Monthly Archives: April 2026

Los Angeles Life and Style

Universal Fan Fest Nights Takes Guests on a Whimsical Journey with Food and Merchandise Inspired by the Event’s Signature Experiences, kicks off April 23.

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Universal City, California – Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood serves up an all-new decadent menu and exclusive merchandise inspired by this year’s marquee experiences. Fans will be delighted when the highly-anticipated event kicks off on Thursday, April 23 and continues select nights through Saturday, May 16, 2026. Tickets can be purchased here.

Curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Julia Thrash, guests can eat their way through this year’s line-up of fandoms. Here’s a “taste” of what fans can expect from the carefully crafted menu inspired by their respective experiences:

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters

Throughout Little Europe, guests can find Scooby Snacks as well as the Super Shaggy Sandwich, a stacked club sandwich sharable with your own Mystery Gang. Additionally, fans can satisfy their monstrous hunger with a Universal Monsters 22” Dog.

ONE PIECE

The popular “Sanji’s Galley” returns with a new, expanded location at Hollywood & Dine. Entrée items include Luffy’s Meat on the Bone, Sanji’s Seafood Fried Rice, Franky’s Loco Moco Burger, Brook’s Spicy Katsu, Jinbe’s Watermelon Salad and Pirate’s Bounty Funnel Cake. For dessert, fans can dive into Luffy’s Straw Hat mousse dome or the fan favorite Chopper Cupcake. Additionally, a selection of themed mocktails will be available at the new Grand Pirate Den, where fans can celebrate their victories after watching the new show.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Guests can head over to the Three Broomsticks for traditional British pub fare, including Scotch Eggs, Welsh Rarebit, Toad in the Hole, Curry Chicken, Classic Sunday Roast and Classic English Fish and Chips. For a sweet treat, don’t miss the new Three Broomsticks Dessert Flight or the Hippogriff Brown Sugar & Oat Trifle.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Fans of the popular Manga and Anime can celebrate “In the name of the Moon” with all-new items this year. A special bento box combo meal will be available, including a spicy tuna onigiri, a Moonlight Love Sparkle drink and Tuxedo Mask’s Raspberry Rose Sandwich Cookie. Nearby, Sailor fans can also find a Moon Scepter Churro and Mystery Box Cupcakes.

Dungeons & Dragons

The fan-favorite “First Roll Tavern” makes its return to the Lower Lot. Gamers can nosh on Cockatrice Hot Wings, Dragon Egg Cheesecake, Gelatinous Cube, Ranger’s Mark sandwich and Beholder’s Brew Fondue as well as a selection of themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Must be 21+ with valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. 

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Guests can enjoy the colorful Yoshi celebration with three specially themed smoothies prepared by Chef Toad, with flavors representing the green, yellow and purple Yoshis. A special drink bottle featuring the Green Yoshi and its signature Yoshi Egg will be available for purchase.

Guests looking to get the most out of their gastronomic experience can purchase the Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass. The specialty pass allows fans to enjoy a total of six items on their visit date for a single price, including two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage items. The Dining Pass is redeemable at participating food and beverage locations only and is only available during Universal Fan Fest Nights. Additional restrictions apply.

New merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware, accessories and more, will debut in tandem with Universal Fan Fest Nights, inviting guests and fans to display their fandom during the event and beyond. Hero items include colorful Yoshi character shirts, shoulder pals and a headband, original Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon items, a ONE PIECE Spirit Jersey as well as Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters cross-over apparel and items inspired by Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff. Merchandise will be available for purchase inside the theme park, on Universal CityWalk and at https://shopuniversal.com/shop.  Fans are encouraged to cosplay or attend the event dressed in their favorite fandom attire (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines).

To kick off Universal Fan Fest Nights, guests can jump start their evening at Universal CityWalk Hollywood with limited time themed offerings at participating restaurants: NBC Sports Grill & Brew (ONE PIECE), Voodoo Doughnut (Scooby-Doo), The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon) and Vivo Italian Kitchen (DUNGEONS & DRAGONS).

Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to 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,” “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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Los Angeles Life and Style

Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff an All-New Experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, an All-New Experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, Select Nights from Thursday, April 23 Through Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets; All Experiences and Activations Included Every Event Night.

Universal City, California, April 2, 2026 – This all-original Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, at Universal Studios Hollywood dares witches, wizards and Muggles to venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a journey to rescue this esteemed magical creature.

Tickets are now available for purchase to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights, which runs for a limited 12-nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.

This exciting experience invites Universal Fan Fest Nights guests to step into an adventure that will take place within an all-new outdoor environment created exclusively for this limited time event.

With guidance from a Hogwarts Magical Creatures professor, guests will embark on an exciting walk-through adventure within the Forbidden Forest where they will encounter an array of magical creatures and familiar beasts, from pixies to owls and spiders as well as the infamous Monster Book of Monsters, as they forge ahead on a daring nighttime mission. A series of obstacles will interrupt their journey, challenging them to summon their bravery and spellbinding skills in order to rescue the Hippogriff.

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 live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities, curated food, beverages and merchandise.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature an array of exciting experiences and activations that will be included every event night for guests to enjoy.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will also feature these in-world experiences:

  • 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 literally stepping into a Scooby-Doo episode. Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have an exclusive experience to walk along a movie studio backlot alongside 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 Wolfman, 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 location for such historic Universal horror films as Frankenstein and The Wolf Man.
  • 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.
  • Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe. This exciting Japanese language CG anime short film, which originally debuted as part of Universal Studios Japan’s popular Cool Japan, will gather guests within DreamWorks Theatre to watch a subtitled version featuring heroine Super Sailor Moon as she battles an unforeseen enemy with sinister motives to acquire the Legendary Silver Crystal from Moon Palace’s enchanting ball. With her unwavering spirit, accompanied by audience support, Super Sailor Moon will prove good indeed prevails over evil as she outwits her rival and restores tranquility to the Moon Palace.
  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

Los Angeles Life and Style

PROLIFIC COMPOSER PRODUCER JASON NESMITH SHOWCASES HIS MUSICAL TALENTS IN NETFLIX’S “STRANGER THINGS: TALES FROM ’85”, PREMIERING APRIL 23.

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Hollywood, Calif.  — Composer and producer Jason Nesmith will compose the theme for the upcoming animated Netflix series “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85”, premiering April 23, 2026.

“Stranger Things: Tales from ’85”,  is a new animated adventure
series scheduled to premiere on Netflix on April 23, 2026.
Developed by Matt and Ross Duffer and show-runner Eric
Robles, focusing on new journeys for the original characters set
between seasons 2 and 3, in Hawkins – during the winter of 1985.


The horrors of The Upside Down are finally fading. But beneath the
ice, something terrifying has awakened. The heroes must race to
solve this mystery and save Hawkins in this new story set in the
Stranger Things universe. Featuring the original heroes (Eleven,
Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Max) battling new, mysterious
creatures. The show is created by Flying Bark Productions and
executive produced by the Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, and Eric
Robles.

Jason worked closely with Robles to craft a theme that honors the legacy of the original series while establishing a fresh musical identity for the animated world. The Voice Cast includes voice acting from Brooklyn Davey Norstedt (Eleven), Jolie Hoang- Rappaport (Max), Luca Diaz (Mike), Elisha “EJ” Williams (Lucas), Braxton Quinney (Dustin), Ben Plessala (Will), and Brett Gipson (Hopper). But you really will have to wait to hear the theme, it is under lock and key until its release date.


Jason Nesmith has extensive credits to his name. Recently
Jason has partnered with Ahmet Zappa to co-produce the music
for a new musical feature film, developed from Zappa’s original
concept and featuring songs by Tony-nominated composer
Andrew Lippa. He recently finished the theme for the 2025/26
season of Extra Entertainment News, as well as the theme for
TMZ Live.

Jason also currently composes for Teen Titans Go and
the Jennifer Hudson Show on Fox. He has also co-written a
slasher romantic comedy musical feature with three-time Emmy
Award–winning comedy writer Jason Blackman, which is currently
in development. He has also had the pleasure of being one of 8
people chosen to participate in BMI’s Conducting Workshop in 2019.

In recent years, he has composed scores for multiple
independent films, television movies, and a handful of short films.
Among them is Holly Slept Over, a romantic comedy from Sony
starring Ron Livingston, Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones),
and Britt Lower (Severance).

For the last 19 years, Jason has worked with Warner Brothers/Tele-pictures as one of the primary composers for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He has also written the themes for Anderson Live, CNN New Day, The Tyra Banks Show, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Let’s Ask America, Jessy and Jessy Food Tech, Ellen’s Design Challenge, Play with Caution, and
many more. Since its launch in 2013, Jason has composed music
for the Microsoft Surface tablet national commercial spots. He has
also done extensive scoring for documentaries on the History
Channel, Discovery Channel and the National Geographic
Network.

In his rock and roll days, he was signed by music industry legend, Seymour Stein to the iconic Sire Records as a member of 90’s famed Brit pop group Nancy Boy.

Beyond his work in entertainment, Jason Nesmith is actively
involved in philanthropy through The Gihon Foundation, a nonprofit
he runs with his siblings that supports musicians, writers, and artists
across multiple disciplines. Recent contributions have
included Musicares, and Homeboy Industries.


Today Jason Nesmith continues to write and produce for some of
the longest running and most successful TV franchises, and can
be heard literally 24/7, syndicated worldwide, under his own
music company name, JEL Music Group.
www.jelmusicgroup.com

“The first time I can remember hearing music, I
remember thinking, I want to make that. Before I
fully understood it, I was already trying to compose.
When I began learning guitar and piano, writing music
became the natural extension of that curiosity. 

“Over the years I’ve worked across symphonic music as well
as film and television scoring. Writing the theme for
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 was particularly
exciting because the music helps define the
atmosphere and identity of the show,” Jason Says.

Jason knows music, it is in his blood, he was raised with many
legendary musicians and writers in the hills of Laurel Canyon. As
they say, ‘the fruit did not fall far from the tree,’ and in this case
this tree has bared very talented fruit. Jason Nesmith is not
stopping anytime soon. With his own 2 children he hopes to keep
his family’s legacy out there for the younger generation to enjoy
the music.

Keeping in line with his musical heritage, Jason is just excited to see how audiences will react to this latest upcoming project, and the huge brand of the “Stranger Things,” franchise.


jasonnesmithmusic.com
www.jelmusicgroup.com