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1/15/2026 0 Comments

Tickets are Now on Sale for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Second Annual Universal Fan Fest Nights

LET’S GET READY TO REALLY GO THERE… AGAIN!
 
Tickets are Now on Sale for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Second Annual Universal Fan Fest Nights Featuring a Dynamic Lineup of Immersive Entertainment, Including Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters, ONE PIECE and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, along with Imaginative New Experiences
in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
…With More to Be Announced Soon
 
Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets;
All Experiences and Activations Included Every Event Night;
Event Begins Thursday, April 23 and Continues Select Nights Through Saturday, May 16
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Universal City, California, January 15, 2026 – Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights as Universal Studios Hollywood sets the stage for its exciting second annual event designed to immerse guests in the spellbinding worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime based on this year’s all-new innovative experiences, including Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters and ONE PIECE, as well as the return of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS by popular demand. Plus, guests will be treated to all-new experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ for a limited time. 
 
Universal Fan Fest Nights is exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood and tickets are now available for purchase to attend the event which runs for 12 nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.
 
Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the exhilarating world of fandom through immersive and interactive in-world experiences created by the theme park’s renowned and highly creative entertainment team in collaboration with esteemed industry experts. Featuring a spectrum of inspirational categories, Universal Fan Fest Nights will welcome guests to embrace a variety of eclectic worlds that celebrate and elevate fandom favorites alongside character interactions, cosplay and photo opportunities as well as curated food, beverages and merchandise (separate purchase required).
 
All experiences and activations are included every event night for guests to enjoy. Here’s what guests can expect at this year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights, with more to be announced soon.
  • Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot. This all-new, immersive walk-through adventure is designed to give guests the sensation of stepping into a live-action mystery with the Scooby-Doo gang and the Universal Monsters. Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have a chance to walk along a movie studio backlot with Scooby-Doo himself and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy. The exciting escapade will challenge them to solve a mystery involving the most legendary Universal Monsters in cinematic history, including Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolf Man, as they navigate portions of Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets, from the cobblestone streets of Little Europe to the iconic Court of Miracles, the original filming locations for historic Universal horror films Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941).
  • ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show. ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue. Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a whirlwind performance featuring a cast of ONE PIECE fan-favorite characters. With action, comedy and chaos taking center stage, guests will be transported to the very heart of the world of ONE PIECE – enveloped in friendship, freedom and mayhem.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This new, unique, walk-through experience will take guests into the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff. With guidance from a Hogwarts Professor, they will encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as they face a series of obstacles which will require the guests to summon their bravery and spell-casting skills to help a Hippogriff in need.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration. This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights introduces a vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis who can be found throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
  • DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic walk-through experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.
 
This engaging experience features the legendary beholder Xanathar, uniquely created by the masterful puppeteer, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.
 
Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.
  • General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
  • After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
  • 2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy for up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase). No blockout dates on return visits. All visits must be completed by May 16, 2026. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 6pm (subject to change), to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket for the same date must be purchased separately.
  • Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
  • Pass Member Special Pricing: Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select event nights.
 
Adding to the adventure, guests can also experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride—3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.
 
For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
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1/14/2026 0 Comments

SeaWorld San Diego Celebrates Its Biggest Year of Live Music Ever — Announcing the 2026 Concert Series

The 2026 lineup – the park’s largest ever – features fan-favorite artists and throwbacks from the ’90s and 2000s, plus pop, hip-hop, rock, and country performances all summer long
 
All performances are included with park admission and Annual Pass Members enjoy unlimited access to every concert throughout the year
SAN DIEGO, CA (January 14, 2026) – SeaWorld San Diego is turning up the volume like never before with 16 live concerts included with park admission across three signature seasonal events and featuring a diverse line-up of chart-topping, and fan-favorite artists spanning pop, hip-hop, rock and country. 
 
SeaWorld Annual Pass Members enjoy unlimited access to every concert all year long, and all performances are included with park admission. The 2026 concert series features live music across three signature seasonal events — Seven Seas Food Festival, Summer Spectacular, and Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ — offering guests countless opportunities to experience live entertainment throughout the spring and summer.
Seven Seas Food Festival Concerts
Seven Seas Food Festival kicks off the excitement with four live concerts pairing global flavors with live entertainment. Guests can enjoy performances by artists including Fitz and the Tantrums, The Band Perry, and Phillip Phillips, bringing live music to the park during the popular spring festival.
Summer Spectacular Concert Series
Summer heats up with the return of the viral throwback Summer Spectacular Concert Series, featuring a lineup of ’90s and early-2000s hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists, performing every Saturday night from June through August at the Bayside Amphitheater. Confirmed artists include Ying Yang Twins, Bow Wow & Dem Franchize Boyz, the Pop 2000 Tour hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC (featuring O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO), E-40, Soulja Boy, Paul Wall, Jordin Sparks, Too $hort, and Warren G, with additional surprise artists to be announced.
Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ Concerts
For the first time ever, Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ in August will feature full concert performances showcasing such rock and country performers as Saliva, Uncle Kracker, and Skillet.

The full 2026 Concert Lineup includes:
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Seven Seas Food Festival Concerts 
 
Saturday, March 14 - Fitz and the Tantrums 
Fitz and the Tantrums, the chart-topping band known for their infectious blend of pop, indie, and soul inspired grooves, broke into the mainstream with hits like “HandClap,” “Out of My League,” and “The Walker.”
 
Saturday, March 21 - The Band Perry - Saturday, March 21
The Band Perry, the hit-making trio known for blending country roots with pop driven energy, rose to fame with breakout hits like “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” and “All Your Life.” The band has become a defining voice of modern country music. 
 
Saturday, April 18 - Surprise artist to be Announced Soon! 
 
Saturday, April 25 – Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips, the fan-favorite singer/songwriter known for his soulful vocals and uplifting, folk pop anthems, gained fame after winning American Idol and captured audiences with breakout such hits as “Home,” “Gone, Gone, Gone,” and “Raging Fire.” 
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Summer Spectacular Concert Series
 
Saturday, June 6 - Ying Yang Twins
The Ying Yang Twins, D-Roc and Kaine, gained a huge following with hits like "Whistle While You Twurk" and "Salt Shaker." Known for their platinum-selling album Me & My Brother, the duo dominated the 2000s with songs like "Wait (The Whisper Song)" and "Halftime."
 
Saturday, June 13 - Surprise artist to be announced soon!
 
Saturday, June 20 – Bow Wow & Dem Franchize Boyz
Bow Wow joins forces with Dem Franchize Boyz for a high-energy hip-hop collaboration filled with throwback hits and incredible energy. From Bow Wow’s crossover anthems like “Like You,” “Let Me Hold You,” and “Shortie Like Mine” to Dem Franchize Boyz’ club classics “Lean wit It, Rock wit It” and “Oh I Think They Like Me,” this performance delivers nonstop energy and crowd igniting fun.
 
Saturday, June 27 – Pop 2000 Tour hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO
Throwbacks aren’t just for Thursdays anymore. The "Pop 2000 Tour" is a nostalgic concert series featuring popular artists from the early 2000s, hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, and includes O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO.  The tour offers fans a trip down memory lane with the soundtrack of the TRL era. 
 
Saturday, July 11 – E-40
Legendary performer E-40 brings West Coast hip-hop to the stage with his unmistakable style and decades of influence. Known for shaping the sound of Northern California rap, he’s delivered signature hits like “Tell Me When to Go,” “Choices (Yup),” and “Snap Yo Fingers,” in which he has collaborated with artists across generations. 
 
Saturday, July 18 - Surprise artist to be announced soon!
 
Saturday, July 25 – Soulja Boy and Paul Wall
Soulja Boy and Paul Wall, two hip hop hitmakers known for their era-defining tracks and lasting influence. Soulja Boy made music history by clinching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with his breakout anthem “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”. Joining him is Paul Wall, the Southern rap star celebrated for his signature style and crowd favorite hits like “Sittin’ Sidewayz” and “Grillz.”  
 
Saturday, August 1- Jordin Sparks
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum, singer, songwriter and actress, Jordin Sparks, known for winning season six of American Idol and creating such powerful music throughout her career with crowd favorite singles like “No Air” (feat. Chris Brown), “Tattoo,” and “Battlefield.”
 
Saturday, August 8 – Too $hort and Warren G
Too $hort and Warren G, two legendary West Coast hip-hop artists who helped shape the sound of ’90s rap. Too $hort is known for his signature hits like “Blow the Whistle” and “The Ghetto,” while Warren G rose to fame with G- funk defining classics including “Regulate” and “This D.J.” 
 
*There will be no concert on July 4.
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Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ Concerts 
 
Saturday, August 15 - Saliva
Saliva, the hard rock band that helped define the sound of early 2000s rock, is known for their high-octane riffs, anthemic choruses, and adrenaline-fueled performances, hits like “Click Click Boom,” “Always,” and “Ladies and Gentlemen.” 
 
Saturday, August 22 – Uncle Kracker 
Uncle Kracker, who has spent more than two decades delivering feel-good anthems and well-known songs with his laid-back blend of country, pop, rock, and hip-hop, broke through with his multi-platinum-selling solo debut Double Wide in 2000. His hits include “Follow Me,” “When the Sun Goes Down,” “Drift Away.”
 
Saturday, August 29 – Skillet
Skillet remains a dominant force in hard rock, earning GRAMMY® nominations, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple Top 5 entries on the Billboard 200. With 12 certified singles, and the 5x-platinum smash “Monster,” they’ve become one of the most-streamed rock acts of all time, while leaving a major imprint across pop culture and global touring.
 
Make It a Full Day of Entertainment
Before and after each concert, guests can experience everything SeaWorld San Diego has to offer—from animal encounters and educational presentations to award-winning rides and attractions—making each concert date a full day of entertainment.
 
Year-Round Savings for Year-Round Events
The best way to experience SeaWorld San Diego’s concerts and seasonal events throughout the year is with an Annual Pass. Pass Members enjoy unlimited visits with no blockout dates and access to events including Seven Seas Food Festival, Viva La Música, Summer Spectacular, and more. Additional benefits include free parking, guest tickets, special savings on food and merchandise, and exclusive Pass Member events. For a limited time, Southern California residents may purchase a SoCal Pass starting at $10/month, and all guests can save up to 35% on Annual Passes.
 
For park hours and ticket information, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest concert and event updates.
 
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 42,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
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1/13/2026 0 Comments

Annual Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration Set to Bring New Entertainment and the Return of The PEANUTS GANG

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Annual Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration Set to
Bring New Entertainment and the Return of The PEANUTS GANG

Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration returns Jan. 31 for weekends through Feb. 22 and will feature the new on-the-move musical Knott’s Express
BUENA PARK, Calif., Jan. 13, 2026 – Knott’s PEANUTS™ Celebration is back this year with a new show featuring the Knott’s Express Trolley and the limited-time exhibition, “Kite Flying Foibles.” And as they do every year, Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang will stage a park takeover with plenty of excitement and family-friendly fun running weekends from Jan. 31 through Feb. 22. Guests will also experience a fun lineup of returning shows and photo ops inspired by the iconic PEANUTS comic strip. Throughout the park, guests will have several chances to play and interact with their favorite PEANUTS characters
A highlight of Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration will be the new show, Knott’s Express, a traveling musical adventure that will feature toe-tapping dance numbers, heartwarming songs from the Golden Age and plenty of other surprises along the way for Charlie Brown and his friends. For each show, the trolley will make three stops in the Boardwalk area, Charleston Circle and near Boardwalk Ballroom. These spirited exhibitions of music and dance will be inspired by each stop’s location and songs include “Put on a Happy Face” to “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Of course, the performance will be punctuated with dapper and colorful costumes, streamers and other touches of whimsical joy.
 
At Calico's Town Hall, guests will enter the new, limited-time exhibition, “Kite Flying Foibles”, organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. This exhibition explores kite-flying with the Peanuts gang through high-quality reproductions of original Peanuts comic strips, drawings, and photos. Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz admitted that he was never very good at flying kites, and unfortunately, poor Charlie Brown fares even worse. Of Charlie Brown’s many frustrations, one of the biggest involves kites. In this exhibition, visitors will be swept away by the humor and relatability that made Schulz’s strip soar. 

On the Calico Mine Stage, Let’s Celebrate, will offer a heartwarming musical tribute with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and all their friends, as well as a host of singers and dancers, that will remind audiences why Peanuts is still beloved after 75 years! At nightfall, the stage will host Snoopy's Legendary Rooftop Concert where the PEANUTS gang and the indie band The Jelly of the Month Club will perform a high-energy spectacle, sure to have everyone dancing.

A western escapade occurs with Franklin and Linus at Calico Park as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree. The boys will challenge guests with some of Calico's root-toot-tootiest games. Also in Ghost Town is Pigpen's Pig Pen, where everyone's favorite messy pal will join the rest of the PEANUTS gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some animal friends.

The PEANUTS-inspired festivities will continue at Wilderness Dance Hall, where the park will offer an experience that teaches the young and the young at heart how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include a resident art teacher, who will provide step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece.

The celebration would not be complete without PEANUTS Celebration specialty food and beverage items. Guests can indulge in limited-time savory offerings such as gruyere cheese raclette baked potato with grilled onions or cheesy mac and cheese bites with barbecue bacon and spicy aioli. And continue the occasion with sweet items like a confetti birthday funnel cake that includes glazed icing with colorful sprinkles and circus animal cookies or the peanut butter and jelly stuffed deep-fried French toast.
 
The best way to enjoy Knott's PEANUTS™ Celebration – plus all of the other Seasons of Fun in 2026 – is with a Season Pass. A 2026 Season Pass includes unlimited visits for all of 2026, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For more information or to purchase a 2026 Gold or Prestige Pass, visit sixflags.com/knotts.
 

ABOUT SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.
 
ABOUT PEANUTS
The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students.
 
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452 | schulzmuseum.org
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened in 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and building an understanding of cartoon art. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, California—where Schulz lived and worked for over 40 years—the Schulz Museum features the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world and presents changing exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum also provides reference services and supports a robust traveling exhibition program. For more information, visit schulzmuseum.org.

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1/13/2026 0 Comments

Pop Superstar Bebe Rexha, Grammy Award-Winning DJ and Producer Zedd and More to Headline Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2026 Celebration

POP SUPERSTAR BEBE REXHA, GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING DJ AND PRODUCER ZEDD, ROCK BAND THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS AND MORE TO HEADLINE LIVE CONCERTS ON SELECT NIGHTS DURING UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S MARDI GRAS 2026 CELEBRATION
Plus, New Details Revealed about the Mouth-Watering International Cuisine, Dazzling Parade and Other Festivities Guests Can Enjoy during the Celebration, Running February 7 through April 4
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ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2026) – Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to let the good times roll from February 7 through April 4, 2026 with the return of the fan-favorite event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. This year’s celebration will feature a spectacular parade that pays homage to The Big Easy, a selection of more than 40 mouth-watering internationally-inspired menu items, and – on select nights – live concerts by some of the biggest names in music – including Bebe Rexha, Zedd and The All-American Rejects. And the best part is that access to the festivities is included with regular park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
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Here's an overview of what’s in store at this year’s spectacular Mardi Gras celebration.
STAR-STUDDED CONCERT LINEUP FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2026
This year’s concert series will feature 11 live performances by some of the most popular names in music, including the pop superstar behind the mega-hit, “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha, the Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer behind the chart-topping song, “Clarity” – Zedd, and platinum-selling rock band The All-American Rejects. See below for the complete list of performers.  
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CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS DURING THE STUNNING MARDI GRAS PARADE 
All of the electrifying energy of New Orleans will make its way to the streets of Universal Studios Florida during this year’s Mardi Gras parade, featuring a collection of twelve beautifully hand-crafted floats designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of New Orleans – from its food, music and beads to the bayou. The dazzling array of floats will wind the streets of the park, accompanied by high-energy street performers, colorful beads flying through the air and energetic live music filling every corner. 
Plus, guests can elevate their Mardi Gras festivities with the purchase of the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience – a unique offering which includes a savory three-course meal and a reserved spot on a Mardi Gras parade float. Guests can reserve their spot by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.

SAVOR CARNAVAL DELIGHTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This year’s Mardi Gras menu will bring the flavors of Carnaval to life with an exciting mix of international cuisine and classic New Orleans favorites. The celebration will feature dishes from twelve different countries – inviting guests to take their taste buds on a journey around the world without ever leaving Universal Studios Florida. A sampling of this year’s eats includes Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese, a Ham, Brie and Berry Crepe, Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel, Pinchos de Lechon, along with fan-favorites like the New Orleans-inspired Beignets and the Cat 5 drink, and so much more. Guests can savor these culinary delights at kiosks across the park, as well as select restaurants.

Guests can taste more and save more at Mardi Gras with the purchase of a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, allowing them to relish in the delectable flavors of Mardi Gras and enjoy more for less by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders are eligible for special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available for purchase at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida and can be redeemed at any food & beverage location at all four Universal Orlando theme parks, and Universal CityWalk.

ALL-NEW MARDI GRAS TRIBUTE STORE

The Mardi Gras Tribute Store will also return this year to the Hollywood section of the theme park, featuring a brand-new theme and an exciting selection of merchandise that’s not to be missed. Additional details will be shared soon.


KEEP THE GOOD TIMES ROLLING AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS

The best way for guests to enjoy Universal Mardi Gras and keep the party going is by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s 11 magnificently-themed hotels, where they can indulge in delectable Mardi Gras food and beverage offerings unique to each hotel, from Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel to Korean Cajun Jambalaya at Bar 17 Bistro in Universal Aventura Hotel to Voodoo Street Fries at the Pier 8 Market in Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, and much more. Hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive benefits during their visit, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.

And on select nights, guests can experience extra Mardi Gras excitement at Universal CityWalk with entertainment offerings that include patio guitarists, DJs, stilt walkers and exclusive drink offerings during the Mardi Gras After Party in Pat O’Brien’s, and the transformation of the Red Coconut Club into the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.

SPECIAL OFFER – GET THREE MONTHS FREE ON AN ANNUAL PASS; 
PLUS EXCLUSIVE PERKS FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PASSHOLDERS
Starting Thursday, January 15, guests who become Passholders can enjoy three months free with the purchase of any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Passholders will also receive special perks during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (blockout dates apply), including exclusive discounts on food and hotel stays, the opportunity to purchase an exclusive UOAP Mardi Gras menu item, access to a designated parade viewing area, and early access to the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and the Cursed Coconut Club, along with other exciting benefits.

Current Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also save 15% off the ticketed price of the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience with a valid Pass and photo ID at the time of purchase or redemption. This discount is available for purchases made online, at the Front Gate, at Guest Services, or by calling 407-224-7554.
Additionally, Annual and Seasonal Passholders can save up to 30% at participating Universal Orlando hotels and stay near all the Mardi Gras festivities. Click here to learn more.

For more information about Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval and Universal Orlando, including special ticket offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
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About Universal Orlando Resort 
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning, weeklong vacation destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to four exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and the all-new Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.
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Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

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1/8/2026 0 Comments

SIX FLAGS DOMINATES USA TODAY 10BEST READER’S CHOICE AWARDS WITH FIVE OF 10 BEST NEW THEME PARK ATTRACTIONS OF 2026

A Total of Nine Attractions Recognized with More Thrills on the Way, Making 2026 a Landmark Year to Visit a Six Flags Park
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 8, 2026) -- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, is starting the new year with a major win: five of its new rides have been named among the Top 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026 in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards.
 
The winners include:
  • No. 3: Rapterra, Kings Dominion, Doswell, Va.
  • No. 4: Siren’s Curse, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
  • No. 5: Wrath of Rakshasa, Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Il.
  • No. 6: Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
  • No. 8: Georgia Gold Rusher, Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Ga.
 
Four additional Six Flags attractions earned nominations, including:
  • THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J.
  • Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.
  • Snoopy’s Racing Railway, Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.
  • RiverRacers, Kings Island’s Soak City, Mason, Ohio

Nominations from local, regional and destination theme parks were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors. Winners were determined by public vote, making this achievement a true reflection of innovation and excitement in the theme park industry.
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“This recognition underscores Six Flags’ commitment to delivering world-class thrills and immersive experiences for our guests,” said John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags. “With nine new attractions earning national acclaim, Six Flags is setting the stage for an unforgettable year of family fun and excitement in 2026.”
WHY THESE RIDES STAND OUT
From record-breaking launches and gravity-defying inversions to elaborate theming and family-friendly adventures, Six Flags continues to push the boundaries of entertainment. Debuting in 2025, these celebrated attractions remain top picks for 2026:
  • Rapterra: Set amid jungle ruins, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster accelerates riders to 65 mph in just four seconds before sending them through a series of breathtaking aerial maneuvers on the wings of the jungle hawk.
  • Siren’s Curse: The tallest, longest and fastest tilt coaster in North America leaves riders suspended face-down before plummeting into a masterfully twisted series of high-speed turns, moments of weightlessness and inversions at speeds reaching 58 mph. The immersive theming and onboard sound heighten the intensity of this captivating experience tied to Lake Erie folklore.
  • Wrath of Rakshasa: This dive coaster holds two world records—steepest drop (96°) and most inversions (five). The relentless layout of drops, turns and inversions pays homage to a mythological demon.
  • Top Thrill 2: Meet the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata (400-499 feet tall) coaster. This epic thrill machine features a spike that sends riders backward at 101 mph, making it the fastest backward launch in the world. The final launch sends riders blasting at 120 mph to crest the monstrous tower. 
  • Georgia Gold Rusher: A modern twist on nostalgic thrills makes this free-spinning gondola coaster stand out among its roller coaster peers. Significant airtime, speeds up to 60 mph, surprising twists and refreshing mists of water from its dramatic fountains deliver fun and refreshment on a hot Atlanta day.
  • THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity: North America’s first super boomerang delivers smooth-as-glass forward and backwards launches with dramatic moments of weightlessness, epic hang time and intense twists and inversions.
  • Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast: This splashy, interactive Peanuts adventure features a multilevel boat battle where families and friends drench each other with water cannons.
  • Snoopy’s Racing Railway: Families join Snoopy on a junior-thrill-level multi-launch coaster that delivers fear-free fun as they zoom from 0 to 31 mph.
  • RiverRacers: Ohio’s only side-by-side racing water coaster delivers family-friendly thrills with refreshing water elements.
MORE THRILLS ON THE WAY IN 2026
 
Six Flags has announced four more highly anticipated attractions that will debut in 2026:
 
  • Tormenta Rampaging Run, Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
    • First and only giga-dive coaster in the world, towering at 309 feet
  • Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, Kings Island, Mason, Ohio
    • Interactive dark ride with spellbound flashlights and unforgettable ghostly characters
  • Quantum Accelerator, Six Flags New England, Springfield, Mass.
    • Multi-launch family straddle coaster, the first in New England
  • Looney Tunes™ Land, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Cal.
    • A fully reimagined themed area for families that will be the new home of the loveable Looney Tunes characters.
  • Speedway Stunt Coaster, Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City
    • Hollywood-themed family boomerang (forward-and-backward) coaster
 
"This is only the beginning. In 2026, we’re raising the bar with groundbreaking attractions, immersive experiences and unforgettable events. Spring announcements will showcase how Six Flags is redefining the future of theme park entertainment across North America," Reilly said.
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For park calendar, links to tickets and more, visit www.sixflags.com or each park and resort’s website.

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

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