Disneyland After Dark 2026: Five Nights of Themed Magic — Your Complete Guide

Disneyland After Dark returns in 2026 with five uniquely themed after-hours events — Sweethearts' Nite, 70 Years of Favorites, Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite — each bringing exclusive entertainment, food, and merchandise to the park after regular operating hours.

Disneyland's popular After Dark after-hours event series returns in 2026 with five distinct themed nights, each offering exclusive entertainment, characters, food, and merchandise unavailable during regular park hours. From Valentine's romance to Star Wars galactic battles to Pride celebrations, there is a dedicated night for every kind of Disney fan.

Sweethearts' Nite: A Valentine's Celebration (SOLD OUT)

Running across nine dates from January 22 through February 17, Sweethearts' Nite sold out entirely — a testament to the event's enduring popularity. The 2026 edition introduced several new offerings alongside returning fan favorites. The brand-new Celebrate Love Cavalcade wound through the park, and Once Upon a Dream, a new musical show, debuted for the occasion. Couples and families could test their Disney knowledge at Disney Duets karaoke and dance the night away at the Valentine's Dance Party.

Photo opportunities were themed around beloved romantic tales, with backdrops inspired by The Aristocats, Tangled, Aladdin, and Lady and the Tramp. Exclusive food offerings included a triple berry slushy at Galactic Grill and surf n' turf loaded fries at Red Rose Taverne. Commemorative merchandise featured an ear headband, enamel pin, T-shirt, hoodie, and tumbler.

70 Years of Favorites: A Sentimental Celebration (March 3 and 5)

Honoring Disneyland's 70th anniversary, 70 Years of Favorites took place on March 3 and 5, 2026, spotlighting characters and experiences from across the park's storied history. The Sounds of Magic riverfront serenade brought live music to the Rivers of America, while guests could enjoy swing dancing at the Royal Theatre, a Videopolis Dance Party hosted by VJ Richard Blade, and line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe.

Long-lost characters made rare appearances, including Flik and Atta from A Bug's Life, Merlin from The Sword in the Stone, and the Fantasmic! Monkeys. Sentimental photo opportunities celebrated the park's seven decades of magic. Exclusive dining highlights included a Mushroom Philly sandwich and a maple bacon cinnamon roll at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, a birria mac and cheese bread bowl, the beloved Gaston Brew, and blackened New York steak with prawns at River Belle Terrace.

Disney Channel Nite: Nostalgia and New Faces (April 12, 14, and 16)

Disney Channel Nite arrives on April 12, 14, and 16, celebrating the beloved network's iconic characters and shows. Penny Proud makes her Disneyland debut at this event, joining a lineup that includes Kim Possible, Lilo and Stitch, Baloo, King Louie, Phineas, Ferb, and Agent P.

Entertainment spans multiple venues: High School Musical – ZOMBIES Pep Rally brings the spirit of the film franchise to life, while DescenDANCE and Disney Channel Rocks keep energy high throughout the night. Fans of Camp Rock can participate in a dedicated sing-along. New exclusive food items include loaded dino nuggies, an ice cream taco, and an Agent P–themed churro. Commemorative merchandise features a light-up ear headband, themed hoodie, enamel pin, and additional collectibles.

Star Wars Nite: Galaxy's Edge Timeline Expansion (April 28, 30 and May 4, 6)

Star Wars Nite returns on four dates — April 28, 30, and May 4 and 6 — bringing fan-favorite galactic entertainment and a significant new development for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Beginning April 29, the land's in-world timeline expands to include characters from across the saga: Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker. Guests attending the April 28 event receive first access to these new character interactions before the general public.

Recurring favorites include the March of the First Order, Lightsaber Instructional sessions, and a live performance by Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes. Darth Maul makes a special appearance at Tomorrowland Terrace. New exclusive food items debut alongside the event: a pizza five-blossom bread, a Galactic Bundt cake, and Banth-gogi. Merchandise includes a themed hoodie, tee, hat, tumbler, and collector's pin.

Pride Nite: A Night of Belonging (June 16 and 18)

Pride Nite takes place on June 16 and 18, 2026, offering an evening dedicated to celebration and community. The night features a dedicated fireworks show titled WELCOME and the Welcome Pride Cavalcade winding through the park. Near it's a small world, guests can enjoy Be You with Pride!: A Musical Celebration. Three dance parties are spread across the park: club-style tracks along the Rivers of America, an 'Ohana Dance Party featuring Stitch and Angel, and Country Line Dancing at the Golden Horseshoe.

Exclusive food offerings for Pride Nite include a Santa Maria tri-tip sandwich, butterscotch beignets, a rainbow cereal churro, and jackfruit and mushroom loaded fries. Commemorative merchandise includes a Pride-themed hoodie, tumbler, and trading pin. Tickets go on general sale beginning April 9.

Pro Tips for Any After Dark Event

Across all Disneyland After Dark events, a few strategies help maximize the experience. Dressing to the theme of each night adds to the atmosphere and makes for memorable photos. Booking a nearby Disneyland Resort hotel stay allows for a full day in the parks before the evening event. The Disneyland app facilitates mobile ordering for exclusive food items, helping guests spend less time in queues. For sit-down dining experiences, table-service reservations should be made well in advance, as availability fills quickly on After Dark nights.

What This Means for Guests

Disneyland After Dark 2026 represents one of the most varied lineups the series has offered, spanning holidays, anniversaries, franchise fandoms, and inclusive celebrations. Each event carries its own identity — distinct entertainment, food, and merchandise — making them appealing as standalone experiences or as a collection for dedicated fans. With Sweethearts' Nite already sold out and Star Wars Nite bringing the first-ever expanded Galaxy's Edge timeline, demand is high. Guests interested in Pride Nite should act quickly once tickets open April 9.