NEWS: 2026 Halloween Horror Nights Theme Announced for Universal Orlando

It’s a big day for horror fans, especially Halloween Horror Nights fans!

While we’re still months away from Halloween Horror Nights, Universal has already begun announcing news about this upcoming season, partly because it’s a huge milestone — 35 years of HHN! Not only do we now know the time range of dates this year, but we also got a look at the event’s two icons this year, who are returning favorites!

Universal revealed that this year’s theme is the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, turning Universal Studios Florida into a “decrepit, fear‑fueled carnival featuring a sinister new slate” of haunted houses, scare zones, and more on select nights from August 28th through November 1st. The ringmasters of this circus? None other than Jack the Clown and his legendary rival, Dr. Oddfellow!

Halloween Horror Nights 35 will be the first time these two team up to cause trouble among guests. Universal also revealed one of the new original houses that will be available this year, which will be called “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control.”

In this house, guests get a look at the long-standing conflict between the two icons as they “journey into the unsettling origins of the two adversaries’ undying rivalry.” Chaos and control will collide, until the two realize that the best way to achieve both of their goals (to terrify people), is to work together.

Can’t wait for the scares? Merchandise for the 35th Anniversary of HHN is ALREADY available online, and you’ll want to act fast, because some items are already selling out. The new collection features an all-new graphic of Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow beneath a sinister circus tent, and you’ll find a blanket, short sleeved shirt, hockey jersey, crop top, hoodie, and more.

Check out the new collection here!

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights will go on sale *very* soon, according to Universal Orlando, so we’ll be sure to keep a close eye out and keep you updated.