}, 999999 ); add_action( 'wp_footer', function() { ?>

Disneyland After Dark Events Are Returning in 2026 – See the Dates Here!

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Disneyland, Disneyland Parks, DLR News

Get ready for plenty of after-hours fun with a whole slew of 2026 Disneyland After Dark event dates (including some new themes!)

Get ready for some late-night fun: Disneyland After Dark events are coming back to Disneyland Resort in 2026. With returning favorites and brand-new themes on the calendar for the year, there will be so much more to explore for those who love these special events.

What’s in store for Disneyland After Dark in 2026? Here’s a look at the schedule!

Disneyland After Dark 2026 Event Themes and Dates

For 2026, Disneyland After Dark is getting bigger and better! More Disneyland After Dark event nights are planned than ever before, giving guests more opportunities to experience these highly popular parties. And there are new themed nights, too, of course! The parties take place on select nights January through June 2026.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Here’s a look at what’s on the schedule for 2026.

Sweethearts’ Nite 

Event Dates: January 22, 25, 27, and February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17

Sweethearts’ Nite is a special love-themed Disneyland After Dark event that takes place ahead of (and on!) Valentine’s Day. Newness for 2026 will include the “Celebrate Love Cavalcade,” including a celebration of best friends, soulmates, and family. And the “Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook” show will be a musical “look at love and romance” with live singers and Disney royals.

Another bit of newness is Disney Duets, karaoke in the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland with a uniquely Disney twist. Or, dance with Daisy and Donald Duck at the Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Scenic photo backdrops will also allow you to “step into” the scenes of films such as The Aristocats, Tangled, Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp, and more.

For food, expect plenty of pinks and reds! New for 2026, Galactic Grill will be serving a triple berry slushy with a Mickey-shaped glow cube. Returning favorites include surf n’ turf loaded fries at Red Rose Taverne. More specialty menu items will be available at table-service restaurants such as Blue Bayou Restaurant, River Belle Terrace, and Carnation Café. Advance reservations are recommended!

Tickets for Sweethearts’ Nite have sold out as of January 2026.

Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites

Event Dates: March 3 and 5

New for 2026 in celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites will include swing dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland and a Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. Plus, enjoy line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe in tribute to Woody’s Round Up, as well as sentimental photo ops (staged throughout Disneyland park, inspired by entertainment such as “Mad T Party,” “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and Club Buzz) and nostalgic characters such as the “Long Lost Friends” from Disney Afternoon, “Mother” and “Father” from Carousel of Progress, Merlin, Flik and Atta, and the Fantasmic! Monkeys.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

“Sounds of Magic” will be a riverfront serenade, with vocalists performing favorite songs from past Disneyland shows. They’ll be floating down the Rivers of America on a raft multiple times throughout the night, singing tunes including “Animazemen – The Musical,” “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee,” “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” and “The Lion King Celebration Parade.”

Food for the event will include:

  • Mushroom Philly toasted sandwich and maple bacon cinnamon roll at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
  • Birria mac and cheese in a bread bowl at Refreshment Corner
  • Gaston Brew at Red Rose Taverne

Plus, a new specialty item will be available at River Belle Terrace: blackened New York steak and prawns. Reservations for table-service restaurants are highly recommended.

When Will 70 Years of Favorites Tickets Go on Sale?

Tickets for Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites are now on sale.

Disney Channel Nite

Event Dates: April 12, 14, and 16

Disney Channel Nite is back in 2026 for three nights of after-hours fun, celebrating beloved eras of the iconic TV channel with themed entertainment, character encounters, specialty treats, and nostalgia-packed photo opportunities throughout Disneyland Park.

This year brings a special debut, with Penny Proud from The Proud Family making her first-ever appearance at Disneyland Resort during the event. She joins fan-favorite Disney Channel stars like Kim Possible, Lilo & Stitch, and more — making it the perfect night to capture unique character photos you won’t find during regular park hours.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Music lovers will want to head to the high-energy “High School Musical – ZOMBIES Pep Rally,” a lively street celebration that brings together hit songs from both franchises in a can’t-miss performance. Over along the Rivers of America, the Villain Kids take center stage during “DescenDANCE,” showing off wicked choreography inspired by Descendants while proving once again that it’s good to be bad.

Guests can also rock out at “Disney Channel Rocks,” a concert-style show featuring powerhouse performers dancing and singing to chart-topping songs from some of Disney Channel’s most popular movies and series. For those who love a good throwback sing-along, the Golden Horseshoe transforms into a spirited “Camp Rock Sing-Along,” inviting fans to belt out their favorite tunes in true summer-camp style.

Throughout the park, immersive photo spots let guests “step into the scene” with backdrops inspired by classic Disney Channel shows. New for 2026, High School Musical joins returning favorites like Hannah Montana, That’s So Raven, and Lizzie McGuire, offering plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Of course, no Disney Channel celebration would be complete without themed snacks. This year’s specialty menu includes Loaded Dino Nuggies at Red Rose Taverne, The Golden Horseshoe, and Stage Door Café, along with a brand-new Ice Cream Naco at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and the new Agent P Churro available near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. River Belle Terrace will also offer a special event menu, with reservations opening closer to the event dates on Disneyland.com.

When Will Disney Channel Nite Tickets Go on Sale?

Tickets will begin with a Magic Key pre-sale on February 3, 2026 (no earleir than 9 AM PT) for Inspire Key holders. All Magic Key holders can purchase beginning February 4, with tickets on sale for the general public on February 5.

Star Wars Nite

Event Dates: April 28, 30, and May 4, 6

Star Wars Nite is returning to Disneyland After Dark in 2026 for four unforgettable nights packed with galactic entertainment, rare character encounters, themed treats, and immersive experiences inspired by every corner of the Star Wars universe. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume to represent the light side or the dark side, joining fellow fans for an evening that feels straight out of a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Nite Entertainment

One of the night’s most thrilling moments comes as Captain Phasma leads her elite First Order Stormtroopers through Tomorrowland during “The March of the First Order.” As they search for hidden Resistance spies, guests may find themselves caught right in the middle of the action as the imposing patrol makes its way through the land.

Those looking to sharpen their Jedi skills can activate their lightsabers during a special Lightsaber Instructional, where master instructors teach proper technique along with a series of defensive and offensive moves worthy of any Padawan in training.

Music fans won’t want to miss a truly iconic Disneyland After Dark experience as Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes (better known as the Cantina Band) make special appearances along the Rivers of America, bringing the unforgettable sounds of the Star Wars galaxy to life throughout the night.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Meanwhile, Tomorrowland Terrace becomes the domain of the Sith as Darth Maul takes over the space in a dramatic encounter filled with dark energy and intensity. Guests will feel the power of the Shadow Lord as he asserts the rise of the dark side in a thrilling live moment.

Character lovers will have countless opportunities for out-of-this-world meet-and-greets, from hugging Ewoks and bargaining with Jawas to posing with Queen Amidala and other heroes and villains from across the saga. Immersive photo backdrops also allow guests to “step into the scene,” with settings featuring speeder bikes, the thrones of Boba Fett and Bo-Katan, and other iconic Star Wars imagery.

No Star Wars celebration is complete without themed bites, and 2026 brings several new specialty offerings to the event. Guests can try the Pizza Five-Blossom Bread at Oga’s Cantina, indulge in a Galactic Bundt Cake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Galactic Grill, or savor Banth-gogi at Edelweiss Snacks and Maurice’s Treats as they explore the park.

When Will Star Wars Nite Tickets Go on Sale?

Tickets for Star Wars Nite will be released in phases, beginning with a Magic Key pre-sale on February 3, 2026, for Inspire Key holders, followed by a wider Magic Key pre-sale on February 4. General public ticket sales open on February 5, 2026, with availability limited for all event nights.

Pride Nite

Event Dates: June 16 and 18

The first-ever Disneyland After Dark Pride Nite took place in 2023, and it was so popular that it’s back for a fourth year in 2026. We had a blast at the 2023 event, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next. Ticket sale dates for 2026 Pride Nite have yet to be announced, so check back in the new year to find out when you can get your tickets.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

When Will Pride Nite Tickets Go on Sale?

Pride Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for May Key holders on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (no earlier than 9 AM PST). Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, April 9, 2026 (no earlier than 9 AM PST).

Pride Nite Entertainment

Look to the skies for “Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite Fireworks – WELCOME,” a dazzling nighttime spectacular that blends music, color, and pyrotechnics into a radiant celebration. Inspired by Walt Disney’s iconic welcome message, the show sets a heartfelt tone for the evening.

Along Main Street, U.S.A., the Welcome Pride Cavalcade brings the celebration front and center. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead the way in vibrant, rainbow-inspired looks, joined by friends in a lively, can’t-miss procession.

By “it’s a small world,” you can watch “Be You with Pride!: A Musical Celebration,” with live performances of Disney songs for a sing-along experience.

Additionally, there are three themed parties around the park:

  • The Pride Nite Dance Party at Rivers of America
  • The ‘Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with Stitch and Angel
  • Country Line Dancing at The Golden Horseshoe

Plus, look out for themed photo backdrops throughout the park!

Pride Nite Food

Enjoy a special menu of fun treats, including a few of the below!

  • Santa Maria-style tri-tip sandwich at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree (New!)
  • Butterscotch beignets at Mint Julep Bar
  • Rainbow cereal churro and rainbow dipping sauce at Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Jackfruit & mushroom loaded fries (Plant-based) at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree

What is Disneyland After Dark?

Disneyland After Dark events are separately-ticketed events that take place after Disneyland Park closes for the evening. These special events are typically held for a few nights during the week, giving guests a chance to experience them on different dates. 

With the price of your Disneyland After Dark ticket, you’ll get access into the park three hours before your event begins (typically from 6 to 9 PM) with a pre-party mix-in. Then, when Disneyland officially closes for the event, After Dark guests will have access to exclusive character meet and greets, themed merchandise, dance parties and entertainment, and specially-themed food and beverage options. Guests also enjoy unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the event, as well as commemorative items like special event maps and credentials.

sparkling heart Like what you just read? That tells us you’re the type who never misses a Hidden Mickey. Respect. sunglasses

Long-form content is getting rarer these days—more and more publications are going out of print or disappearing entirely. But we’re still here, a small crew of Disney fans making real, tangible magazines because they still matter to people like you. castle

If you want more deep dives, gorgeous photos, and little escapes to your happy place, you can snag an All-Access Membership for just $4.99/month.

Or, help us keep independent Disney print magazines alive by supporting us here .

Keeping the magic of print alive? That’s A+ Disney fan behavior. sparkles

Posts by Heather Adams

epcot-clothing_creations-shop_chiu
Heather Adams, Disney Parks Expert | Heather Adams grew up at Disneyland, and as a result she knows every last inch of the resort's two theme parks, three hotels, and the surrounding Good Neighbor hotels. As a Disneyland expert with more than three decades of knowledge, Adams has also honed her Disney World knowledge with multiple trips to the Orlando theme parks. When she's not spending the day at a Disney Park, Adams is brushing up on breaking Disney news, history, and more. As a writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 15 years of experience, you can find her work at Clean Eating Magazine, The Drive, Yoga Journal, Outside, and other outlets.
epcot-clothing_creations-shop_chiu

Authored by Heather Adams

Heather Adams, Disney Parks Expert | Heather Adams grew up at Disneyland, and as a result she knows every last inch of the resort's two theme parks, three hotels, and the surrounding Good Neighbor hotels. As a Disneyland expert with more than three decades of knowledge, Adams has also honed her Disney World knowledge with multiple trips to the Orlando theme parks. When she's not spending the day at a Disney Park, Adams is brushing up on breaking Disney news, history, and more. As a writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 15 years of experience, you can find her work at Clean Eating Magazine, The Drive, Yoga Journal, Outside, and other outlets.
Build Your Bundle
Pick a tier, then choose your issues. Add-ons unlock on Pick 4/5/6.
★★★★★
WDW Magazine Reader
WDW Magazine Reader
Verified Reader Compliment
Start A Membership