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Re(d)tro Coconut Club Opens Tonight at Universal CityWalk: 80s and 90s Throwback Overlay at the Red Coconut Club, Select Nights Through July 18
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Re(d)tro Coconut Club Opens Tonight at Universal CityWalk: 80s and 90s Throwback Overlay at the Red Coconut Club, Select Nights Through July 18

Michael Travels
·
Published

If you spent any of your formative going-out years to a Janet Jackson cassette and a Backstreet Boys CD, the Red Coconut Club has a venue night for you. Universal Orlando is rolling out Re(d)tro Nights, an 80s and 90s themed seasonal overlay of CityWalk's Red Coconut Club, starting tonight (Friday May 8) at 6 p.m. and running on select nights through Saturday, July 18. Free to enter (CityWalk does not require a park ticket).

It is the same recipe Universal has been running on the Red Coconut Club for a couple of years: take the existing Cuban flair and tiki chic lounge and put a seasonal-overlay layer on top. Mardi Gras was Cursed Coconut Club (Feb 7 to April 4 this year). Halloween Horror Nights gets Dead Coconut Club (Aug 28 to Nov 1). Summer is now Re(d)tro.

The Red Coconut Club exterior at Universal CityWalk Orlando, with its retro-tiki neon signage.
The Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk. Photo: Orlando Informer.

The basics

  • Opens: Friday, May 8, 2026, doors at 6 p.m.
  • Cadence: select nights, with Universal's prior Coconut Club overlays operating Wednesday through Sunday.
  • Closes: Saturday, July 18, 2026.
  • Cost: Free to enter. Pay only for what you order at the bar.
  • Age: Adult bar venue; check Universal's programming calendar for current age requirements.
  • Location: Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk, no park ticket needed.
  • Programming: 80s and 90s themed DJ sets, arcade games, photo ops, plus the venue's standard specialty drinks, music, and live entertainment.

Where it slots in the Coconut Club seasonal cycle

Universal has been running themed overlays on the Red Coconut Club for several seasons. The series:

  • Mardi Gras (Feb to early April): Cursed Coconut Club. The most recent run was February 7 to April 4, 2026.
  • Summer (now): Re(d)tro Nights. May 8 to July 18, 2026.
  • Halloween Horror Nights (late August to early November): Dead Coconut Club has historically run alongside HHN. HHN 35 runs Aug 28 to Nov 1, 2026; expect the overlay to align with those dates pending Universal's announcement.

That puts a seasonal overlay on the venue most of the year, with the standard Red Coconut Club programming filling the gaps.

The Red Coconut Club during a previous seasonal overlay, showing themed decor and a busy dance floor.
The Red Coconut Club during a previous seasonal overlay. Photo: Orlando Informer.

How it pairs with the rest of the Universal calendar

The summer slate is starting to layer up. Re(d)tro Nights gives the resort a rare adult-evening venue option that does not require a park ticket. Stack it with everything else happening:

  • Tonight: Re(d)tro Coconut Club opens at 6 p.m.
  • Volcano Bay Nights picks back up Sunday May 10 for its second 2026 night, with select nights continuing through August 21.
  • Universal's Horror Make-Up Show plays its final performances next weekend. AP reserved seating runs through Sunday May 10. Last show Tuesday May 12.
  • Passholder Bonus Benefits continue through May 21 (Transformers magnet, $5 merch credit, plus other discounts).
  • Blockbuster Summer 2026 launches May 23 with Mega Movie Parade and JAWS-themed experiences across Universal Studios Florida.
  • Hogwarts Always projection show returns May 30 at Islands of Adventure.

Quick planner notes

  • No park ticket needed. CityWalk is open to all, so a Re(d)tro evening can be a standalone CityWalk visit.
  • Select nights only. Universal's prior Coconut Club overlays ran Wednesdays through Sundays; check the CityWalk programming calendar for the current Re(d)tro schedule.
  • Adult venue. Red Coconut Club is a bar venue; check Universal's programming calendar for current age requirements during the Re(d)tro run.
  • Parking: CityWalk parking has historically been free after 6 p.m. on most non-event nights, but rates vary. Check Universal's parking page for current pricing on your visit date.
  • Don't expect Re(d)tro-specific photos to flood the internet on opening night. Universal hasn't issued an official press release for the series. Most coverage is via Inside Universal's social channels and CityWalk programming calendar.

Sources

Image credits: Orlando Informer.

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