Universal Studios Hollywood is bringing back its immersive after-hours event, Fan Fest Nights, set to return next spring with a fresh slate of IP-driven experiences. The 2026 run will take place from April 23 to May 16, and fans can expect a blend of nostalgia, genre mashups, and new fandom reveals across select nights on the Universal backlot.
Headlining the 2026 Event: Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters
The studio confirmed Thursday that the first featured crossover will unite Scooby-Doo with the Universal Monsters, marking a creative fusion of Warner Bros. Discovery’s animated mystery franchise with Universal’s legendary horror icons.
This hybrid pairing is the first in a series of fandom activations Universal is preparing for the event. While specific format details have yet to be shared, the crossover hints at a potential mix of narrative, interactive, and immersive storytelling elements that build on both IPs’ shared themes—supernatural intrigue, monster lore, and multi-generational appeal.
“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 collectible medallion will be offered to presale ticket buyers and will likely feature designs themed to the event’s headline crossover.
Universal Doubles Down on Event-Driven IP Strategy
Following its 2025 debut, Fan Fest Nights quickly found success as a flexible platform to showcase major pop culture brands through live entertainment. That inaugural run included activations based on Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Back to the Future, and a selection of anime franchises, each featuring custom food menus, exclusive merchandise, photo ops, and immersive zones.
Sources indicate that a staggered rollout of fandoms is planned for 2026, with Universal expected to mix returning franchises from last year with new global IPs aimed at widening the event’s reach.
The studio is positioning the second installment of Fan Fest Nights as a tentpole seasonal event, designed to compete in an increasingly competitive themed entertainment space currently dominated by Disney’s “After Hours” events and Warner Bros.’ expanding live experiences.
The Universal Studios Hollywood backlot will once again serve as the staging ground for this rotating universe of fan-driven activations, making use of iconic sets and soundstages to bring each IP world to life.
