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THEME PARKS
Universal Orlando

Final Universal Halloween Horror Nights haunted house, scare zone themes revealed

Portrait of Eve Chen Eve Chen

USA TODAY
July 22, 2026Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET

We finally know all the major themes for this year’s Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights on both coasts.

Universal Studios Hollywood shared the last of their big announcements at the Midsummer Scream Halloween and horror convention over the weekend. Universal Orlando Resort, whose event begins sooner, already unveiled theirs.

Hollywood’s revelations include the return of Art the Clown, whose “Terrifier” haunted house was a huge hit last year, and an original house spotlighting Latin American myths and legends, scored by longtime Horror Nights partner SLASH.

Here’s what else is coming to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2026.

What houses will be at Halloween Horror Nights?

Five intellectual property-themed houses will be shared by Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort.

Both resorts will also have an open-air scare zone inspired by Fortnitemares, Fortnite’s popular in-game Halloween event.

Each destination also has location-specific experiences.

Fortnite fans will be able to experience Fortnitemares in real life at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood.

HHN at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando’s 35th annual Halloween Horror Nights will be helmed by two of its longtime icons, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.

The event, held at Universal Studios Florida, will include five original haunted houses, beyond the five IP ones:

Four scare zones will join Fortnitemares:

Orlando’s HHN will also include a Stranger Things-inspired lagoon show and vampire-themed stunt show called Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir.

Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey was a Halloween-themed lagoon show at Universal Orlando in 2025. This year's HHN lagoon show will be inspired by "Stranger Things."

Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

Art the Clown will take over this year’s Terror Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood, with new music by the band Ice Nine Kills.

The park will also feature three haunted houses, beyond those shared with Orlando:

There will be three scare zones, in addition to Fortnitemares:

  • El Circo de la Muerte
  • Hackerz
  • Blood Bog

Guests may also encounter Nikki from the horror film “Obsession,” the returning Murder of Crows and a carnival barker and talking skeleton, which the park is calling Shriek of the Banshee.

The stunt show, The Purge: Dangerous Waters, will also return.

Art the Clown is taking over the Terror Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights. "When the demented killer arrives to the historic Universal backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, he realizes it is too early for Christmas and hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration," the Southern California park said in a news release.

What are the dates for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights?

Universal Orlando’s event begins in late August.

  • Aug. 28-30
  • Sept. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30
  • Oct. 1-4, 7-12, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31
  • Nov. 1

Additionally, there will be two Premium Scream Nights on Aug. 27 and Oct. 19, with perks like free food and parking.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s event starts in early September.

  • Sept. 3-6, 10-13, 12-20, 23-27, 30
  • Oct. 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31
  • Nov. 1

This year, Universal Studios Hollywood will also offer a new Unmasking the Horror Tour Add-On, allowing guests to tour the Sinners and KILLceañera: Music by SLASH houses by day with the lights on. Tickets cost $20 on top of standard daytime park admission, which is not included. Orlando has hosted similar Behind the Screams tours for years.

How much does it cost to go to Halloween Horror Nights?

Halloween Horror Nights ticket prices vary by date.

Single-night tickets started at $87.99 at Universal Orlando, but are now listed as starting at $88.99. The past two years, they started at $82.99.

They start at $77 per person at Universal Studios Hollywood, the same as last year and the year prior.

What are the age restrictions for Halloween Horror Nights?

While there is no explicit age limit, both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood’s websites warn in capital letters: “EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13.”

This story has been updated with new information.

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Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/travel/

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