Universal Studios Hollywood will hold a new after-hours event in spring 2025 called Fan Fest Nights, with experiences themed around “Star Trek,” “Back to the Future,” and the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. 

The Universal press release is light on precise details for the event, promising “limited-time, after-hours experience, exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood that will showcase a dynamic line-up of captivating, immersive in-world experiences along with engaging celebratory activations throughout the theme park, from live entertainment to cosplay, inviting guests to embrace their favorite characters and share their enthusiasm with like-minded fans.”


What was revealed is that these events will require a separate ticket, much like Halloween Horror Nights, and include special themed food and drink options and merchandise. 

“For decades, Universal Studios Hollywood has been a leader in creating and executing innovative special events that are consistent with our brand,” Universal Studios Hollywood general manager Scott Strobl said in a statement. “From our esteemed Halloween Horror Nights event to this all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, we are thrilled about how this breakthrough program will continue to elevate the guest experience in an all-new way.” 

The first three franchises to be featured at these Fan Fest Nights include two that are not owned by Universal. Paramount-owned “Star Trek” has been a part of Universal theme parks before, with the Star Trek Adventure being a part of Hollywood’s Studio Tour from 1988 to 1994 and as a separate experience at Universal Studios Florida from 1991 to 1996.

Dungeons & Dragons is new to the Universal parks, but the 50-year-old, Hasbro-owned roleplaying game has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The Universal press release specifically mentions the 2023 film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and the video “Baldur’s Gate 3,” which may be a sign that those characters may be highlighted at this Fan Fest.

The third property mentioned is “Back to the Future,” a familiar favorite of Universal parks. Universal Hollywood was home to a version of Back to the Future: The Ride from 1993 to 2007, and merchandise themed around the 1985-1990 trilogy is still heavily featured in the park’s stores. 

Universal also hinted that more events to come, stating that Fan Fest Nights “will debut these exciting properties with more to be announced soon.” 

Anime fans should especially stay tuned for future announcements, as the Universal press release mentions anime among the genres that will be highlighted during Fan Fest Nights.  Universal has some experience with anime-themed special events, as Universal Studios Japan’s annual Cool Japan seasonal events feature limited-time experiences utilizing anime and manga properties such as “My Hero Academia” and “Detective Conan.”

Correction: The original version of this article inaccurately described Universal’s Fan Fest Nights as being as series separate events themed to individual franchises. Universal has since clarified that the franchises mentioned will be featured together at every Fan Fest Night event, similar to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.