Universal City, CA, September 4, 2026 – The highly anticipated opening of Halloween Horror Nightskicked off at Universal Studios Hollywood last night with a star studded red carpet to usher in the popular seasonal event that unearths eight all-new and returning haunted houses, an array of frightening scare zones, the return of its popular Terror Tram experience and “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” live stunt show.
Halloween Horror Nights continues September 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 23-27; 30; October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31; November 1, 2026.
I was there last night and had a blast. There is so much to see and do, I think it takes two nights to do it all. My advice would be to go one night, and splurge for express access. That way you can go through all eight houses. Then come back a second night, with just general access. And do the terror tram, the purge show, partake of all the food and drink options, and enjoy the night…
At a glance, Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood features the following experiences:
HAUNTED HOUSES:
- “Sinners” based on Warner Bros’ Pictures Academy Award-winning film
This was my favorite house. It was like stepping into the movie…
- “Stranger Things” based on the fifth season of Netflix’s iconic series
- “Hellraiser” inspired by the first three films
- “Evil Dead Burn” based on the sixth film in New Line Cinema’s Evil Dead franchise
- “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness”featuring the legacy of the metal rock star
- MGM’s “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” traps guests in a frightening funhouse of murderous clown-like creatures.
- Original haunted house “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” continues the tradition of showcasing Latin American myths and legends. Grammy® Award-winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH composes an original score for the house featuring Spanish guitar and an exclusive song titled “15 Candles.”
- “Dead, Deader, Deadest,” an original haunted house, takes guests on a tour of an abandoned funeral home where disturbing acts once took place.
TERROR TRAM:
- The infamous Terror Tram returns with an all-new host, Art the Clown, in“Terror Tram starring Art the Clown,”who hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration. Metal band ICE NINE KILLS creates new music for the experience, putting a dark twist on classic Christmas songs.
SHOW:
- “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” stunt show returns to the WaterWorld venue for a fiery quest to survive the night.
SCARE ZONES:
- All-new immersive scare zone,“Fortnitemares,” based on Fortnite’s signature in-game event brings new characters and horror-themed gameplay together.
- “Hackerz” scare zone features a group of deranged chainsaw killers.
- “El Circo de la Muerte” scare zone centers on the 1930’s circus and sideshow acts that traveled across Mexico – but with a terrifying twist.
- Scare zone “Blood Bog,” where moss monsters roam the bogs and bayous
- Ever-popular “Murder of Crowz”returns as a scare zone with dad, mom and baby crow flocking to the nest.
SCAREACTOR ENCOUNTERS:
- Art the Clown also lurks around the theme park in the most unsuspecting of places.
- For those whose only wish is to meet Nikki, the iconic main character from Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker’s breakout horror blockbuster, Obsession, guests may find themselves face-to-face with the latest victim of the One Wish Willow’s terrifying curse.
Halloween Horror Nights continues September 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 23-27; 30; October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31; November 1, 2026.
It is an experience not to be missed.