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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

251–300 of 1528 comments
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:23 a.m.
Mel Says...

Universal studios rocks

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Jul 4, 2019 at 1:21 a.m.
Rose K Says...

Wonderful site! Thank you!

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Jul 4, 2019 at 1:03 a.m.
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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...

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

The Grinchmas event looks like so much fun!!

Reply
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!

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

Harry Potter items seem fun

Reply
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

Reply
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.

Reply
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

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

Thanks, great info!

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

Hope I can go next year!

Reply
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!

Reply
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.

Reply
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!!

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

Fun in the sun

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

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

Reply
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.

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

Would love to visit WWoHP!!!

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

Great info here, Very helpful.

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

Show

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

So hoping to take my son to disneyland .

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

Great article with very helpful info!!

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

Can't wait to go!

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

Perfect tips

Reply
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!

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

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

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

Great info!

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

We'll be there this month.

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

Love Universal

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

These tips are a life saver!!!

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

Cool

Reply
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!

Reply
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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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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