Celebrate the 4th of July, 2026 at Universal Orlando Resort - All you need to know!

It’s a party in the U.S.A. This Independence Day, celebrate America's 250th Anniversary at 4th of July events at Universal Orlando, including spectacular star spangled fireworks, dazzling dance parties, and more!

Independence Day 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Universal Orlando Resort is ready to celebrate in style, and if you're planning on being at the resort for the 4th of July, get ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with spectacular star spangled fireworks, special character meet and greets, live bands, DJs, and so much more.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect during Fourth of July at Universal Orlando Resort:

• There will be a Fourth of July-themed fireworks show at Universal Epic Universe.

• Be sure to tune into live DJs, character meet and greets, and a brief pyrotechnics show at Universal Studios Florida.

• You’ll be able to listen to live music, a DJ set, and enjoy themed entertainment at Universal CityWalk.

• You can eat and drink specialty Fourth of July food and beverages and participate in themed activities and entertainment at select Universal Orlando hotels.

Read on for all the details...

This Independence Day, celebrate America's 250th Anniversary at 4th of July events throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Check out our Guide to celebrating the 4th of July in Orlando.

4th of July at Universal Epic Universe

There’s only one thing more exciting than a new theme park: visiting said theme park during a holiday! The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and Universal Epic Universe has so much fun in store that missing out isn’t even an option.

• Jam out to a live, continuous DJ set at the Hemisphere Stage from 5 - 9 pm.

• Snap a photo with Fourth of July-themed stilt walkers near the Hemisphere Stage and Cosmos Fountain throughout the evening starting at 5 pm.

• Keep an eye out for lively ground performers near the Hemisphere Stage and Cosmos Fountain throughout the evening beginning at 5:30 pm.

• Find the best seat at the Cosmos Fountain for a Fourth of July fireworks show at 9 pm and a captivating fountain show at 10 pm.

4th of July at Universal Studios Florida

Summer just isn’t summer unless it’s at Universal Studios Florida, and Fourth of July is the icing on the cake on top of all the fun this season already has to offer!

• Watch four 15-minute Street Breakz performances at the Expo Circle at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.

• View the Universal Mega Movie Parade at 6 pm.

• Catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular from the Lagoon at 9 p.m.

• See stilt walkers and ground performers take over the Music Plaza Stage from 6:15 pm – 9:50 pm while live DJs pump the jams from 5:15 pm – 10 pm.

• Vibe with a live DJ at Mel’s Drive-In from 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm and 9:30 pm – 10 pm.

• Meet a variety of your favorite characters all night from 6:30 pm – 10 pm at the Music Plaza Stage.

• Head to Mel’s Drive-In to meet more familiar characters from 7 pm – 8:50 pm and watch live performers from 7:20 pm – 10 pm.

• Watch a brief, vibrant display of pyrotechnics from the Lagoon at 10 pm.

4th of July at Universal CityWalk

Invite even more action this Fourth of July by spending it at Universal CityWalk. Listen to live musical performances from American Sirens on the Plaza Stage from 5 pm – 8 pm and Hall of Fame on the Waterfront Stage from 8 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.

A live DJ will man the Promenade from 8 pm – 12:30 am while atmosphere performers and stilt walkers maintain good vibes all night long.

4th of July at Universal Orlando Hotels

The party doesn’t stop at the theme parks! Max out your Fourth of July celebration at select Universal Orlando hotels, featuring a limited-time selection of food and beverage offerings — with some adding live entertainment and fun activities into the mix.

Hard Rock Hotel

Pick two meats and two sides when you get the $30 beachclub Dining Special, available from 12 pm – 4 pm at Hard Rock Hotel.

Smoked Meat Selections:

• 16 Hour Beef Brisket

• St. Louis Ribs (1/4 rack)

• Pulled Pork

• Smoked Chicken Wings (6)

Home-Style Sides Selections:

• Nana’s Potato Salad

• Macaroni Salad

• Coleslaw

• Grandma Kaye’s Cucumber Salad

House-Made Sauces:

• Buzzed BBQ with Root Beer and Espresso

• Carolina Gold Apple Cider Vinegar and Brown Sugar

• Gochujang with Chilies and Soy Sauce

Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites

Choose from two Fourth of July-exclusive meal specials and a drink special at both Universal

Endless Summer Resort – Dockside and Surfside:

• BBQ Half Rack of Ribs, Wedge Potatoes, Coleslaw

  • Adult: $19

  • Child: $10

• 6-piece Wings (BBQ or Buffalo), Fries, Coleslaw

  • $17

• Bomb Pop Drink Special

  • $17

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Stop by Atomic Tonic at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort for a delicious meal special, fun activities, and DJ entertainment.

Atomic Tonic Meal Special

• Mains: Hamburgers (Beef or Turkey) and Hot Dogs

• Sides: Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob, Watermelon, Novelty Ice Cream Rocket Pop, Ice Cream Sandwich

Activities

• Lawn games

• Sunset movie on the lawn

DJ Entertainment

• The Hideaway Bar & Grill: 12 pm – 4 pm

• Atomic Tonic: 3 pm – 7 pm

Universal Aventura Hotel

Delight in a specialty Fourth of July food and drink menu at Bar 17 Bistro in Universal Aventura Hotel.

Bar 17 Bistro Dining Special: $18

• Mains: Hot Dogs or Hamburgers (Beef, Turkey, or Veggie)

• Sides: Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, Watermelon, Potato Salad, Bagged Chips

DJ Entertainment

• 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Wherever you decide to celebrate the 4th of July this year, have an awesome time!

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