All the Events Coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2024
We’re only a few days into 2024, but it’s already time to look ahead to the park gatherings coming soon.
In fact, two of them start within the next six weeks!
Here are all the events coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2024.
Rock the Universe – January 26th and 27th
If you’ve never heard of Rock the Universe, that’s understandable.
This two-day concert is one of the most unheralded events among casual theme park fans. Why? I have no idea.
However, Universal Studios has hosted this Christian Rock festival annually dating back to 1998.
We had a few recent hiccups due to the pandemic, a time when public gatherings weren’t viable.
So, Universal canceled the event in 2021. Then, in 2022, Florida experienced a dramatic surge in COVID cases the month of the event.
While Rock the Universe occurred anyway, it wasn’t as popular that year.
Thankfully, normalcy returned in 2023, and the 2024 version promises to be the most popular one in five years.
Universal has announced the following acts for Rock the Universe 2024:
- Blessing Offor
- CAIN
- Riley Clemmons
- Casting Crowns
- Cody Carnes
- ELEVATION RHYTHM
- Hulvey
- Brandon Lake
- LECRAE
- Andrew Ripp
- We The Kingdom
- Phil Wickham
Photo: universalorlandoyouth.com
You can read additional details about the event on the official website.
Something you should keep in mind is that these events DO sell out. In fact, most of them prove quite crowded.
So, treat these shows like any other festival you’ve attended, and have a plan before you arrive. Otherwise, you’ll get an obstructed view.
Mardi Gras – February 3rd through April 7th
Photo: Universal
Look, you know what Mardi Gras is, especially if you grew up in the south or on the East Coast.
Once a year, the state of Louisiana loses its collective mind, which admittedly isn’t a long way down for many of its residents.
Don’t mind me. I’m a Falcons fan, and we haaaaate the Saints.
Photo: Universal
Anyway, I’m not quite sure when Universal started its Mardi Gras parade.
However, I have found parade videos on YouTube dating back to the 1990s, and Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990.
So, the parade has been happening for at least a quarter-century now.
Photo: Universal
Over time, park executives expanded the Mardi Gras party to make it bigger, better, and bawdier.
That’s the beauty of Universal Studios. It’s an adult park and can get away with stuff that Disney never could.
Still, you should try to earn beads the *ahem* conventional way. Save that for your New Orleans visits.
Photo: Universal
While the parade generally proves the most popular event, Universal also hosts a Mardi Gras concert series.
Musicians perform at Music Plaza Stage, and the acts are surprisingly recognizable, especially on the weekends.
I suspect some jazz players enjoy booking Universal so they can hang out at the parks during their downtime.
Photo: UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
For you, the popularity of these performers may prove less appealing.
I know several Universal fans who skip the larger weekend crowds and enjoy Mardi Gras on weekdays instead.
Neither answer is right or wrong. It largely depends on whether you enjoy a large gathering or a more intimate Mardi Gras experience.
Seasonal Tribute Stores – TBA 2024
Okay, I have no specifics to offer you here, but this topic bears mentioning.
Universal gives the people what they want these days.
The seasonal tribute stores have grown into a pop culture phenomenon, at least among theme park fanatics.
People breathlessly speculate on upcoming stores and what themes they’ll possess.
In recent years, Universal has celebrated films like Back to the Future, E.T., and Jaws.
Also, the Classic Monsters have anchored the tribute stores a time or two over the years.
But I’m getting ahead of myself on that one. You know why…
Anyway, last year’s Jurassic Park anniversary store was the stuff of myth and legend.
We all know that something equally sensational is coming soon.
The only question is what. So, stay tuned to UniversalParksBlog!
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 – Late Summer 2024 (8/30?)
Death Eater
I realize that the days feel like agony for loyal fans during these grueling early months of the year.
So, please allow me to give you hope and bring a feeling of joy into your life.
We are only about three months away from being #HalfwaytoHalloween!
Photo: Universal Orlando
You should all know what that means! On April 30th or May 1st – or maybe even much sooner! – Universal will celebrate the big date.
Park officials will inundate social media with teases about what you should expect at Halloween Horror Nights 2024.
The best part of this realization is that the event itself typically starts on or around September 1st.
Beetle Juice Halloween Horror Nights
For this reason, the leaks for HHN typically start as early as late March.
Folks, Halloween may seem like it’s a long time away from now, but things will start happening fast…and sooner than you may think!
Universal Holidays – Early November
Photo: Universal Orlando
Similarly, I know it’s weird to talk about the 2024 holiday season so soon after the 2023 version ended.
I mean, the line for The Grinch was still more than two hours long the week before I wrote this piece.
Still, with the Christmas season so recent in our memories, this moment proves opportunistic to discuss the next one.
Photo: Universal
You all just experienced so much warmth and holiday spirit during November and December.
I know that you cannot wait to do it all over again in 2024. And Universal’s Seuss offerings are tremendous.
The Grinch’s dog is even available for character greetings! How great is that?
Photo: Universal
Seriously, you’re probably feeling blue that HHN and the Christmas season have ended at Universal Studios.
Don’t feel blue, my friends! Universal has two more events coming over the next few weeks.
Plus, HHN season will arrive before you know it! And while you’re waiting, you’ll have tribute stores to keep you entertained!
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Main image: Universal Studios
