Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is turning up the terror for 2026 with an expanded lineup of haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and immersive street experiences. This year’s event adds several highly anticipated attractions, including “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown,” the return of fan-favorite “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” and two original haunted houses, “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” and “Dead, Deader, Deadest.”
The event kicks off Thursday, September 3, and continues on select nights through Sunday, November 1.
Art the Clown Takes Over the Terror Tram
The infamous Terror Tram returns with a new and especially sinister host in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown.” The demented killer from the Terrifier franchise arrives on the historic Universal backlot with a blood-soaked bag of presents, only to realize that Christmas has come far too early.
Instead of waiting for the holidays, Art hijacks the tram and creates his own twisted celebration. Adding to the experience, metal band Ice Nine Kills will provide original music, putting a dark spin on classic Christmas songs.
Even guests who believe they have escaped Art’s reign of terror on the backlot may not be safe. The character will also appear throughout the theme park, lurking in unexpected locations.
Killer Klowns Return
The cult horror classic “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” is making its return to Halloween Horror Nights, giving fans another opportunity to step into the bizarre world of the 1980s film.
Guests will encounter the murderous alien circus clowns as they attempt to survive an invasion unlike any other.
Meanwhile, the original haunted house “Dead, Deader, Deadest” takes guests inside an abandoned funeral home where disturbing events once unfolded. The unsettling setting promises a chilling journey through the building’s dark history.
The fiery stunt spectacular “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” also returns to the WaterWorld venue, challenging guests to survive a night of chaos and violence.
A Deadly Quinceañera Featuring Music by SLASH
Continuing Halloween Horror Nights’ tradition of drawing inspiration from Latin American myths, legends, and cultural traditions, “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” introduces an original story centered on Lola’s quinceañera.
What should be a celebration marking her transition into adulthood becomes a festival of death as Lola seeks revenge against everyone who has wronged her.
Adding a distinctive musical dimension to the experience, Grammy® Award-winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH has composed an original score featuring Spanish guitar, along with an exclusive song titled “15 Candles.”
Meet Nikki
Fans of Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker’s breakout horror film Obsession will also have an opportunity to encounter one of the movie’s most recognizable characters.
Halloween Horror Nights brings Nikki into the darkened streets of Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests may come face-to-face with the latest victim of the terrifying curse of the One Wish Willow.
New Scare Zones and Street Experiences
The scares extend beyond the haunted houses, with multiple scare zones and roaming experiences throughout the park.
Guests entering the event will need to navigate “Hackerz,” where a group of chainsaw-wielding killers is waiting to strike. Meanwhile, “Fortnitemares” transforms the world of Fortnite into an immersive horror experience featuring new characters and terrifying gameplay inspired by the game’s annual in-game event.
After making their way through “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH,” guests will encounter “El Circo de la Muerte.” Inspired by the 1930s circuses and sideshows that traveled throughout Mexico, the scare zone puts a terrifying twist on the traditional spectacle.
Guests will also have to contend with “Blood Bog,” where moss-covered monsters lurk among the dangerous bogs and bayous.
Additional street experiences will add even more unpredictability to the evening. The popular “Murder of Crowz” returns, featuring a crow family—including dad, mom, and baby—flocking to their nest. Guests can also encounter “Shriek of the Banshee,” featuring a carnival barker and his talking skeleton aboard a sinister wagon.
Previously Announced Haunted Houses
These new experiences join several previously announced haunted houses, including:
- “Sinners” — inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ Academy Award-winning film.
- “Stranger Things” — based on Netflix’s iconic series.
- “Hellraiser” — inspired by the first three films in the franchise.
- “Evil Dead Burn” — based on the sixth installment in New Line Cinema’s Evil Dead franchise.
- “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness” — celebrating the legacy of the legendary metal rock star.
Together, the lineup offers horror fans a mix of original concepts, iconic franchises, cinematic worlds, and music-inspired experiences.
Go Behind the Scenes With Unmasking the Horror
For the first time, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce the “Unmasking the Horror Tour Add-On,” a daytime, behind-the-scenes experience designed for guests who want to explore how Halloween Horror Nights’ elaborate haunted houses are created.
The guided, lights-on walking tour will provide insight into the creative process behind “Sinners” and “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH.” Guests will also have opportunities to take photographs in select designated areas.
Tickets for the add-on are available through Universal Studios Hollywood.
Theme Park Attractions and Death Eaters
Guests attending Halloween Horror Nights can also experience select theme park attractions during the event, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” and “The Simpsons Ride™.”
Beginning in the early evening, Death Eaters™, Lord Voldemort’s most loyal followers, will also roam The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, adding another layer of dark magic to the night.
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood is offering several ticket options for Halloween Horror Nights, including General Admission, Universal Express Ticket, R.I.P. Tour, Day/Night Ticket, and After 2 P.M. Day/Night Ticket.
An Early Access Ticket will also provide entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m., although the start time is subject to change.
For guests who want to experience the event multiple times throughout the season, the Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass offer opportunities to return for additional nights of scares.
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 begins September 3 and runs on select nights through November 1 at Universal Studios Hollywood. With new original haunted houses, returning fan favorites, terrifying scare zones, live entertainment, and appearances from some of horror’s most recognizable characters, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the park’s most ambitious Halloween celebrations yet.
For tickets, add-ons, and terms and conditions, visit Universal Studios Hollywood’s official Halloween Horror Nights website.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83