Universal CityWalk Hollywood celebrates 30 years with laser presentation and more
Architect Jon Jerde was tasked with creating the “quintessential urban California street” at Universal Studios Hollywood, and the open-air Universal CityWalk Hollywood shopping, dining, and entertainment district he designed is still going strong 30 years later.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood set the bar for the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, Universal CityWalk Orlando, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, and international Universal and Disney entertainment districts that followed it.
A statement from Universal Studios Hollywood describes it as follows:
When CityWalk debuted in 1993, it was hailed as revolutionary; a prototypical urban entertainment complex that boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on immersive experiences. It was conceived as a multi-sensory experience designed to spectacularly stimulate the senses and evoke a whimsical environment reflective of Los Angeles’ eclectic landscape. Its conceptual architectural design paid homage to the City of Angels through a myriad of innovative, eye-catching, three-dimensional sculptures and vibrant neon signs that embodied the essence of Los Angeles and the city’s diverse cultural fabric. Thirty years later, this lively entertainment enclave continues to resonate as a pop cultural mecca with a track record that proves reinvention is the catalyst to remaining current, hip, and fresh.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood 30th Anniversary Presentation
A multi-media video presentation celebrating CityWalk’s milestone anniversary will trace its 30-year evolution – from construction to today – accompanied by colorful laser projections and atmospheric smoke effects.
The presentation can be experienced on the big screen at 5 Towers at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 9:55 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. daily until Aug. 31, 2023.
Limited-Time Food and Drinks
Limited-time offerings of food and drinks will be available at the following locations through Aug. 31, 2023:
- VIVO Italian Kitchen – Tre Carne Calzone featuring Crescenza cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, prosciutto, grana Padano and marinara
- NBC Sports Grill & Bar – Bases Loaded Cheeseburger, featuring a triple-stacked patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, 1000 island, tomato, and butter lettuce on a toasted brioche
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – Orange Cream Breeze (tequila, condensed milk, orange juice, orange Curacao), Blue Lagoon (tequila, pineapple juice, blue Curacao), and Key Lime Pie Margarita (tequila, condensed milk, lime juice, triple sec)
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana – Pineapple Mezcal Mule (mezcal, pineapple juice and puree, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer), Cucumber Aloe Tequila Mule (tequila, aloe liquor, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer), Jamaica Honey Mule (bourbon, Jamaica honey, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer), and Spicy Tamarind Mule (spicy tamarind vodka, tamarind puree, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer)
- Voodoo Doughnut – Golden Ring Doughnut, a glazed old-fashioned doughnut with a lemon jelly ring and a drizzle of vanilla frosting
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – Rocket Pop Milkshake from The Dessert Foundry made with vanilla ice cream, buttercream frosting, blue raspberry and strawberry syrup, red/white/blue sprinkles, whipped topping, and Bomb Pop popsicle.
The Universal Studio Store on CityWalk will also join the celebration with a selection of retrospective merchandise (discounts on select items are available at this location).
What’s New at Universal CityWalk Hollywood?
CityWalk continues to evolve and expand, most recently with the addition of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (in the former Hard Rock Café).
With 30 unique dining options, from sit-down restaurants to quick service options, Universal CityWalk offers delicious choices for everyone, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, NBC Sports Grill & Bar, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co (also at CityWalk Orlando), plus iconic L.A. institutions Johnny Rockets and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also home to the only Voodoo Doughnut in California.
Shopping locations include Billabong, Hot Topic, Dodger’s Clubhouse Store, The Raider Image, Nectar Bath Treats, Sephora, the recently opened Karma & Luck and UNIVERS pop culture store, and Super Nintendo World Store, where fans can buy items from the theme park’s newest immersive land.
Fun Fact: Things From Another World comic shop is the only retailer original to CityWalk when it opened in 1993.
After a significant expansion in 2000 and a later multi-million dollar renovation, the 18-screen AMC Universal Cinema now features an IMAX theater, the Director’s Lounge cocktail venue, and the most advanced visual and sound technology. Click here for more information.
Planning A Visit to Universal CityWalk Hollywood
There’s no charge to shop and dine at CityWalk, but you will have to pay for parking.
Valet Parking with validation is available to guests visiting full-service restaurants (including The Dessert Foundry at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen). The cost is $10 when visiting CityWalk for up to 2.5 hours and $15 for 2.5-3.5 hours (cost increases after 3.5 hours).
Movie-goers can enjoy $5 parking with the purchase of General Parking and a Universal Cinema movie ticket (restrictions apply).
Click here for more information about Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
