Schedule of 2023 Universal Studios Florida Events

Schedule of 2023 Universal Studios Florida Events

Schedule of 2023 Universal Studios Florida Events

This article is your complete guide to 2023 Universal Orlando events! Universal Orlando Resort doesn’t stop short when it comes to hosting spectacular events. There’s always something special for any park-goer, ranging from a Universal concert schedule to a Universal Harry Potter celebration schedule, and much more in between. There’s never a dull moment when it comes to attending a Universal Orlando special event, and in this post we are going to break down every special event planned for 2023.

As Annual Passholders, some of our favorite Universal Studios events include the Mardi Gras celebration and the holidays celebrations they have every year. So, if you want to see the ultimate 2023 Universal Studios calendar for the year, we’ve got you covered.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So if you’re ready for the complete list of 2023 Universal Studios events, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Universal Studios Events 2023 Overview

Not only does Universal Orlando have some of the most exciting attractions in Central Florida, it is also known for incredible events. Universal Orlando events 2023 cover a vast amount of celebrations, like Christmas in Hogwarts, or even something more sinister and green, like Grinchmas. Either way there are Universal Studios events 2023 for everyone, and we’re going to cover them all in this article so you can plan your next trip!

What are events at Universal Studios?

Universal events are special times throughout the year where Universal transforms their parks, inviting guests for limited special decor, food and entertainment. Some Universal Studios Orlando events are free and included with your Universal ticket, like Mardi Gras and Grinchmas. There are other events, like Halloween Horror Nights, which are extra paid events where guests experience extremely exclusive spooky entertainment.

What are the planned 2023 Universal Orlando events?

• Rock The Universe
• Mardi Gras
• 4th of July
• Halloween Horror Nights
• Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
• Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Grinchmas
• New Years Eve

As we find out the new 2023 calendar of events for Universal Studios Orlando, we will be updating you all right here!

2023 Universal Studios Upcoming Events

• Halloween Horror Nights
• Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
• Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Grinchmas
• New Years Eve

Tips & Tricks For Visiting The 2023 Universal Orlando Events

Are you worried about having enough time to see and do it all at Universal Orlando this year? One of the best tips we can give when planning to visit a 2023 Universal event is to pay attention to Universal Orlando ticket pricing for the week you plan to visit. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year. So we have found that less crowds means you need less days to spend in the park. Not only that but this tip will also help you find the cheapest Universal Orlando ticket pricing throughout the year!

Related Page: Early Park Admission Universal Orlando Tickets

January Universal Orlando Events: Rock the Universal 2023

 When: January 27 & 28, 2023

As one of the more popular Universal Orlando special events Rock the Universe series will be back in January 2023. This 2023 Universal event will be hosted at Universal Studios Florida and the concerts will be held on the open stages within the park. Universal Studios closes at 6PM for the event, but guests with concert tickets will enter the park starting at 4PM.

Where: Universal Studios Florida

DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED! Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian music festival. This special event is separately ticketed and makes its return every year.

Universal has announced the 2023 Christian music festival line-up!

Rock The Universe 2023 Concert Line-Up

Friday, January 27

• Skillet
• Tauren Wells
• Bethel Music
• Rend Collective
• Evan Craft
• Kathy Nichole

Saturday, January 28

• Zach Williams
• Matthew West
• Dante Bowe
• Anne Wilson
• We Are Messengers
• Cain

Related post: Complete Guide to All Universal Studios Orlando Height Requirements

February 2023 Universal Orlando Events: Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando has announced all the details for this Universal Studios special event for 2023. We love this Spring celebration which has the best food and entertainment that Universal has to fo offer. This is one of our favorite Universal Studios events 2023, and we happen to travel to it every year!

When: February 4th – April 16th 2023

Where: Universal Studios Florida

Universal has already officially announced Mardi Gras will be back in 2023! The exact dates of this Universal special event will be February 4th – April 16th 2023. Last years, the Universal special event allowed guests to experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. 

As you know each spring on select dates, we celebrate Universal Orlando’s rite of passage with a Mardi Gras parade through the park as well as live concerts. Florida’s “biggest party” features floats that are grand and over-the-top, created by Kern Studios. This is the same company who’s been creating Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947, so you know Universal Orlando is getting the best of the best. Listen to authentic New Orleans bands as well as big-named artists in rock, pop, country and other genres. You’ll also be able to load up on food and drinks from several different countries, obviously including Cajun, while you celebrate this family-friendly event.

The best part is Mardi Gras at Universal is included absolutely FREE with your Universal Orlando theme park ticket! Plus, there’s usually awesome package-priced deals for the yummy food and drinks!

And once the park is done with their festivities, you can make way to Universal CityWalk. The party continues at seven venues with one being at CityWalk’s Mardi Gras Headquarters, Pat O’Brien’s. Be sure to check the CityWalk Orlando Event Calendar as it gets closer.

Related Post: Universal Mardi Gras Early Park Admission Ticket

Universal Orlando Fourth of July Celebration

Where: Universal Studios Florida

This event has not been announced for the 2023 Universal Studios event calendar yet, and we have not had a Fourth of July event in years. In the past, favorite Universal characters celebrated with the crowd this national holiday.  The party usually starts in the Music Plaza at 5PM with DJ M-Squared playing the latest and greatest music, along with live music while characters and stilt walkers join the dance party. There was also a pyrotechnics display that takes place over the Music Plaza once the sunsets. Food and drinks were also delivered on the lawn from the Classic Monster Café. At the end of the night, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration in Central Park is displayed for all to witness, making it the perfect ending to a unique party.

Where’s the Summer Concert Series?

For a few years, Universal Studios created an event called the Universal Orlando Summer Concert Series; an unforgettable lineup of artists looking to bring entertainment to the park. The performances were included with regular park admission to Universal Studios, so guests would be getting a show and the fun of the rides all in one. The last time this took place was for Universal Resorts 25^th celebration but has yet to make a comeback. However, you can always enjoy a night of rock and roll at Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel. That information can be found on the Universal Studios Orlando events page and is a separately ticketed event full of great music and alcoholic beverages for those over 21.

Related Article: The Absolute Best Time to visit Universal Orlando 

Halloween Horror Nights 32nd Anniversary September 1 2023 – October 31st 2023 

When: Select nights from September 1, 2023 through October 31, 2023

Where: Universal Studios Florida

This annual fall event is the biggest Universal Studios Florida event and for good reason. For lovers of Halloween, horror, and all things scary, Halloween Horror is the perfect Universal after-hours event.  When the park closes for the public, guests need a separate ticket to enter this transformed park of fright.

As a pretty intense halloween event at Universal Studios Orlando, it is not meant for children, as “scare zones” are set up for creatures to roam throughout the park and are sure to pop up and follow you out of nowhere. The most appealing part may just be the well-put-together haunted houses which are themed based on popular TV shows, classic and current films, and the occasional video game.

Halloween Horror Nights tickets are on sale now and we always recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular Universal Orlando events they host all year! Be sure to check out our complete guide to Halloween Horror Nights early entry to beat the crowds during your next trip.

Related Page: Halloween Horror Nights Tickets

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – November 11th – January 1st, 2023

When: November 11th 2023 – January 1st, 2024 

Where: Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Don’t worry muggles. You’ll be able to experience one of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter special events as a wizard during the holiday season! The snow-covered Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are stunningly decorated with festive decorations, including all the shops of the Wizarding World. If you thought the butterbeer was good, wait until you try the holiday-themed food and drinks. Plus, there will be entertainment on site. Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws can join in unity as they watch the holiday show that takes place on Hogwarts Castle.

This magical Universal Harry Potter event Universal Studios includes “casting a spell” on the castle and features iconic moments from the film series. It’ll make you feel like you received your letter from Hogwarts after all. This has quickly become one of our favorite things about the holiday season in Orlando and simply a must-do for all of our Harry Potter fans out there!

Related post: Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Grinchmas

When: November 12th 2023 – January 1st, 2024

Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas makes for one of the most entertaining Universal Orlando events if you are a Dr. Seuss fan. Seuss Landing turns into the wonderland that is Grinchmas and features a heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular, featuring some character favorites. It will be sure to make your heart grow three sizes bigger.

Fans can enter the park with regular park admission and get to meet the Grinch for pictures and autographs. Mega fans can attend The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast that happens on select mornings. It requires a reservation, so make sure to book in advance for this Universal Studios special event.

Related post: Complete Guide to Best Universal Studios Pool

2023 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Parade

When: November 11th 2023 – January 1st, 2023 

Where: Universal Studios

One of the friendliest Universal special events is Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This is one of our favorite events when visiting Universal with kids of all ages, guests can wave hello to their favorite characters as they glide on floats down the streets of Universal. It started back in 2017 as a continuous annual event and acts as Universal’s version of the long-running Macy’s Holiday Parade, starring DreamWorks favorites. Santa will also make a holly jolly appearance and light up the New York Christmas tree.

Related post: Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express

New Years Eve at Universal Orlando – Universal Studios Orlando Events

When: December 31^st, 2023

Where: Universal CityWalk

Hey adults, look out for this annual party on the Universal CityWalk Orlando upcoming events scheduled. Meant for party-goers 21 and up, guests can ring in the New Year in style. Dine, drink, and dance the night away on this New Year’s Eve celebration. This exciting event features gourmet cuisine, live bands, DJs, and access to five clubs and an outdoor dance floor. At the stroke of midnight, cheers “happy New Year” with a glass of champagne and watch fireworks emerge from the sky. The extravaganza is a separate ticket event, so you will need to purchase it separately from a park ticket.

Related post: Complete Guide to Water Rides at Universal

Potential Universal Studios Florida Events

Running Universal

Where: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

At the beginning of 2020, Universal Orlando Resort hosted its first-ever Epic Character Race 5K and 10K weekend.  Partakers got to run through the theme parks and meet their favorite characters along the way as they cheered them on through the race. At the end, runners received a medal for this outstanding accomplishment. While there has been no future races announced as of yet, there are hopes for a return to the Universal Studios Orlando calendar of events in 2023.

2023 Universal Studios Florida Events Tips and Tricks

Almost all of the Universal Studios special events are held in the theme parks during regular park hours. (with the exception of Halloween Horror Nights) For this reason we highly recommend guests to take advantage of Universal early park admission in the morning. This will allow you to go on some of the most popular Harry Potter rides when lines are at their lowest. In return you will have more time to enjoy the Universal special event going on later in the day!

Purchase your Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights tickets in advance! This Universal Orlando event is so popular it can sell out on select nights. We always recommend to buy as soon as you book your Universal vacation.

Related post: Complete Guide to All Universal CityWalk Stores

2023 Universal Orlando Event FAQS

Q: Does Universal have 2023 fireworks?

A: A very common question we receive around the special events throughout the year is, does Universal have 2023 fireworks planned? And,  unfortunately Universal does not have a 2023 firework show planned at this time. Many of the Universal special events focus on the holiday themselves with themed houses, shows, and specialty food and drinks throughout the two main theme parks. This is especially true for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and Grinchmas.

Q: Are there evening events at Universal Studios Orlando?

A: Yes, there are evening events at Universal Orlando. The most popular, separately ticketed evening event happens during Halloween time and is called Halloween Horror Nights. This event begins at 6:30PM and ends at 2AM, which allows guests to experience all of the fright into the wee hours.

Other specials events also run during the evening, like the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts, which is a holiday lights show that is projected once the sun sets. Guests do not need an extra ticket to experience any Christmas events at Universal Studios.

Q: Does Universal Studios have a Christmas event?

A: Yes, Universal Orlando does have a Christmas event, but it is not a separate ticket. Starting in November, guests can experience the Grinchmas, which is a Christmas event offered at Islands of Adventure. There is also the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas, which has special decor and light shows during the holidays.

Q: What special events are at Universal Studios on July 4th?

A: As of late, there has not been a Fourth of July event at Universal. We last saw a July 4th event in 2019, but haven’t heard anything about that returning for 2023.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!