Written by: Sam Santiago
Universal Studios Hollywood has a problem, and yeah, it’s a big one. Lucky for them, Mystery Inc. is on the case. That’s right, Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred are stepping in to clean up a mess that’s gotten way out of hand.
Before you panic, this is all part of Universal Fan Fest Nights, kicking off on select nights from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, May 16.
And the mystery? It’s not just some guy in a rubber mask. We’re talking full-blown Universal Monsters chaos. Because of course, it couldn’t be simple.
Yeah, this one’s shaping up to be a ghoulishly good time.
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
And action! Universal Studios Hollywood whisks guests onto its iconic movie studio backlot via the Studio Tour trams for Universal Fan Fest Nights’ all original Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot. The experience blends theatrics, suspense, humor, and a live action whodunit mystery.
Tickets are now available for Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited 12 night run taking place April 23 to 25, May 1 to 3, May 7 to 9, and May 14 to 16, 2026.
In this cleverly staged adventure, guests board the Studio Tour as “extras” in a fictional monster movie. Things quickly spiral when a mysterious villain known as The Phantom Director hijacks the production, unleashing the Universal Monsters, including Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. Chaos erupts, and filming comes to a halt.
Armed with a Mystery Manual, guests team up with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. crew, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy, to uncover the Phantom Director’s identity. Along the way, they explore Universal’s famous outdoor sets, including the cobblestone streets of Little Europe and the Court of Miracles, both tied to classic horror films like Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941). As clues surface, the mystery deepens, leading to the final reveal and the chance to get production back on track.
WATCH THE LATEST FAN FEST ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW
Photo opportunities with Mystery Inc., the Universal Monsters, and the Mystery Machine round out the experience with plenty of social-ready moments.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event celebrating fandom through immersive, interactive worlds. Created by the park’s entertainment team alongside industry experts, the event features live entertainment, character encounters, cosplay, themed food and drinks, merchandise, and more.
Each event night includes a wide variety of experiences and activations, including the following in world attractions:
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show
This high energy live show takes over the WaterWorld venue, bringing fan favorite characters to life in a spectacle packed with action, comedy, and chaos. Inspired by Universal Studios Japan, the show drops guests right into the world of ONE PIECE, driven by themes of friendship, freedom, and mayhem.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe
Presented inside the DreamWorks Theatre, this Japanese language CG anime short film features a subtitled screening of Super Sailor Moon facing a powerful new enemy seeking the Legendary Silver Crystal. With help from the audience, she fights to restore peace to the Moon Palace.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Forbidden Forest: A Search for the Hippogriff
This walkthrough experience leads guests deep into the Forbidden Forest in search of a missing Hippogriff. Guided by a Hogwarts professor, guests encounter magical creatures and must rely on bravery and spellcasting to complete their mission.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration
A brand new addition introduces a vibrant Yoshi themed celebration throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Guests can explore the land and meet a variety of colorful Yoshis scattered across the Mushroom Kingdom.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep
Back by popular demand, this immersive walkthrough returns with enhancements. Inspired by the legendary tabletop game, guests join the Harpers to stop the beholder Xanathar and save Waterdeep. The creature itself is brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, known worldwide for its work in puppetry and animatronics.
Tickets are on sale now with multiple options available. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.
Ticket Options Include:
General Admission
Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime park entry or early access.
Universal Express
Includes admission plus one time express access to each experience, ride, and attraction. No daytime admission or early access included.
Universal Express Unlimited
Includes admission plus unlimited express access to all experiences, rides, and attractions. No daytime admission or early access included.
After 2PM Day/Night
Daytime park admission after 2pm plus same day admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express
Includes daytime admission after 2pm plus evening event admission, along with one time express access to rides and shows during the day and event experiences at night.
2 Night General Admission
Access to two nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights. No daytime admission or early access included.
Ultimate Fandom Pass
General Admission access for up to all event nights, based on the selected first visit date. No blockout dates for return visits. All visits must be completed by May 16, 2026. Does not include daytime admission or early access.
Early Access Ticket
Early entry beginning at 6pm to select experiences before the event officially opens. Requires separate event admission.
Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour
Includes a guided walking tour, access to experiences and attractions, a gourmet dinner in a private VIP dining room, and complimentary valet parking.
Pass Member Special Pricing
Special online pricing available for Pass Members on select nights.
Guests can also enjoy select rides during the event, including “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” “Flight of the Hippogriff,” “Jurassic World The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Transformers The Ride 3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy,” and “The Simpsons Ride.”
For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook, and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.