Universal Studios is officially bringing back Universal Fan Fest Nights next spring, marking the return of one of the studio’s most ambitious after-hours experiences. Running from April 23 to May 16, 2026, the event promises to dive even deeper into genre worlds that include sci-fi, anime, fantasy, horror, and gaming.
The Magic Returns
The studio confirmed the event’s comeback on this week, with a high-profile reveal of its first major IP pairing: Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters. The mashup marks a rare creative crossover between Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-running animated mystery franchise and Universal Pictures’ iconic horror legends, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and The Wolf Man.
While Universal has yet to share exact details of how this team-up will play out on the backlot, the potential for interactive storytelling and immersive design seems clear. Both franchises have strong roots in mystery and supernatural adventure, and fans can likely expect an experience that plays to the strengths of both.
“Step into the iconic worlds you know and love at Universal Fan Fest Nights—where sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming collide in one epic after-hours celebration, every event night,” the company stated on its website. “With immersive experiences, themed food and merchandise, it’s a fan-fueled universe like no other. Prepare for a mystery-filled, monster-sized experience on the Universal Studios Backlot when Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters join the fandom. Stay tuned for more fandoms to be revealed. Buy a presale ticket to receive a complimentary limited-edition collectible medallion.”
Fans Rejoice
The announcement reaffirms Universal’s ongoing investment in large-scale, fan-focused events centered around its most recognizable IPs. Fan Fest Nights debuted in 2025 and quickly positioned itself as a flexible platform for immersive activations tied to beloved franchises. The first run featured experiential content themed to Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Back to the Future, and various anime titles, with custom food offerings, exclusive merch drops, and in-world meet-and-greets.
Sources familiar with the 2026 planning suggest that more fandoms will be unveiled in the coming months. The studio is expected to continue a staggered rollout of announcements, blending returning franchises from the inaugural year with new properties—some of which may appeal more directly to international audiences.
The Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters reveal comes as the first in a planned series of themed activations for the event. Universal appears to be framing Fan Fest Nights as a cornerstone of its seasonal slate, complete with tiered ticket access and collectible incentives. Fans who purchase presale tickets will receive a limited-edition medallion, which is likely tied thematically to the crossover experience.
More than just a theme park afterparty, Fan Fest Nights reflects Universal’s broader strategy to expand its IPs beyond film and television, leaning into live experiences that bridge multiple fan communities. The move also underscores the growing competition in the themed entertainment space, where Disney’s “After Hours” and Warner Bros.‘ live event expansion continue to gain traction.
With its mix of nostalgia, world-building, and franchise crossovers, the 2026 edition of Universal Fan Fest Nights is shaping up to be a major draw for fans of genre entertainment. Additional details, including nightly programming and new IP additions, are expected to be announced later this year.
