Halloween Horror Nights 35 2026

The gold standard of Halloween theme park events is back — Halloween Horror Nights 35 returns to Universal Studios Florida on select nights throughout September and beyond for its landmark 35th anniversary. This is not just another haunted house attraction: HHN is a full-scale immersive horror experience that takes over the entire park after dark, transforming Universal Studios into a nightmarish sprawl of high-concept haunted houses, scare zones, and theatrical production that rival theme parks simply cannot match.

The 35th anniversary is expected to be the most ambitious HHN yet. Each year brings IP-based houses from major horror franchises alongside original concept houses built by Universal’s own creative team — and milestone anniversaries historically deliver the biggest, most ambitious lineups of the run.

Event Schedule

Halloween Horror Nights 35 runs on select nights from September through early November 2026. Not every night is an HHN night — check the official Universal schedule to confirm event nights before planning your visit. September nights tend to be significantly less crowded than October peak weekends, making them the smart choice for first-timers and returning guests who want shorter wait times without sacrificing the full experience.

Event hours are typically 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM.

What’s Happening

• 10+ fully-themed haunted houses, including IP-based and original concept houses
• Scare zones throughout the park with roaming actors
• Live entertainment and themed shows across multiple stages
• Full food, drink, and anniversary merchandise
• R.I.P. Tour option for guided small-group experience
• Express Pass available to minimize wait times on peak nights

Tickets & Access

Halloween Horror Nights requires a separately purchased event ticket — regular Universal Studios admission does not include HHN. Single-night tickets, multi-night packages, and the R.I.P. Tour are typically available. Express Pass is an add-on worth considering for busy October nights. Book directly through Universal Orlando’s official site for the best pricing. Tickets for the 35th anniversary are expected to sell out for peak October dates — book early.

Planning Your Visit

Universal Studios Florida is located at 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando. Arrive before doors open to get ahead of the crowds — the most popular houses hit long wait times early in the night. Staying at a Universal on-site hotel gives you early park admission benefits that help. Orlando hotel demand spikes for peak HHN weekends in October, so lock in accommodations well in advance. For more on planning your Orlando trip, our Orlando Vacation Guide has everything you need.

Looking for more September events in Florida? Our full guide to the best Florida events in September 2026 has the complete lineup — and browse our Florida calendar of events for the full year.

Halloween Horror Nights 35 is the premiere haunted event in Florida and one of the best Halloween experiences in the country. The 35th anniversary is going to be something special — don’t wait on tickets.