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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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Jul 4, 2019 at 1:03 a.m. Allyson Brand Says...

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:46 a.m. Jenny33 Says...

Looking forward to my September visit!!!

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:40 a.m. Denise Powell Says...

I am so glad I found your site!!

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:37 a.m. Cindy Brown Says...

I love undercover tourist! Have always gotten the best deals on Disney tix and resorts and universal tickets. I will always buy through them.

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:22 a.m. Jennifer Schultz Says...

The Grinchmas event looks like so much fun!!

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:20 a.m. KOwen Says...

I would love to visit Universal Studios Orlando, I have never been. I have visited Hollywood but when I was very young.

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Jul 4, 2019 at 12:09 a.m. David R. Says...

Helpful information.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 11:40 p.m. Christina D Says...

Universal Orlando is our favorite!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 11:10 p.m. Liz E Says...

Can’t wait to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 11:08 p.m. Herlys Says...

I’m going to Universal this summer!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 11:03 p.m. Lydia Says...

Harry Potter items seem fun

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:44 p.m. Kimberly Romine Says...

Thanks for the info - your crowd calendar was really helpful.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:42 p.m. Deb Says...

This is on my bucket list! I haven’t seen it yet!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:25 p.m. Zelene Says...

Hoping to go for Christmas someday

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:18 p.m. Kelly Saucier Says...

Woohoo!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:15 p.m. Mindy Says...

Can’t wait until my kids are old enough!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:07 p.m. Charles F Says...

Plan to get a season pass to Universal.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10:03 p.m. Abigail L.N. Says...

Planning first trip to Universal. This website is so helpful!! Thanks for all the insider tips.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 10 p.m. Stacy T Says...

Love the info! Love getting your emails too!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:52 p.m. Cristina C. Says...

Great post with lots of details!! Thanks Undercovertourist team.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:48 p.m. Christine Says...

LOVE all.the info! Thank you!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:46 p.m. Amy Kate Says...

I can’t wait to see Orlando for Halloween

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:28 p.m. Nicole Reed Says...

Thanks, great info!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:18 p.m. Grace Says...

Hope I can go next year!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:18 p.m. Shadowelf01 Says...

Undercovertourist is fantastic! Deals & info are very helpful specially for 1st time visitors to tourist attractions. Keep up the great work!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:17 p.m. Nancy S Says...

We have purchased Universal Studios tickets in the past from undercovertourist.com! Very helpful information, and would love to visit during Christmas break!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 9:05 p.m. Eileen G Says...

This is soon helpful! So happy to get all the info I need in one place.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8:56 p.m. Becky B Says...

Can't wait to attend a lot of these events! Just upgraded to an annual pass in June, so I can finally get back for most of these events!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8:52 p.m. Jeff Hardwick Says...

Fun in the sun

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8:41 p.m. Julie Hebert Says...

I love Universal Studios. Thanks for the great info !!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8:36 p.m. Lydia Kibble Says...

It would be great to see the parks at Christmas time. We have never been there over the Holidays.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8:23 p.m. Bitty246 Says...

Would love to visit WWoHP!!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 8 p.m. Kfischer Says...

Great info here, Very helpful.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:57 p.m. Raquel Amorim Says...

Show

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:53 p.m. Christine Vanderweerd Says...

So hoping to take my son to disneyland .

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:49 p.m. CourtneyG Says...

Great article with very helpful info!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:48 p.m. Sue S Says...

Can't wait to go!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:41 p.m. Leandro Simões Says...

Perfect tips

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:37 p.m. Jacqueline B Says...

Can't wait for HHN! My husband and I will be there celebrating our 15 year wedding anniversary! FIRST vacation without our kids ever! Thank you guys for so many informative posts that have helped make my planning a breeze, not only for this upcoming anniversary trip, but for our previous family vacations as well!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:23 p.m. Ashley Says...

Really hope they bring back Celebration of Harry Potter in 2020!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:14 p.m. DM Says...

Great info!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:09 p.m. Blake Says...

We'll be there this month.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:06 p.m. Big Kid Says...

Love Universal

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Jul 3, 2019 at 7:01 p.m. Michelle Vanhoesen Says...

These tips are a life saver!!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:56 p.m. Kathy Parish Says...

Cool

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:51 p.m. marisabuzz Says...

We used Undercover Tourist for the first time a few weeks ago to pick up Disneyland tickets. We will be using them again for our Disney World tickets this August!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:49 p.m. Dana Doron Says...

Can't wait to take my son to Orlando one day!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:27 p.m. Holly Brilla Says...

Love the undercover tourist for tips and great prices. Always get our tix here.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:22 p.m. Foster Johnson Says...

Undercover Tourist provides the best discount ticket prices around for Disney, Universal, etc. When planning a trip, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars. I recent trip plan for WDW and Universal Orlando saved over $1000 than if we bought straight from the individual websites.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 6:19 p.m. Jennifer Terry Says...

Oooo!! I didn't know they had a Mardi Gras event, that's perfect timing for my birthday!

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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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