With Halloween come and gone, are you still looking for monster adventure? Universal Fan Fest Nights will return in spring 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood. The first major announcement confirms that Scooby‑Doo, a Warner Bros. property, will be part of a crossover with the Universal Monsters franchise.
The event will run on select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026.
Key Details of the Announcement
The event is a separately‑ticketed, after‑hours experience designed to immerse attendees in fandom-driven environments. The 2026 edition will focus on a collaboration between Scooby‑Doo and Universal Monsters, taking place on Universal’s backlot. Universal has not released details about which monsters will appear or how the crossover will be structured.
A screenshot from Scooby Doo – Tubi
Presale tickets are available now through December 17th. Presale tickets start at approximately $74, and they include a limited‑edition collectible medallion for early buyers.
Context and Background
The inaugural Fan Fest Nights occurred in spring 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood. That event featured experiences themed around Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, and One Piece.
The Dark Universe Soundtrack cover – Universal
The 2026 edition builds on that format by pairing an animated property with a classic horror franchise.
What is Known So Far
The dates for the event are April 23rd‑25th, May 1st‑3rd, May 7th‑9th, and May 15th‑16th. The “Scooby‑Doo × Universal Monsters” label indicates the experience will include elements of mystery, supernatural themes, and monster lore. The backlot location, rather than daytime attractions, suggests an after‑hours use of production-style areas.
The Universal Monsters haunted house at Universal Studios in Orlando FL – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
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Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager at Universal Studios Hollywood, said of the announcement, “We are passionate about creating a top-notch fan event for our guests and can’t wait to share how incredible year two will be.”
Franchise Context
Universal Monsters is a classic media franchise that includes characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, and the Mummy. The franchise has been associated with Universal Studios since the 1920s and has appeared in various films, television shows, and theme park experiences.
The exterior of Monsters Unchained at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The 2026 Fan Fest Nights will mark one of the first major theme park collaborations between Scooby‑Doo and the Universal Monsters. This pairing brings together a long-running animated franchise and a historic horror property. It may appeal to a wide audience, including younger fans familiar with Scooby‑Doo and older audiences aware of Universal Monsters’ legacy.
Significance
The inclusion of Scooby‑Doo represents an effort to broaden the Fan Fest Nights brand into multi-generational intellectual property. Using the backlot suggests a more immersive, themed environment rather than a traditional ride-based experience.
Universal Plaza in Universal Studios Hollywood – YouTube, DocumentDisney
For Universal Studios Hollywood, the event extends evening hours, increases per-cap revenue through separate tickets and collectibles, and leverages its properties for unique guest experiences. The 2025 debut showed the concept’s viability, and the 2026 edition expands the offerings.
Concluding Remarks
Full programming details are not yet available. The announcement of the Scooby‑Doo × Universal Monsters experience provides the main headline for Fan Fest Nights 2026. Additional updates from Universal Studios Hollywood are expected in the coming months. Tickets are currently on presale for select nights from late April through mid-May 2026.
Are you excited for the announcement for the 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights? Did you get to see this inaugural event this year? What were your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
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