For a limited time, Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE for General Admission Tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood! Valid for visits through Dec. 17, 2025.
Most theme parks have special events and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Some take place during regular park hours and are included in the cost of admission, while others are separately ticketed after-hours events — Universal Studios Hollywood has both types! Let's hop to it and break down the popular Universal Studios Hollywood events and (as well as what hoppens during peak seasons). Some events take place every year and other celebrations may occur just this year. We have all of the details for rest of 2025 and into 2026, so you can start planning your visits now!
Overview of Universal Studios Hollywood Events
Whether you enjoy being chased by monsters, meeting the Grinch, sipping hot Butterbeer with a holiday meal or dancing under fireworks, there are a few Universal Studios Hollywood events for which you might want to time your visit while they occur. Keep hopping back as more events may be announced. In fact, there is new summer event coming in 2025.
Ongoing in 2025
The following food and merchandise event continues from 2024 into 2025.
Wicked
Prepare to get transported to the Land of Oz! Gearing up for the release of the second Wicked movie in Nov. 2025, new merchandise, food and beverage for the movie is purchasable at the core of this experience from time to time. You can find more themed Wicked experiences at Universal CityWalk.
You can also meet Glinda or Elphaba during the Mega Movie Summer event. Save on tickets this summer — Buy a day, get a second day FREE — with discount tickets from Undercover Tourist! We also recommend the Universal Express (save up to $126) or VIP Experience (save up to $178) so you have time to see and do it all.
Lunar New Year (Check back in 2026)
Lunar New Year brings some special decor, food and beverage options to the park from late January through February. You can purchase Lunar New Year merchandise in the gift shops. Celebrate by taking a photo with characters — such as Hello Kitty — dressed in their Lunar New Year best. Enjoy the cherry blossom decor during Lunar New Year.
Spring 2026
Spring break is a popular time to visit Universal Studios. It also falls during Butterbeer Season.
Butterbeer Season
From March 1 to May 31, Universal Studios hosts Butterbeer Season! Guests can try delectable treats, such as a Butterbeer creampuff, caramel (in a Butterbeer cart wagon) or chocolate bar. This year, the fan-favorite Butterbeer-flavored ice lolly makes its return.
Additionally, for a limited time only during this festive period, cold and frozen Butterbeer were available for purchase in a special collectible gold stein. Sport your Butterbeer fandom in some exclusive merchandise. You can find it at Flich's Emporium, the Universal Studio Store or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter store in CItyWalk.
It's important to know that the last two weeks of March through the first two weeks of April generally see larger crowds and often the return of longer hours.
Universal Fan Fest Nights (confirmed to return in 2026)
On select nights between April 25 and May 18, 2025, there's even more movie action to jump in on at Universal Studios Hollywood with the premier of Universal Fan Fest Nights! This interactive, separately ticketed event will invite you to enter some of your favorite worlds, including "Star Trek," "Back to the Future," "One Piece," "Jujutsu Kaisen," "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and "Dungeons & Dragons." From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, this after-hours event will elevate the fan experience, featuring immersive experiences, in-park activations, specialty food and drink and more.
Experience new magic and creature encounters in the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and step aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D and the actual bridge set piece from "Stark Trek: Picard." The event took place April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2025. Hop back for 2026 dates. Learn more at our Univeral Fan Fest Nights post. Get your cosplays ready!
Grad Bash
Grad Bash is a separately ticketed event that occurs on select Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights after regular park hours for graduating seniors. These events with DJ dance parties are organized through schools, and they take place on select nights in May and June. They should not affect your daytime visit as they hoppen after the park is closed. You may see stages, photo ops and decor set up for the events.
2026 Grad Bash Dates:
- May 20, 21, 27, 28, and 29
- June 4 and 5
The park closes by 8 p.m. on Grad Bash nights (check the calendar for actual operating hours). Attendees can enter the park at 8 p.m., and the party starts at 9 p.m.
Summer 2025
Summer is peak season at Universal Studios Hollywood. That means long hours, Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (or the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle) and finding ways to cool off. Summer crowds typically fill the park from mid-June through mid-August. You'll want to purchase tickets early and get Early Access tickets if Super Nintendo World is a priority. It's a great time to get Universal Express or take a VIP Tour to skip the lines. A perk of the VIP Experience is that it allows you to skip the line for the highly popular Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. That ride is now included with Universal Express.
Bring swimsuits and water shoes for the tadpoles to splash in the water at Super Silly Fun Land. Keep an eye on Virtual Lines for Secret Life of Pets and Super Nintendo World. Sit in the soak zone for WaterWorld. We have hot tips to beat the heat and summer crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here are a few Universal Studios Hollywood events hoppening this summer.
(New) Mega Movie Summer
This brand-new, daily event runs June 13 - Aug. 10, 2025! Jurassic World – The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash makes its debut to celebrate "Jurassic World Rebirth" (in theaters July 2, 2025 ), with new dinos, thrills and themed bites at Jurassic Cafe and Isla Nubar.
Snap a photo with Wicked’s Elphaba or Glinda near the park entrance, and don’t miss the 50th anniversary of "Jaws" with the return of the hanging shark, meet and greets with Captain Quinn and Chief Brody and themed eats at Amity Island Cafe.
In Universal Plaza, meet a Toothless replica from the upcoming "How to Train Your Dragon" live-action film and try dragon-themed treats. Plus, see original costumes from the movie at Universal Cinema.
Catch "Back to the Future" on the big screen once again on July 3, 2025. Say hello to Doc, Marty, Einstein and the DeLorean inside the park and grab some themed grub at Mel’s Diner.
Fourth of July Celebration
If you hoppen to be visiting the park on Independence Day, catch a spectacular fireworks display (accompanied by Universal Studios-themed music and patriotic tunes) at 9 p.m. You can also enjoy live music and themed décor. It's all included in your theme park admission.
Back to Hogwarts
Celebrate students going back to Hogwarts (and muggles going to back to regular school) with special "Back to Hogwarts" school bundles available for purchase. (Bundles include items such as a backpack and journal themed to your Hogwarts house and a Hedwig plush.) Put on your house robes and raise your wand in pride for your Hogwarts house: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. This magical time starts in August and ends on Sept. 1, 2025.
Pass Member Appreciation Days
Hop back soon for more information on this Pass Member exclusive time from Aug. 15 - Sept. 30, 2025.
Halloween Horror Nights 2025
On select nights from Sept. 4 through Nov. 2, 2025, Universal has a separately ticketed nighttime event that will terrify even the bravest visitors. We have separate posts on Halloween Horror Nights and survival tips. Enter the park to the unleashing of monsters, encounter themed mazes, scare zones and a Terror Tram that takes you down to encounter more than just monsters in the Backlot. Death Eaters patrol the Wizarding World and duel with guests. You can catch a breather by enjoying music, special drinks and themed food. You can even save on select tickets through Undercover Tourist! Ticket are on sale now. Buy early for the best prices and selection.
Holiday Season at Universal Studios Hollywood 2025
Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, a lot is hoppening at Universal Studios, and it's all included in your Universal Studios ticket. The park and CityWalk are decorated with a bunch of garland, lights and trees. Characters are in their holiday and winter best. You can enjoy special entertainment, seasonal characters and celebrations. You can get all the festive details in our guide to Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here are four events that fall daily during the holidays at Universal Studios from Lat November through early January. Hop back for the 2025 dates. For planning purposes, Grinchmas fell last year Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 6, 2025. The holiday events usually kick off the day after Thanksgiving.
Grinchmas
Meet the Grinch, Max and all the Whos, including Cindy Lou Who, during Grinchmas. You can eat special treats, watch special entertainment and experience a Seussian tree lighting with snowfall. It's one of our favorite Universal Studios Hollywood events, for sure!
Christmas in the Wizarding World
Step into Hogsmeade to the sights of festive holiday décor with glimmering lights, wreaths, trees, garland and the largest ball of mistletoe you’ve ever seen. Each shop is decorated with its own holiday-themed garland! Watch The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle and the Holiday Frog Choir. You can also do some holiday shopping for the wannabe wizards and witches in your family.
Warm up with hot Butterbeer and the English Holiday Meal with juicy turkey, gravy, sourdough stuffing, carrots, Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped sausage and cranberry sauce at the Three Broomsticks. It's quite tasty!
Christmas in Super Nintendo World
Last year, the holiday season reached the Mushroom Kingdom with themed décor. Look for a tree adorned with a Super Star topper, festive wreath and two mustached snowmen for a photo op. One wears a red Mario hat and scarf, and the other wears a green Luigi hat and scarf. Toadally cute! Shop for holiday merchandise at select Super Nintendo World retail locations and dig in to seasonal treats at Toadstool Cafe.
EVE
Ring in the new year on Dec. 31 at EVE, the New Year's Eve party. Enjoy multiple party areas with music, dancing, drinks and souvenirs. The midnight countdown is celebrated with fireworks. Winter snowfall and confetti bursts add excitement to designated areas. The festivities are included in your theme park ticket, and the park stays open until 2 a.m. The New Year's party festivities kick off at 9 p.m.
CityWalk is also festive with a tree, live music, DJ performances and street performers. No admission needed to enjoy CityWalk festivities.
New Ride Opening in 2026
We have a major new ride opening in 2026! Read all about this new high-speed coaster in our Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift post.
Which Universal Studios Hollywood Events are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below. Don't froget that you can save big on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, Universal Express, VIP Experiences and Halloween Horror Nights when you purchase authorized discount tickets and book nearby hotels with Undercover Tourist!
Related: Best Times to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to Maximize Your Time
Hoppy planning!
