Here’s What’s Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026

From New Thrills to Fan Favorite Events, 2026 Is Shaping Up To Be An Epic Year at Universal Studios Hollywood

If 2026 had a Hollywood trailer, Universal Studios Hollywood would absolutely get top billing. The park has officially unveiled its event calendar for the year ahead, and it is packed with a mix of brand-new experiences, returning fan favorites, and plenty of Pass Member perks sprinkled in along the way. While exact dates for some offerings are still under wraps, the overall lineup gives guests a solid look at what kind of year is taking shape at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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One of the biggest headlines for 2026 is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a brand-new high-speed outdoor roller coaster set to debut sometime during the year. While Universal has not announced an opening date yet, the attraction is confirmed to be the park’s first outdoor coaster and promises a major thrill upgrade for Hollywood. Beyond the coaster, Pass Members will see multiple bonus periods throughout the year, including early year Bonus Benefits, collectible giveaways in spring and fall, Appreciation Days in late summer, and even a holiday after hours takeover in December.

Seasonal events are also returning in full force. Butterbeer Season takes over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the spring, followed closely by the return of Universal Fan Fest Nights on select evenings from late April through mid May. Summer brings back Mega Movie Summer with themed entertainment, food, and photo ops, while July features a Fourth of July celebration tied to America’s 250th anniversary. From there, the calendar rolls right into Back to Hogwarts, Pass Member Appreciation Days, and the always massive Halloween Horror Nights, which will once again run on select nights from early September through November 1.

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The year wraps up with Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, followed by the Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover and EVE on December 31, Universal’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration complete with DJs, fireworks, and late night rides. While some details will be finalized closer to each event, the overall picture is clear. Universal Studios Hollywood is leaning hard into events in 2026, giving guests plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year instead of just once.

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