Special Events in Orlando

Every Season Offers Something for Everyone

Annual Events at Hard Rock Hotel®

Velvet Sessions
Velvet Bar hosts the city's only rock 'n' roll cocktail party on the last Thursday of the month* (excluding November and December).  Each "session" combines creative cocktails with live Orlando concerts from some of the hottest rock bands.

Enjoy up-close and personal performances from some of rock's biggest legends. Past performers have included Cheap Trick, Loverboy, the Fixx, Joan Jett, and Eddie Money. Orlando's most intimate rock & roll cocktail party is held in the hotel's lobby and Velvet Lounge the last Thursday of every month (except November & December).

Annual Events at Universal Orlando Resort®

Rock the Universe
The hottest and most cutting-edge performers in Christian Rock take to the stage at the most powerful Universal Orlando event in September.

Halloween Horror Nights
Every fall when the sun goes down, something terrifyingly strange happens at Universal Orlando® Resort. Ghastly creatures emerge from the darkness. Chilling haunted houses with uniquely bizarre themes appear out of nowhere. And screams of pure panic pierce the night. Will you survive this event in Orlando?

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Join in the fun of Grinchmas™ at Universal's Islands of Adventure®, featuring a live version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." At Universal Studios®, the Macy's Holiday Parade™ takes to the streets with new balloons and floats, marching bands, colorful performers and more! Plus, don't miss the all new Holiday Concert Series in the Universal Music Plaza.

Mardi Gras
Join the celebration as the streets of Universal Orlando® are filled with live music that will get your feet tappin', your hips swayin', and your pulse poundin'. Enjoy live music with some of the biggest names in music, as well as the sounds of The Big Easy with great bands straight from New Orleans. Plus, there's authentic Cajun cuisine, beads by the handful, a spectacular parade and more!