Universal Fan Fest Nights Takes Guests on a Whimsical Journey with Food and Merchandise Inspired by the Event’s Signature Experiences

Universal City, California, April 14, 2026 – Universal Studios Hollywood is poised to ignite the senses and ignite the imaginations of fans with the highly anticipated return of Universal Fan Fest Nights. Kicking off on Thursday, April 23, and continuing on select nights through Saturday, May 16, 2026, this immersive event promises a culinary and retail adventure deeply rooted in the park’s most beloved and iconic entertainment franchises. Guests will embark on a whimsical journey, savoring decadent new menu items and acquiring exclusive merchandise meticulously crafted to celebrate the unique spirit of experiences such as Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters, ONE PIECE, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Dungeons & Dragons, and the vibrant world of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Tickets for Universal Fan Fest Nights are available for purchase now, and eager attendees are encouraged to secure their spots to experience this limited-time celebration of fandom. The event aims to extend the magic of the theme park beyond its traditional operating hours, offering a unique evening engagement for dedicated fans.

A Culinary Expedition Through Fandoms

Curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Julia Thrash, the gastronomic offerings at Universal Fan Fest Nights are designed to be as memorable as the attractions themselves. Each dish is a thoughtful homage to its respective franchise, inviting guests to taste their way through beloved universes.

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: A Monster Mash of Flavors

In the charming setting of Little Europe, the iconic Scooby-Doo gang teams up with classic Universal Monsters for a frightfully delicious spread. Fans can indulge in the legendary "Scooby Snacks," a nod to the cartoon’s signature treat. For a heartier appetite, the "Super Shaggy Sandwich" offers a colossal club sandwich experience, perfect for sharing with one’s own Mystery Gang. Adding a monstrous twist, the "Universal Monsters 22-inch Dog" promises a substantial and satisfying bite, blending the familiar comfort of a hot dog with the imposing scale of classic horror legends. This pairing taps into a nostalgic appeal, bringing together two distinct yet complementary fan bases.

ONE PIECE: A Grand Culinary Voyage at Sanji’s Galley

The beloved "Sanji’s Galley" makes a triumphant return, boasting an expanded location at Hollywood & Dine, promising an even grander feast for fans of the swashbuckling anime ONE PIECE. The menu is a vibrant testament to the Straw Hat Pirates’ culinary adventures. Highlights include "Luffy’s Meat on the Bone," a hearty centerpiece, and "Sanji’s Seafood Fried Rice," reflecting the chef’s mastery. Adventurous palates can explore "Franky’s Loco Moco Burger," "Brook’s Spicy Katsu," and "Jinbe’s Watermelon Salad," each dish a carefully crafted echo of the characters’ personalities and roles within the series. The "Pirate’s Bounty Funnel Cake" offers a sweet conclusion to the savory journey. For dessert enthusiasts, "Luffy’s Straw Hat mousse dome" and the ever-popular "Chopper Cupcake" provide delightful finales. Complementing the food, the new "Grand Pirate Den" will serve a selection of themed mocktails, offering a refreshing respite and a place for fans to celebrate after experiencing the brand-new ONE PIECE show.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A Taste of Hogsmeade

The rustic charm of The Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again offer guests a hearty taste of British pub fare. The menu features beloved classics such as "Scotch Eggs," "Welsh Rarebit," and "Toad in the Hole." For those seeking heartier options, "Curry Chicken," "Classic Sunday Roast," and "Classic English Fish and Chips" are sure to satisfy. Sweet cravings can be appeased with the new "Three Broomsticks Dessert Flight," allowing guests to sample a variety of magical confections, or the "Hippogriff Brown Sugar & Oat Trifle," a comforting and flavorful treat inspired by the beloved creature. This offering continues Universal Studios Hollywood’s commitment to immersive theming, extending the magical experience through its culinary offerings.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: A Celestial Spread

Fans of the iconic "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" will be delighted by an array of new treats designed to celebrate the magical girl phenomenon. The "In the name of the Moon" theme is infused into every bite, with a special "Bento Box Combo Meal" featuring a "Spicy Tuna Onigiri," a "Moonlight Love Sparkle Drink," and "Tuxedo Mask’s Raspberry Rose Sandwich Cookie." Nearby, a "Moon Scepter Churro" and "Mystery Box Cupcakes" offer additional whimsical delights, ensuring fans can truly embody the spirit of their favorite guardians. This expansion of Sailor Moon-themed food offerings reflects the enduring popularity of the franchise and its dedicated fanbase.

Dungeons & Dragons: A Feast Fit for Adventurers

The "First Roll Tavern" returns to the Lower Lot, providing a sanctuary for tabletop role-playing game enthusiasts. The menu is a treasure trove of fantasy-inspired delights, including "Cockatrice Hot Wings," "Dragon Egg Cheesecake," and the intriguingly textured "Gelatinous Cube." Adventurers can also sink their teeth into the "Ranger’s Mark sandwich" and share the communal joy of "Beholder’s Brew Fondue." A selection of themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available, ensuring that every player can find their perfect potion. Patrons must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. The return of the First Roll Tavern underscores the park’s commitment to catering to a diverse range of fan interests.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: A Yoshi-Themed Smoothie Celebration

The vibrant and colorful world of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD comes alive with a special "Yoshi celebration" featuring three uniquely themed smoothies. Prepared by the esteemed Chef Toad, these smoothies represent the distinct flavors associated with the green, yellow, and purple Yoshis. Adding a collectible element, a special drink bottle featuring the Green Yoshi and its signature Yoshi Egg will be available for purchase, allowing fans to take a piece of this cheerful adventure home. This offering aligns with the immersive nature of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, extending the interactive experience to its food and beverage options.

The Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass: Maximizing the Culinary Adventure

For dedicated foodies looking to fully immerse themselves in the gastronomic journey, Universal Studios Hollywood is offering the "Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass." This specialty pass allows guests to enjoy a total of six items during their visit on a single purchase. The pass includes two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert, or beverage items, providing exceptional value and the opportunity to sample a wider array of the themed culinary creations. The Dining Pass is redeemable at participating food and beverage locations exclusively during Universal Fan Fest Nights, with additional restrictions applying. This initiative not only enhances the guest experience but also encourages exploration of the diverse food offerings.

Exclusive Merchandise: Take Your Fandom Home

Beyond the culinary delights, Universal Fan Fest Nights will debut an extensive collection of new merchandise. This includes a wide array of collectibles, apparel, drinkware, and accessories, allowing guests to proudly display their allegiance to their favorite franchises. Key items include colorful Yoshi character shirts, playful shoulder pals, and headbands, alongside original "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" merchandise. Fans of ONE PIECE can snag a stylish "Spirit Jersey," while fans of Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters can find unique crossover apparel and items. Merchandise inspired by "Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff" will also be available, further enriching the selection.

This merchandise will be accessible within the theme park, on Universal CityWalk, and through the official online store at shopuniversal.com. The strategic placement ensures maximum accessibility for all fans, whether they are attending the event or shopping remotely.

Pre-Event Festivities and Park Access

To further enhance the Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, guests can kick off their evenings with limited-time themed offerings at select Universal CityWalk Hollywood restaurants. Participating locations include NBC Sports Grill & Brew (ONE PIECE), Voodoo Doughnut (Scooby-Doo), The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon), and Vivo Italian Kitchen (Dungeons & Dragons). These pre-event activations provide an excellent opportunity for fans to begin their themed immersion before entering the park.

During Universal Fan Fest Nights, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy select theme park attractions that remain open. These include thrilling rides such as "Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge™," "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™," "Flight of the Hippogriff™," "Jurassic World—The Ride," "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem," "Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride," and "The Simpsons Ride™." This blend of exclusive event offerings and access to popular attractions provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees.

Cosplay Encouraged: Embrace Your Inner Fan

In the spirit of celebrating fandom, Universal Studios Hollywood encourages guests to embrace their passion by cosplaying or attending the event dressed in their favorite fandom attire. This inclusive approach fosters a vibrant and visually dynamic atmosphere, amplifying the collective excitement and sense of community among attendees. Guests are reminded to review the event’s Cosplay Costume Guidelines to ensure compliance and a smooth experience.

Background and Context of Universal Fan Fest Nights

Universal Fan Fest Nights represents a strategic initiative by Universal Studios Hollywood to deepen engagement with its diverse fan base. Building on the success of previous themed events and the ongoing popularity of its intellectual property-driven attractions, the event aims to create a unique, limited-time offering that drives attendance during specific periods. The decision to focus on a curated selection of highly popular franchises—from animated classics like Scooby-Doo to anime giants like ONE PIECE, fantasy realms like Harry Potter and Dungeons & Dragons, and interactive worlds like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—demonstrates an understanding of current pop culture trends and the robust demand for immersive experiences.

The event’s structure, offering specialized food and merchandise, is a proven model in the theme park industry for enhancing guest satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. By translating the essence of these beloved stories into tangible culinary and retail products, Universal Studios Hollywood not only caters to existing fan loyalty but also creates new avenues for engagement and discovery. The expansion of "Sanji’s Galley" and the introduction of new themed offerings at CityWalk locations further illustrate a commitment to expanding the event’s reach and impact.

Chronology and Timeline

• Event Announcement: The Universal Fan Fest Nights event was officially announced on April 14, 2026, detailing the dates and featured franchises.
• Ticket Sales Commencement: Immediately following the announcement, ticket sales opened, allowing fans to secure their participation in the limited-run event.
• Event Launch: Universal Fan Fest Nights officially begins on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
• Event Duration: The event will run on select nights, concluding on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
• CityWalk Themed Offerings: Select CityWalk restaurants will feature themed menus and offerings in anticipation of and throughout the event’s run.
• Merchandise Debut: New, exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase starting from the event’s launch date.

Supporting Data and Implications

The success of events like Universal Fan Fest Nights is often gauged by attendance figures, guest satisfaction surveys, and merchandise sales. While specific data for this year’s event is not yet available, previous themed nights and seasonal celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood have consistently demonstrated strong performance. The inclusion of highly popular franchises like ONE PIECE and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which have dedicated global fan bases, suggests a high potential for robust attendance.

The strategic decision to integrate food and merchandise, alongside select ride access, creates a multi-faceted experience that caters to a broad spectrum of fan interests. This approach not only maximizes revenue potential from each attendee but also enhances the overall value proposition of the ticket. Furthermore, the emphasis on shareable culinary experiences and exclusive merchandise creates organic social media buzz, acting as a powerful, low-cost marketing tool.

The event also has implications for the local economy, driving tourism and supporting jobs within the entertainment and hospitality sectors. The collaboration with CityWalk restaurants further extends the economic impact beyond the park gates.

Official Responses and Statements

While specific quotes from Universal Studios Hollywood executives are not provided in the original text, the detailed descriptions of the food and merchandise, along with the emphasis on curated experiences, strongly suggest a strategic focus on fan engagement and immersion. Executive Chef Julia Thrash’s involvement underscores the importance placed on the culinary aspect of the event, aiming to deliver authentic and appealing flavors that resonate with fans. The consistent theme throughout the press release points to a deliberate effort to connect with the emotional resonance of these franchises, transforming beloved stories into sensory experiences.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

Universal Fan Fest Nights exemplifies a growing trend in the entertainment industry where theme parks are increasingly becoming hubs for celebrating fan culture. By leveraging established intellectual properties and creating immersive, themed experiences, Universal Studios Hollywood is not only driving immediate revenue but also cultivating long-term brand loyalty. The success of this event could pave the way for future expansions, potentially incorporating more franchises or developing more in-depth, multi-day fan conventions. The integration of new attractions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD into such events further solidifies their importance in the park’s overall entertainment strategy. As the demand for personalized and immersive entertainment continues to grow, Universal Fan Fest Nights stands as a prime example of how theme parks can effectively cater to the evolving desires of their dedicated fan bases.

For more information and to purchase tickets, fans can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and the dedicated Universal Fan Fest Nights page. The event can also be followed on social media platforms, including @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook, and @UniStudios on Instagram and X.