Credit: UniversalUniversal Studios has announced the return of its fan-centric after-hours event, Universal Fan Fest Nights, set to run from April 23 to May 16, 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood. The studio confirmed the event’s comeback on Thursday, revealing a major crossover experience featuring Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters as the first in a series of themed activations tied to major fandoms.
A Beloved Fan Event Makes its Return
The announcement signals a renewed investment by Universal in event-based IP extensions. The limited-run evening series will once again transform the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot into a rotating universe of immersive fan environments, targeting the sci-fi, anime, gaming, horror, and fantasy markets.
“Step into the iconic worlds you know and love at Universal Fan Fest Nights—where sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming collide in one epic after-hours celebration, every event night,” the company stated on its website. “With immersive experiences, themed food and merchandise, it’s a fan-fueled universe like no other. Prepare for a mystery-filled, monster-sized experience on the Universal Studios Backlot when Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters join the fandom. Stay tuned for more fandoms to be revealed. Buy a presale ticket to receive a complimentary limited-edition collectible medallion.”
The Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters pairing marks a notable creative fusion between Warner Bros. Discovery’s enduring animated mystery franchise and Universal’s own classic horror catalogue. While Universal has yet to detail the specific form this crossover will take, the pairing hints at an interactive or narrative-driven experience that could lean into both brands’ shared emphasis on mystery, supernatural elements, and generational appeal.
Fans Express Delight
The 2026 event follows the inaugural Fan Fest Nights series, which debuted earlier this year and featured properties such as Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Back to the Future, and select anime IPs. Those events included themed food offerings developed in-house, limited-run merchandise, character meet-and-greets, and immersive environments based on the featured franchises.
Sources close to the event suggest that Universal is planning a staggered reveal strategy for additional fandoms, which will likely include both returning properties from the 2025 run and new additions aimed at international audiences.
The studio is already positioning the 2026 edition as a tentpole seasonal offering, with a tiered ticket rollout and merchandise strategy tied to early access. Pre-sale buyers will receive a limited-edition collectible medallion, likely themed to the Scooby-Doo x Monsters crossover.
With its hybrid of nostalgia, interactive design, and IP convergence, Fan Fest Nights reflects the increasing importance of branded experiences within the theme park and live entertainment sectors. Universal’s multi-franchise approach is seen as a strategic answer to competitor offerings like Disney’s “After Hours” and Warner Bros.’ growing live events division.