Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights runs Friday, Oct. 2, with three distinct evening access points: paid early access begins at 5 p.m., the general-admission gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The operator’s general-admission terms list Oct. 2 among the 2026 event dates and make clear that a standard Halloween Horror Nights ticket does not include daytime admission or early event access. Guests may enter at 6:30 p.m., subject to change, before the scheduled 7 p.m. start.
Early access requires two tickets
An Early Access ticket allows entry to selected haunted houses beginning at 5 p.m. and the Terror Tram beginning at 6:15 p.m., with times subject to change. It is an add-on rather than event admission: the holder must also possess a Halloween Horror Nights ticket for the same date. The add-on does not include daytime park access or parking.
Guests wanting one product for the entire day can instead consider the operator’s full day-and-night ticket. Its terms combine daytime admission, Halloween Horror Nights admission and the same 5 p.m. early access window. Universal instructs those guests to collect a wristband at the front gate so they may remain inside for the transition.
One major daytime ride remains closed
The park’s hours calendar lists Jurassic World—The Ride as temporarily closed and scheduled to reopen Nov. 21, 2026. Visitors buying a day-and-night product should factor that closure into the value of the daytime portion and recheck the calendar for Oct. 2 hours before departure.
Across the ticket types, parking is not included, admission is date-specific, and the event operates rain or shine without rain checks. Universal says the event is not recommended for children younger than 13, prohibits costume masks and may restrict attractions because of capacity or closures. The operator also advises guests to allow ample time for parking and front-gate screening.
The key purchase check is whether a ticket covers daytime admission, the evening event, early access, or some combination. TAQ’s California Theme Parks page can help compare nearby options, while current waits, hours and local weather remain available through the standard parks service.
