Universal Fan Fest Nights sets 2026 dates, adds Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters

Published on Sep 27, 2025, 3:02 pm CDT

5 min read

Universal Studios Hollywood will bring back Universal Fan Fest Nights on select evenings from April 23 to May 16, 2026, expanding the after-hours celebration with an all-new Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters experience staged on the studio backlot. Presale tickets run through December 17 and include a complimentary collectible medallion. General admission starts at $74 per person, while an Ultimate Fandom Pass for multiple entries starts at $249 per person.

Key points

Why it matters: More spring after-hours capacity, new IP mash-up, and backlot access for fandom-driven travelers.
Travel impact: Separate ticket required; select-night schedule could influence Los Angeles itineraries and hotel nights.
What's next: Additional fandoms and experiences will be revealed closer to spring 2026.
Dates: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 15-16, 2026.
Presale perk: Complimentary 2026 collectible medallion included with qualifying purchases.

Snapshot

Universal Fan Fest Nights is a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event designed around sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime, featuring in-world entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, themed cuisine, and exclusive merchandise. Year two adds a headline crossover, Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters, that will move guests onto the iconic backlot for an immersive, story-forward experience. Universal says its entertainment team collaborates with industry experts to craft these activations, drawing on the same creative muscle behind Halloween Horror Nights. Presale tickets are available through December 17 and include a first-ever collectible medallion for 2026 purchasers. Tickets start at $74, and an Ultimate Fandom Pass begins at $249 for multi-night entry.

Background

Universal introduced Fan Fest Nights for spring 2025 as a new shoulder-season draw that taps into convention-style fandom energy without leaving the park ecosystem. The formula blends queue-free access to bespoke experiences with live shows, photo ops, and limited-run menus, giving travelers a reason to add an extra night in Los Angeles during a non-holiday period. The 2026 slate keeps that model and leans into studio DNA by highlighting a backlot activation. Executives position the event as a premium add-on separate from daytime admission, aimed at fans who collect exclusive merch and content while enjoying shorter waits and curated atmospheres. Expect additional franchises to be announced as spring approaches.

Latest developments

Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters backlot experience headlines 2026

Universal confirmed the 2026 dates as April 23-25 and May 1-3, 7-9, and 15-16. It also teased the Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters mash-up as the first revealed experience, noting that it will bring guests onto the studio backlot for a mystery-meets-monsters encounter. Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager, said the team is "passionate about creating a top-notch fan event" and highlighted a presale window through December 17 that includes a complimentary collectible medallion. General admission pricing starts at $74, with an Ultimate Fandom Pass from $249 that covers multiple nights. Universal indicates more fandoms, food items, and interactions will be detailed ahead of opening night on April 23.

Analysis

For theme-park travelers, Fan Fest Nights offers convention energy without the logistics of a full expo. The date pattern packs nine nights into four long weekends, which can smooth demand and hotel pricing compared with peak summer or holiday periods. Backlot access is the differentiator, anchoring the event in Universal's studio heritage and giving repeat visitors something they cannot do during daytime hours. The Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters pairing appeals across generations, which should boost costume participation, family attendance, and social-media shareability. Budget-minded guests will compare single-night tickets to the Ultimate Fandom Pass; if you plan two or more nights for different fandoms, the pass could pencil out when factoring in parking, food spends, and merch drops tied to specific dates. Because Fan Fest Nights is separate from daytime admission, out-of-towners should plan park days and event nights on different dates to maximize value and rest. Watch for additional fandom announcements that could sway which weekend you pick.

Final thoughts

Universal Fan Fest Nights continues to mature into a spring anchor for fandom travel in Los Angeles, with the Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters backlot experience signaling bolder use of Universal's studio assets. With dates locked from April 23 to May 16 and presale perks available now, fans can plan hotel and flight blocks around their preferred franchises, then build daytime itineraries in the city. If you are targeting exclusive food, merch, and backlot access, the after-hours format is the point of difference. Expect more reveals, and consider the multi-night pass if you want to chase them all at Universal Fan Fest Nights.