Universal Orlando’s 35th anniversary event runs 49 nights from August 28 through November 1, the earliest start ever. The Tribute Store opens today, and 54 new merchandise items are already live.
Halloween Horror Nights returns Friday, and Universal has never opened this early or run this long.
The 35th anniversary event begins August 28 at Universal Studios Florida and runs select nights through November 1. That is 49 nights, the most in event history, and the earliest opening date Universal has ever used.
For context, the event traditionally started on Labor Day weekend. This year it beats that by two Fridays.
The Tribute Store opens today at Universal Studios Florida
The Tribute Store returns today, August 26, back at its original location to the left of Revenge of the Mummy. This year’s theme is Sideshow Obscura, matching the event’s carnival framing.
Universal’s 2026 merchandise collection is already live online, with 54 new items. Some are available for purchase right now rather than only in-park.
Universal Studios Japan mascot HamiKuma is also getting a first Orlando meet-and-greet this year, inside Five & Dime at Universal Studios Florida.
What the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares actually is
The 2026 theme puts two returning icons in charge.
Jack the Clown and his rival Dr. Oddfellow serve as twisted ringmasters over what Universal calls the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares. The park transforms around that premise.
The lineup includes 10 all-new haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and themed food and beverage.
Jack the Clown is the event’s most recognized original character, dating to the 10th anniversary in 2000. Pairing him against Dr. Oddfellow as rivals rather than allies is an interesting choice.
Halloween Horror Nights tickets, hours, and dates
Single-night tickets start at $88, though pricing varies significantly by date.
The event typically runs from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weeknights, extending as late as 2 a.m. on peak weekends. Hollywood’s nights run shorter and often end before midnight.
The Orlando calendar opens with August 28, 29, and 30, then settles into a Wednesday-through-Sunday pattern through September before October adds nights as Halloween approaches.
Guests staying at a Universal Orlando hotel get a dedicated entrance into Universal Studios Florida from 6:30 p.m. with valid event admission.
What’s happening at the other Universal parks
Universal runs Halloween events at five parks worldwide this year.
Universal Studios Hollywood opens September 3 and runs 42 select nights through November 1, beginning at 7 p.m. Hollywood merchandise arrived August 13, 18, and 19.
Universal Beijing starts September 4 with its own Scares at Universal event. Universal Studios Japan opens September 11. Universal Studios Singapore follows on September 25.
That is four branded Halloween Horror Nights events plus Beijing’s differently named version, spread across three continents.
How Halloween Horror Nights compares to Disney’s Halloween party
These two events are not similar.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom runs 38 nights from August 7 through October 31. It is built for families with young children, with trick-or-treating, the Boo-to-You parade, and character meet-and-greets.
Halloween Horror Nights is built for older teens and adults. Universal does not recommend it for children under 13, and there is no costume policy allowing adult guests to dress up.
Both events opened earlier this year than in seasons past, which is part of a broader pattern across Orlando. Halloween season now occupies roughly a quarter of the operating calendar at both resorts.
What else is going on at Universal Orlando right now
A few things worth planning around this week.
Passholder Appreciation Days run through September 30, adding discounts on Express Passes, hotels, food, and merchandise.
Jurassic Park River Adventure is closed until November 20. The Horror Make-Up Show returns this winter after a reimagining.
Volcano Bay closes for seasonal maintenance on October 26 and reopens March 24, 2027.
Universal will keep announcing houses, scare zones, and entertainment through the run, and the full schedule has historically expanded after opening. Universal added dates in 2018, 2019, and again earlier this year.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
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Hat Tips:
Universal Orlando Resort press release, the 35th anniversary framing, the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme, the 10 haunted houses, and the icon pairing
Haunted Attraction Network (August 23, 2026), the August 26 Tribute Store opening, the Sideshow Obscura theme, the 54-item merchandise count, the HamiKuma meet-and-greet, and the five-park international breakdown
Orlando Informer (2026), the 49-night count and the full date calendar
Attractions Magazine (May 2026), the earliest-start-ever framing and the Hollywood dates