(Universal City, CA) Universal Studios Hollywood is dialing up the fan experience this spring with the return of Universal Fan Fest Nights, unveiling an all-new lineup of themed cuisine and exclusive merchandise tied to some of pop culture’s most beloved franchises. The after-hours event launches April 23 and runs select nights through May 16, 2026.
This year’s event leans heavily into immersive storytelling through food, with Executive Chef Julia Thrash curating a menu designed to transport guests directly into their favorite fictional worlds. Each themed land offers dishes inspired by iconic characters and settings, turning the park into a culinary adventure as much as an entertainment destination.
Guests exploring the “Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters” experience in Little Europe can snack on Scooby Snacks or tackle the oversized Super Shaggy Sandwich, built for sharing. For those with a bigger appetite, the towering Universal Monsters 22-inch hot dog promises a monstrous bite.
Anime fans will find a major expansion of ONE PIECE offerings at “Sanji’s Galley,” now located at Hollywood & Dine. The menu features character-inspired dishes such as Luffy’s Meat on the Bone and Sanji’s Seafood Fried Rice, alongside desserts like the Straw Hat mousse dome and Chopper Cupcake. A new Grand Pirate Den adds themed mocktails, creating a celebratory space for fans after the show.
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Three Broomsticks serves up classic British fare, including Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit, and fish and chips. New dessert additions like the Three Broomsticks Dessert Flight and a Hippogriff-inspired trifle round out the magical menu.
Fans of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon can indulge in a themed bento box featuring spicy tuna onigiri, a specialty drink, and a raspberry rose sandwich cookie inspired by Tuxedo Mask. Additional treats include a Moon Scepter churro and mystery cupcakes, adding a playful element to the experience.
Meanwhile, the returning Dungeons & Dragons-inspired First Roll Tavern offers fantasy-themed bites such as Cockatrice Hot Wings and Dragon Egg Cheesecake. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy specialty beverages in this immersive tavern setting.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD joins the festivities with a colorful Yoshi-themed celebration, featuring trio smoothies inspired by different Yoshi characters, along with a collectible drink bottle.
To help guests sample more of the event’s offerings, Universal is introducing a Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass, which includes six items – two entrées and four additional selections – at a set price, available exclusively during the event.
Beyond the food, the event also debuts a wide range of merchandise, from apparel and collectibles to accessories themed around franchises like ONE PIECE, Sailor Moon, and Scooby-Doo. Fans are encouraged to dress up in cosplay, adding to the immersive, community-driven atmosphere.
The celebration begins even before guests enter the park, with Universal CityWalk Hollywood offering limited-time themed menus at select restaurants, extending the fan experience beyond the gates.
With its blend of fandom, food, and interactive entertainment, Universal Fan Fest Nights continues to evolve into a must-visit event for pop culture enthusiasts – offering not just a night out, but a fully immersive journey into the worlds fans love.
