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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 3, 2019 at 4:20 p.m. judyshere Says...

So excited to visit!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:20 p.m. Jamie Says...

Great information! Thanks!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:18 p.m. Johanna Link Says...

I love this site!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:17 p.m. KristinaK Says...

Thanks for the info! It's nice to see they have so many events!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:17 p.m. Lorena V Says...

WOOT WOOT! ???????????????? for a chance to win the trip to Orlando. Thank you so much for your help on purchasing tickets to Universal Hollywood as well! It was a blast.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:15 p.m. Barbara Rhoads Says...

Looks amazing and fun!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:14 p.m. Sherry Fowler Says...

OMGosh thanks so much for the info; the fam is going in December!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:12 p.m. Tammy M Says...

I love these tips! My family is dying to go to Universal and experience Harry Potter.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:11 p.m. Tammy Connolly Says...

Universal is amazing!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:10 p.m. Lucille Lambert Says...

I really want to visit Disneyworld! Great tips!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:07 p.m. Beth K. Says...

So much fun!!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:06 p.m. Kathryn Green Says...

The tips on your website are so helpful. It helps not to be so lost when going into a new city.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:06 p.m. muffetjane Says...

Haven't been to Universal in a couple years now. Hoping to go back soon and check out all these new events.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:06 p.m. AW Says...

Very helpful info!! Thanks

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:04 p.m. Birdita Says...

So many fun things to look forward to!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:04 p.m. Jessica Says...

The wizarding world is gorgeous in the winter! It makes it even more magical!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:03 p.m. Chris Says...

I've used Undercover Tourist many times. Thanks for helping me make my family vacation amazing!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4:03 p.m. Kaitlin Says...

Undercover Tourist is the best, they're the reason my parents were able to take me to Universal for the first time when I was younger!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 4 p.m. Kay Says...

Great rundown of the schedule and deals. Thank you!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:59 p.m. Ninja girl Says...

Love the discounts for the parks! I made good use of that for Disneyland in March 2019!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:57 p.m. Jennipher D. Says...

Thank you for all the great tips and info!! Love this site/blog etc.!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:56 p.m. Dynablade Says...

I never win these things lol. But it never hurts to try! Would love to see Universal again, haven't been there for at least 15 years!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:56 p.m. Pam Says...

Thanks for all the information!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:55 p.m. Angela Rodriguez Says...

I did not know about the Christian music concert at Universal! That's cool! I would also love to see Grinchmas time at Seuss landing!!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:53 p.m. Erika Zavala Says...

Awesome giveaway! Can’t wait to visit Orlando!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:53 p.m. Nicole Says...

Always great tips! Thank you!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:53 p.m. Michael Hudgins Says...

Very useful and practical website when planning a trip to WDW!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:51 p.m. Reyna Ornelas Says...

I would love to take my kids to Universal Orlando. Thanks for all the tips! They were very useful on our family vacation to Disney. Nobody can beat your lower tickets prices. We will definitively keep using Undercover Tourist to buy discount tickets.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:50 p.m. Jen Says...

Thanks for all the tips!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:47 p.m. Eineliebste Says...

It's been a really long time since I've been to Universal.... may have to check it out again.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:46 p.m. shonnice Says...

i so am looking forward to taking my 10 and 8 year old one day!!!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:44 p.m. Eugenio c Says...

The Grinchmas experience is totally worth it! New Holiday season tradition for me! Thanks Undercover Tourist for the help! Great site!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:43 p.m. Stephanie Says...

Great info! Thanks!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:42 p.m. Lindsay Says...

Awesome

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:41 p.m. Cs Travels Says...

Come one come all to the parks in the fall.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:39 p.m. BJ Says...

great blog

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:36 p.m. Melissa P Says...

I love you guys! You have the best advice and I've saved so much money!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:36 p.m. Jill Piasecki Says...

Thanks Undercover Tourist for helping us plan excellent vacations on a budget!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:35 p.m. Jason Says...

Can't wait!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:35 p.m. Joshua J Oswald Says...

Huh. Have to admit I didn't know Universal had so much going on for Christmas. Guess I've always thought of them as the Halloween destination.

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:34 p.m. Julie Says...

Love the orlando theme parks and can't wait to bring my grandchild!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:31 p.m. Kelly Lockhart Says...

Great job!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:29 p.m. Kathy Crowl Says...

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I love the useful tips, incredible advice, cool stories and fun contests!!! Thank You!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:28 p.m. Koko Says...

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:28 p.m. Kimili8 Says...

I would love to see Christmas in Hogsmead!!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:27 p.m. EJD mom Says...

Great tips!

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:24 p.m. Kristi Says...

looks fun

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Easy buying process and great pricing

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Jul 3, 2019 at 3:19 p.m. Carrie L Says...

Can’t wait to ride Hagrid’s new coaster!

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