Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights is leaning heavily into nostalgia and blockbuster horror as it prepares for its milestone 35th anniversary, unveiling a lineup that includes the return of Netflix's Stranger Things, a haunted house inspired by the hit film Sinners, and the comeback of fan-favorite icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
The annual event, widely considered one of the world's premier Halloween attractions, will run on select nights from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1 at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can expect 10 haunted houses, multiple scare zones, live entertainment, and themed food and merchandise offerings.
This year's overarching theme, "Infernal Carnival of Nightmares," transforms the park into a twisted carnival overseen by Jack the Clown and his longtime rival Dr. Oddfellow. The two characters have become central figures in Halloween Horror Nights lore, and Universal is positioning their return as a key part of the event's 35th anniversary celebration.
Among the most anticipated attractions is a new haunted house based on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. The experience will transport guests back to Hawkins, Indiana, and into some of the show's most recognizable locations, including the Wheeler House, Hawkins Lab, the Upside Down and the Abyss. Visitors will encounter iconic characters such as Eleven and Vecna as they navigate the final battle to save Hawkins.
The attraction marks the latest collaboration between Universal and Netflix, following previous Stranger Things houses that became some of the most popular experiences in Halloween Horror Nights history.
Universal has also announced a haunted house inspired by Ryan Coogler's horror hit Sinners. The attraction will immerse guests in the world of Club Juke, where the film's vampire nightmare unfolds. According to Universal, visitors will encounter characters and settings pulled directly from the movie while attempting to survive attacks from bloodthirsty vampires.
In addition to the film and television-based experiences, Universal is continuing its tradition of creating original haunted houses. One of the first announced for 2026 is "Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control," which explores the origins of the relationship between the two Halloween Horror Nights icons and expands the event's original mythology.
The 35th anniversary edition arrives as Halloween Horror Nights continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors from around the world and helping establish Orlando as a major destination for seasonal entertainment. Universal has already begun selling tickets and vacation packages for the event, with additional haunted house announcements expected throughout the summer.
While only a handful of houses have been officially revealed so far, the combination of major intellectual properties and beloved original characters suggests Universal is aiming to make its 35th year one of the biggest Halloween Horror Nights events yet. With more announcements still to come, horror fans will be watching closely to see what other nightmares emerge from the fog before opening night.
