Complete Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Orlando
- Shane Walton
- 7 minutes ago
- 12 min read
All you need to know about Halloween Horror Nights 35 - Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, Shows, Menus, What To Expect and more.
Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Orlando Resort for Halloween, celebrating its 35th year of bringing nightmares to life, at what is arguably the biggest and most anticipated Halloween event anywhere in the world.
Taking place on select nights from August 28 through November 1, 2026, the separately-priced after-hours event takes place at Universal Studios Florida, with Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2026 placing you right in the middle of the action. Step inside terrifying haunted houses, come face-to-face with ghastly creatures in scare zones, and marvel at mind-bending live entertainment, plus don't miss the return of the Tribute Store, the Death Eaters Encounter in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and so much more.
HHN35 features 10 all-new haunted houses, outrageous live entertainment, terrifying scare zones and street experiences – with a few haunting surprises.
The overall theme for this year's HHN is “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” transforming Universal Studios Florida into a decrepit, fear‑fueled carnival featuring a sinister new slate of haunted houses, scare zones and outrageous entertainment inspired by elements from Halloween Horror Nights’ history plus some of the biggest names in horror.
And the ringmasters of this year’s event will be none other than Jack the Clown – arguably the most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icon in history – and his legendary rival, Dr. Oddfellow. Halloween Horror Nights 35 will mark the first time that these nemeses join forces to wreak havoc amongst guests…after all – a fear divided is a fear diluted…
Whether you’re an HHN first-timer or a die-hard fan, here’s all need to know about HHN 35 before you head into the fog.
Complete Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 35
Discover the latest theme park news and updates from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
HAUNTED HOUSES
The haunted houses are at the heart of Halloween Horror Nights. Every year, Universal’s entertainment team brings to life the biggest names in horror from movies, TV shows, musicians, video games, and urban legends in twisted, maze-like haunted houses. They also create their own original storylines and characters that have become iconic over the years. There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than by walking through your very own, real-life horror movie where you’ve been cast in the role of victim.
Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control
Every scream has been leading to this. Discover the unsettling origins of Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow’s undying rivalry before stepping through a portal into the wickedly twisted Oddverse. You’ll be caught in the middle as these two icons of terror pit chaos against control — and find that their forces of horror are most fearsome when combined.
Sinners
In 1930s Mississippi, libations flow freely and guitar screams fill the air at the Smokestack Twins’ juke joint. But the blues become red when Remmick’s troop of bloodthirsty vampires crash the party — and test blood’s true bonds — as you brave this terrifying haunted house based on the award-winning original horror film, “Sinners.”
One Last Adventure with Stranger Things
The Upside Down is invading Hawkins. Try to defeat Vecna once and for all in this haunted house based on Stranger Things 5.
Hellraiser
Enter a realm of pure pain in a haunted house based on the original “Hellraiser” trilogy. You’ll journey through the depths of Hell and bear witness to Pinhead and the Cenobites’ nightmarish rituals. Then hope you don’t get trapped in your own.
Evil Dead Burn
The Book of the Dead has been reopened, and now an infernal force consumes a family home. In this haunted house based on the new film, “Evil Dead Burn,” dodge possessed Deadites hell-bent on bloodshed — and encounter not just the root of evil, but the whole family tree.
Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne’s shocking image was as haunting as his heavy metal hits. Now you’ll enter the Prince of Darkness’s kingdom where music and mayhem collide — and everything’s gone off the rails. Veer through a decaying world ripped straight from Ozzy’s lyrics in this haunted house inspired by one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends. Let the madness begin!
H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
On a dark and stormy Halloween night, your favorite maître d’macabre returns to WKNB with a special scare-athon! Tune into a curated selection of H.R. Bloodengutz’ Halloween favorites in this haunted house complete with ghouls, gore and all the frights that keep you coming back for more.
MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
In this haunted house, you’re among survivors seeking refuge from a dystopian wasteland within a defunct zoo. But you’ll quickly realize that while the animals may be long gone, they’ve been replaced by something far more primal — warring cannibal factions that have taken their animal instincts to the extreme.
Cybergoria
Humanity slipped off into machine-induced cryo-sleep with the promise we’d awaken immortal. Instead, we found that our cybernetic caretakers had stripped away our flesh, transforming us into something beyond human. Brave this haunted house and a cold world of machines driven by one goal: to make you live forever, even if it kills you.
INVASION: Alien Abduction
Make contact with horrors from worlds unknown in this haunted house, where a ship full of Grays have torn apart a remote homestead in search of fresh test subjects.
SCARE ZONES
During Halloween Horror Nights, the streets transform into demented scare zones that are swarming with creatures and monsters born from the darkness like hellish demons, morbid deformities, and the undead. You are quite literally walking through real-life nightmares. Oh, and watch out for the roaming chainsaw hordes!
Infernal Carnival of Nightmares
Jack and Dr. Oddfellow invite you to step right up and see what horrors hide in every shadow at a sinister spectacle decades in the making.
Sideshow of Decay
Cindy’s time has come. With Dr. Oddfellow’s dark sorcery, she opened a portal in the carnival’s junkyard — using it to resurrect decayed nightmares from the past that are back to haunt you.
FORTNITEMARES
The horrors of FORTNITEMARES are no longer confined to the island. Drop into this scare zone crawling with fearsome foes and brace for the Storm. As it spreads, so does a terrifying new world where danger, chaos and unsettling surprises lurk around every corner.
Downtown Clowntown
The city that never sleeps becomes a waking nightmare when its boroughs are overrun by Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Art the Clown and other murderous clownsfolk who can’t wait to tear you limb from limb. Don’t be fooled by the locals — survival is no laughing matter.
STREET EXPERIENCES
In addition to the scare zones on the streets at Halloween Horror Nights, the scareactors will stalk you as you walk through real-life nightmares in the street experiences.
Mel's Die-In: Zombies
Shake, Rattle and R.I.P. Zombie carhops have swarmed Mel’s Die-In, and they aren’t just here for the burgers.
Club Horror
Party Like Your Life Depends on It - The streets of San Francisco have been transformed into Club Horror, where the DJ’s undead but the vibe is alive and well.
SHOWS
Every year at HHN, there are new shows and street experiences that bring horror to life in thrilling ways. In the past, there have been pulse-pounding dance troupes, mind-bending acts, pop-culture infused comedy skits, and a jaw-dropping lagoon show. These performances are perfect for those who may not be too keen with the intense scares of haunted houses but still want some thrills.
Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir
Embark on a dark musical journey and resist temptation as death-defying stunts lure you deeper into a vampire-ridden metropolis.
Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins
The music. The monsters. The memories. In this show, relive five epic seasons of “Stranger Things” through a special WSQK broadcast as some of its most unforgettable moments are projected on the Universal Studios lagoon.
RIDES
Need a break from all that screaming in the haunted houses? How about screaming on some rides? A select number of Universal Studios Florida attractions are open during the event, including Revenge of the Mummy, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and more. Since there’s so much to do at HHN, attraction wait times are typically shorter than normal.
FOOD & DRINK
Elevate your HHN experience by trying the themed specialty food and beverages inspired by each year’s event. Expect some fun dishes and treats based on the haunted houses with drinks paired to enhance the flavors. You can find these offerings in select food tents, restaurants and bars during the event.
Stranger Things
El’s Battery Jerky, beef jerky served in a “battery” tin over mac and cheese
Hopper’s Recharger, a lime-topped specialty drink
Hellraiser
Pleasure & Pain Brain is a brain-shaped dessert set in a red sauce with scattered crumble
Cenobite’s Kiss is a deep-red specialty drink
Sinners
Annie’s Juke Joint Catfish & Grits, a fried catfish fillet over grits
Slide Guitar Smash, a mint-topped drink
Ozzy Osbourne
The Prince of Darkness Cake, a black-tiered cake crowned with a chocolate bat
Black Rain, a dark layered drink with a foamy, bat-flecked top
Evil Dead Burn
Lasagna Burn, a chili-oil-topped dumpling dish
Frostbite is a bright-blue drink garnished with gummy fangs
Carnival of Nightmare
Fritos Walking Taco: seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream served right in a Fritos Scoops bag
Rigatoni Ritual Pie: a pizza topped with rigatoni, cheese, sausage, and a pesto drizzle
Meat Grinder Red Velvet: a red velvet dessert plated to look like ground meat coming out of a grinder
Birria Pizza Fries: fries piled with birria beef, diced onion, and cilantro
Torn to Shreds Pork Sandwich: shredded pork with slaw on a toasted bun
HHN TRIBUTE STORE
Do not miss the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, themed with a design level that rivals the haunted houses. You’ll find event must-haves like T-shirts, hats, drinkware, pins, lanyards, and collectibles. There are also fun photo ops inside as well. The Tribute Store is located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida near Revenge of the Mummy.
DEAD COCONUT CLUB
Dead Coconut Club is Red Coconut Club’s seasonal incarnation for spooky seaosn, offered on select nights during the Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) season. Guests can mingle, dance, and soak in the spooky atmosphere as Dead Coconut Club debuts a fresh — yet equally festive — theme each year.
This year's Dead Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk is being taken over by aliens in Harvest. Strange lights, unidentified flying objects, and folks acting abnormally…what on earth is happening at Midweston’s 35th Annual Harvest Festival? Find out at Dead Coconut Club – Harvest with spooky specialty beverages, light bites, interactives and incredible music. Just don’t get abducted by aliens!
TICKETS & TOURS
At Universal Orlando, guests can experience the terror again and again with the purchase of a Halloween Horror Nights Fear Pass, with this year’s options including the Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass.
Guests can also take advantage of the enhanced Scream Early add-on ticket, which gives guests admission to Universal Studios Florida starting at 2 pm with early access to select haunted houses before the event officially starts.
Annual and Seasonal Passholders can save on select single-night August and September event tickets, and Premier Passholders receive one complimentary Halloween Horror Nights event admission (reservations required; subject to availability).
Click here to learn more and to purchase your tickets to this year's HHN at Universal Orlando Resort.
HOTELS
Halloween Horror Nights ends late with closing times that vary depending on the night. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stay until close to get the most scares in — so how great would it be to not have to drive home after? Recruit your friends and split a hotel room at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels. Enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme park, as well as a dedicated resort entrance into the event to get to the screams faster.
This year, there will be themed lobby experiences and themed bar overlays at select hotels to get you into the Halloween spirit before you even enter the event. Select hotels will offer food and beverage options for guests interested in some late-night snacks, plus there are specialty-themed HHN beverages at all hotels. Use your mobile device to scan QR codes at select lobbies and bar overlays and pose with UOR hotel exclusive AR filters!
Hotel guests are also eligible to access the exclusive Keyholder Bar during HHN, located to the left of the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In order to experience all HHN has to offer, you’ll need to purchase a separate event ticket for a night of your choosing. If you’re visiting the theme parks during the day, make note of when Universal Studios Florida will be closing for the event.
If you want to access HHN early, there are several ways to do so:
Purchase a Scream Early add-on with your HHN ticket. With this, you can enter Universal Studios Florida as early as 2 p.m. and access at least three haunted houses before the event officially starts, along with the rest of the theme park’s attractions.
Purchase a daytime ticket to Universal Studios Florida or an annual pass. With these, you can enter the theme park at any time — no Scream Early add-on required! If you’re in the theme park before the event officially starts, you’ll get to stay in the park and access at least three haunted houses early.
You can also snag a Frequent Fear pass to attend multiple times! There are several tiers to choose from depending on how frequently you plan to attend, all the way up to the Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass, which includes all event nights. HHN is known to sell out on certain nights, so whatever ticket you choose, make sure to grab it early!
Parking is not included with a standard HHN ticket. Universal Annual Passholders, Premium Scream Night guests, and guests with an Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass can take advantage of free self-parking.
HHN TIPS & TRICKS
Don't Go Alone!
Whether you’re a scaredy cat yourself and you need a friend to get through the haunted houses, or you’re a die-hard fan that enjoys seeing your scaredy cat friend jump, the best way to experience HHN is to bring your crew with you to maximize the scares and fun. Honestly, HHN is so much more fun with family and friends!!
For The Kids Or Not?
Officially there is no minimum age to attend HHN, but Universal Orlando say that the event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under 13. In reality it depends your kids tollerance to scares and horror in general, we have seen babies attend, and young kids too.
Watch the Movies!
Before coming to HHN, catch the movies or TV shows that are featured in this year’s event. You’ll be able to truly appreciate the houses by recognizing the iconic scenes, details, and characters. Plus, you may even discover hidden easter eggs!
When To Visit HHN
Both in time of year and time of day. September is often less crowded at the event than October is, and the earlier you arrive at HHN, the more likely you are to beat the crowds and see more of the haunted houses. Plus, when you enter the park, head to the back of the park and start with the houses in the back of the park, most guests start at the front of the park!
Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, when it can get crazy busy, and your chances of experiencing many houses is pretty poor. Weekends are best for frequent visitors, when you can hang out, and enjoy the atmosphere.
WHAT TO BRING
If it’s your first time, you may be wondering what you should bring or wear for a nighttime Halloween event at a theme park. In short, you should pack light and dress comfy — but you can have some fun with it.
Should I Bring A Bag Or Lanyard?
Wear a lanyard to hold your tickets, passes, money, etc. You’ll get through security faster, avoid lockers at rides and not have to worry about hauling a heavy bag around. If you do bring a bag to HHN. Go small with a fanny pack or a crossbody and only bring the essentials.
Can I Bring A Refillable Cup?
Yes, you can bring your refillable Coke Freestyle cup or water bottle to the event to get soda and water refills. Getting scared makes for thirsty work. Stay hydrated!
What’s The Weather Like?
It’s Florida. It can change its mind weather-wise last minute, so be prepared for warm, rainy, or even chilly weather. Check ahead of time and plan accordingly. I usually wear layers just in case. And if you’re in for a rainy night, wear boots to avoid soggy shoes.
Should I Go For Comfort Or Style?
You’re going to do a lot of standing and walking, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. HHN is the perfect place to let your freak flag fly though! So don’t be afraid to rock some cute fishnets and boots, or rep your favorite horror movie or villain with a T-shirt or accessory.
Can I Wear A Costume to HHN?
For HHN event nights, costumes and costume masks are not allowed. Leave that to our scare actors. The only exception is Premium Scream Night, where guests are permitted to wear costumes subject to the costume policy. No costume masks allowed.
Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1. Additional haunted houses and event content will be revealed soon.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Halloween.
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