separate halloween event :(

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 6:07 p.m.
Viviana Ortega Says...

I love the wizarding world of Harry Potter !!! And I haven’t been there in such a long time :(

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Jul 6, 2019 at 5:54 p.m.
Lisa Donoso Says...

YAY!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 5:48 p.m.
Cori Says...

Looking into a Disney and universal trip

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 5:27 p.m.
Hollie Hunt Says...

Can’t wait to take my son to Universal Studios!!!!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 5:24 p.m.
Tina Says...

Excited for our first visit

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 5:06 p.m.
Tiffany G. Smith Says...

Im so excited about visiting Disney for my 1st time.. Thanks for all the information..

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 4:57 p.m.
1st Timer Says...

I’m so excited for our trip next year!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 4:35 p.m.
Brit Says...

Thanks for providing such a great opportunity.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 4:07 p.m.
Melanie Weltin Says...

I would love to take my kids to the Grinch event! Our family of 6 would be thrilled to attend! Yay!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 3:35 p.m.
Brittany Says...

This is amazing info!!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 3:21 p.m.
Natalie SH Says...

I would love to go for part of our honey moon and see Universal in late November <3

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 3:12 p.m.
Jill Says...

We are just starting to plan our Disney trip, this site is AWESOME to help with that!!!!!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.
Jessica Bonte Says...

I really love Universal Orlando and have a lot of fun whenever I take a trip there.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 2:24 p.m.
Mandy Says...

Man, I can't wait to see HP world decked out for Christmas!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 1:25 p.m.
Aimee Munoz Says...

Need to go!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:15 p.m.
Holly Says...

I would love to expirence this with my son! I never went as a child, and as a full time single mom i would love the opportunity to give him this.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:02 p.m.
Sarah Lee Says...

Thanks for the dates around events will definitely effect our planning

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Jul 6, 2019 at 12:50 p.m.
KK Says...

I would be so excited to win!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 12:33 p.m.
Licia Dandridge Says...

I really enjoyed reading this, great post!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 11:59 a.m.
maria gentry Says...

Great post with lots of really useful information! Thanks.

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Jul 6, 2019 at 11:14 a.m.
Christine Says...

My dream is to one day be able to afford to take my kids to universal studios or Disneyland on a vacation. I want to give them a family vacation they would never forget.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 10:42 a.m.
Kt825 Says...

So many cool themes at Universal! I am excited to plan a trip!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 9:39 a.m.
ErinD. Says...

Awesome!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 8:50 a.m.
Chrissy FTW Says...

The Stranger Things house looks so cool!! :D I'm also loving the Mardi Gras lineup!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 6:01 a.m.
Megan Henry Says...

I am so ready to be back in Universal!!!

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Jul 6, 2019 at 5:38 a.m.
Darri Says...

Excited for Holidays at the parks this November, especially the Hogwarts Castle show!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 5:22 a.m.
Nickie Hobbs Says...

Love love love using Undercover Tourist for Disney and Universal discount tickets.

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 5:12 a.m.
Andrea T Says...

Thanks for all the information. Hard to decide which event would be the most fun to attend!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 4:19 a.m.
Jennifer Biemler Says...

Would be great to get back there and relive my daughters wish trip!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 3:49 a.m.
Cassie Says...

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:42 a.m.
Tweet30346 Says...

The Mardi Gras event sounds super fun!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:12 a.m.
Heaven-Alexis Brock Says...

I love Halloween but I'm always too afraid to go do anything Halloween related. I am excited about all of the events this year and in 2020! Maybe the Hogsmeade feast will be my favorite thing. #SlytherinHouse

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:12 a.m.
Desirae Lastinger Says...

Love all the new Harry Potter attractions and events!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:09 a.m.
Kolby Baty Says...

Thanks for the tips!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 1:05 a.m.
JennaB Says...

I’ve never been to Universal but I would love to go!

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 12:46 a.m.
Jordan noel Says...

Love this post

Reply
Jul 6, 2019 at 12:26 a.m.
marlene a harris Says...

i love to take my grandkids

Reply
Jul 5, 2019 at 11:16 p.m.
Vaca Anytime Says...

Great insider information. Super excited about our Orlando trip. Yayyyyy!!!!!

Reply
Jul 5, 2019 at 10:47 p.m.
Heidi Simpson Says...

I can't wait to go!

Reply

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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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