Let the good times roll! The Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is one of the highlights of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. Food, concerts, and plenty of beads can be found throughout the day and into the night at Universal Studios Florida, so to help you make the most of it, we’ve put together a complete guide.
Complete Guide to the 2024 Universal Mardi Gras
Universal Mardi Gras takes place at Universal Studios Florida from February 3 – April 7, 2024.
Concerts
Mardi Gras concerts happen on select nights during the event. These concerts are included with valid park admission and take place on the Music Plaza Stage. Concerts start at 8:30 p.m.
Here is the schedule:
- February 3: Walker Hayes
- February 10: The All-American Rejects
- February 17: Nessa Barrett
- February 18: KC and the Sunshine Band
- February 24: Barenaked Ladies
- March 2: DJ Khaled
- March 9: Ava Max
- March 10: Queen Latifah
- March 16: Luis Fonsi
- March 17: Zedd
Mardi Gras Parade
The Mardi Gras Parade happens every night, and you can find the start time in the Universal Orlando app or the list below:
The parade starts at 5:15 pm on the following dates:
- February 5, 7, 12, 27
The parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
- February 4, 6 8, 9, 11, 13-16, 21-23, 25, 26, 28
- March 1, 3-8
The parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:
- February 19-20
- March 11-15, 18-31
- April 1-7
The parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:
- February 3, 10, 17, 18, 24
- March 2, 9, 10, 16, 17
There are several ways to enjoy the Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Studios Florida. Guests have the opportunity to ride a Mardi Gras float and toss beads to the crowd. Universal Orlando offers a paid Ride and Dine Experience or guests can reserve a float riding spot for free with a virtual queue in the Universal Orlando app once in the park.
When watching from the streets, you can catch beads being tossed from the floats!
The parade starts and ends at the Hollywood gate by the Horror Make-Up Show and will go in the opposite direction this year.
Watch the full Elements-themed Mardi Gras Parade below.
Food
One of the highlights of Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is the food! Food and drink from New Orleans and beyond can be found at different locations around the park. Check out our reviews of everything or our reviews of just the new menu items.
The Universal Orlando Hotels also have special Mardi Gras food and beverage offerings. Menus for all of the Universal Hotels can be found here.
A discounted Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card is available. Guests can purchase a card with a value of $75 for just $65. Annual Passholders can purchase a card with $150 for just $120. Read more details on these cards here.
The Mardi Gras Coca-Cola Freestyle cup features the event’s mascot, Baron Tonton. These refillable cups can be used at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and vendors serving ICEE frozen beverages at the parks and CityWalk.
Tribute Store and Merchandise
Visit the Mardi Gras Tribute Store in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida to grab some of this year’s merchandise and themed snacks. The Tribute Store is worth a visit even if you’re not planning to shop just to enjoy the detailed decorations. This year’s store is made to look like a haunted riverboat called the P.S. Songbird. We have a full photo and video tour of the 2024 Mardi Gras Tribute Store.
This festival’s annual theme is the Elements of Mardi Gras. Celebrate Universal Mardi Gras with this year’s merchandise, including a Stanley-style tumbler.
Passholders
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can take advantage of a special parade viewing location on select days, and purchase exclusive food items and Elements of Mardi Gras merchandise. There’s even a complimentary magnet available for UOAPs. Take a look at all of the UOAP Mardi Gras benefits.
Cursed Coconut Club
The Red Coconut Club in CityWalk has been transformed into the Cursed Coconut Club. Like the Tribute Store, it’s been given a detailed overlay. This year, it looks like a cemetery overrun with vines and foliage, and features the shape-shifting Raven. There are several specialty cocktails available at the Club’s bars. It’s open from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Watch our video tour of the Cursed Coconut Club:
What is your favorite part of 2024 Universal Mardi Gras?
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