The all-original Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, “Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff,” at Universal Studios Hollywood invites witches, wizards and Muggles to venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a mission to rescue a revered magical creature.
Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited, 12-night event scheduled for April 23–25; May 1–3, 7–9 and 14–16, 2026.
The experience places guests in an all-new outdoor environment created exclusively for the event. Guided by a Hogwarts magical creatures professor, visitors embark on a walk-through adventure encountering creatures ranging from pixies and owls to spiders and the Monster Book of Monsters. Along the way, obstacles challenge guests to summon bravery and spellcasting skills to complete their nighttime rescue mission.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event celebrating fandom through immersive, interactive experiences created by the park’s entertainment team in collaboration with industry experts. The event features themed worlds, live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities and curated food, beverages and merchandise.
Each event night includes a lineup of experiences and activations, including:
Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot
This immersive walk-through adventure places guests inside a Scooby-Doo-style mystery. Visitors arrive via the Studio Tour tram and walk through a working backlot alongside Scooby-Doo, Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy. The experience challenges guests to solve a case involving classic Universal Monsters, including Frankenstein, Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein and the Wolf Man, while exploring iconic sets such as Little Europe and the Court of Miracles.
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show
Presented at the WaterWorld venue, this live show features characters from ONE PIECE in a high-energy performance blending action, comedy and adventure. Inspired by the Universal Studios Japan production, the show highlights themes of friendship, freedom and chaos.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe
This Japanese-language CG anime short film will screen at the DreamWorks Theatre with subtitles. The story follows Super Sailor Moon as she battles an enemy seeking the Legendary Silver Crystal, ultimately restoring peace to the Moon Palace.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep
Returning with enhancements, this walk-through experience invites guests into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Participants join the Harpers, a spy network, to stop the beholder Xanathar and save Waterdeep. The character is brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, known for its work in puppetry and animatronics.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration
This new offering introduces a multicolored Yoshi-themed experience, allowing guests to explore the Mushroom Kingdom and meet various Yoshi characters throughout the land.
A variety of ticket options are available:
- General Admission: Event entry only; no daytime admission or early access.
- Universal Express: Includes one-time express access per experience, ride and attraction.
- Universal Express Unlimited: Includes unlimited express access.
- After 2 p.m. Day/Night: Daytime admission after 2 p.m. plus evening event access.
- After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express: Includes daytime and evening admission with one-time express access during both periods.
- 2-Night General Admission: Admission for two event nights.
- Ultimate Fandom Pass: Access to multiple event nights, valid through May 16, 2026.
- Early Access Ticket: Entry beginning at 6 p.m. to select experiences; requires separate event admission.
- VIP Tour: Includes guided access to experiences, a gourmet dinner (excluding alcohol) and valet parking.
- Pass Member Pricing: Discounted tickets for pass members on select nights.
Select attractions will also be open during the event, including “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” “Flight of the Hippogriff,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Transformers: The Ride—3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride.”
For more information, visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com or follow @UniFanFestNights and @UniStudios on social media.
