Popular Country Artist Is Coming to Universal CityWalk Permanently
Universal Orlando Resort announced that Luke Combs will open his Category 10 venue at CityWalk in late 2027. This three-story, 33,000-square-foot space, in partnership with Opry Entertainment Group, will feature live music, food, and elements inspired by Combs’ passions. It will be the third Category 10 location, following Nashville in 2024 and Las Vegas in fall 2026.
Groundbreaking is set for summer 2026. While the announcement raised concerns among CityWalk regulars about the existing entertainment mix, Universal confirmed that Category 10 will be a standalone venue, though details on its exact placement are still pending.
Fan Reactions Tell the Story
Social media responses were immediate and pointed. On X, one fan posted simply “Who in the world is asking for this?” capturing the confusion of guests who don’t see obvious demand for a country music venue at Universal’s entertainment complex.
Another fan directed their concern directly at Universal, asking where the venue is going and specifically whether Margaritaville is safe. That question about Margaritaville reveals the real anxiety underneath the announcement—longtime CityWalk visitors worry about losing existing venues they’ve made part of their regular Orlando experience.
Universal’s confirmation that Category 10 is additive rather than a replacement provides reassurance, but without specific location details, speculation will continue until groundbreaking in summer 2026.
What Category 10 Actually Offers
Category 10 isn’t just a celebrity bar slapping a famous name on the door. The venue concept features live music, food, and themed spaces across three floors inspired by Combs’ music and personal passions. The name references hurricane intensity classification, tying directly to “Hurricane,” one of Combs’ signature multi-platinum number one hits.
The Nashville flagship established the brand as a serious entertainment concept rather than a vanity project. Las Vegas getting the second location in fall 2026 signals deliberate expansion into major tourist markets, and Orlando fits that same category as a worldwide destination drawing millions of visitors annually.
Combs acknowledged Orlando’s tourism appeal in his announcement statement, also noting his wife’s Florida roots as personal motivation for bringing Category 10 to the Sunshine State. The combination of market logic and personal connection makes Orlando a natural fit for the brand’s third location.
Why CityWalk Makes Sense
CityWalk serves dual purposes for Universal—capturing guest spending before and after theme park visits while also drawing locals who visit purely for dining and nightlife. High-profile additions generate media attention and give guests new reasons to visit beyond familiar favorites.
The late 2027 opening also strategically positions Category 10 to benefit from Epic Universe’s opening nearby, which will dramatically increase Universal Orlando’s overall guest traffic. More visitors means more potential Category 10 customers from day one.
Country music’s mainstream crossover appeal works in the venue’s favor too. Combs specifically has audiences that extend well beyond traditional country music fans, giving Category 10 broader demographic appeal than a genre-specific venue might typically expect.
What CityWalk Is
For anyone unfamiliar, CityWalk is Universal Orlando’s entertainment district connecting the theme parks with shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues that operate independently from park admission. Locals and tourists visit regularly for dining and evening entertainment, making it one of Orlando’s most consistently busy entertainment destinations.
The existing mix includes diverse dining options, themed bars, and live entertainment venues that have built loyal followings over years of operation. Adding Category 10 expands that mix but also introduces questions about fit and whether country music entertainment finds natural audience among CityWalk’s existing visitor base.
What Comes Next for CityWalk
Groundbreaking is summer 2026 with additional details promised in coming months. Those announcements will hopefully clarify specific CityWalk placement, which existing venues if any are affected, and what the full programming lineup looks like across three floors.
For Luke Combs fans in Florida and country music enthusiasts visiting Orlando, late 2027 gives plenty of planning time. For CityWalk regulars nervous about their favorite spots, Universal’s standalone venue commitment should provide comfort even without specific location details yet.
Category 10 coming to CityWalk represents a significant addition that will either energize the entertainment district with something genuinely new or create friction with guests who preferred the existing mix. How well the concept integrates into CityWalk’s established ecosystem will determine which outcome prevails. For now, fans are watching and waiting for the details Universal still hasn’t provided.
