Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6th; however, Universal Mardi Gras goes into full swing from February 7 to April 4 at Universal Orlando Resort. The event is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida, and this guide will walk you through everything the resort does to bring the Big Easy to Orlando.
Universal Mardi Gras
What to Do at Universal Mardi Gras
Parade
You don’t have to mosey all the way to the French Quarter to enjoy a Mardi Gras parade. At Universal Studios Florida, the parade hits the streets in the evening with everything you’d expect from vibrant floats, over-the-top costumes, and the iconic beads. The floats are even designed and built alongside Kern Studios, which creates the floats for the Mardi Gras celebration in NOLA.
Guests at this celebration can either be bead catchers or bead throwers. Bead throwers do need a bit of preparation, however. You can purchase the Float Ride and Dine Experience or, starting January 15, after 12 p.m., annual passholders can sign up for free to be bead throwers.
Live Concerts
During the Mardi Gras celebration, there are also live concerts taking place on the Music Plaza Stage. These performances vary in genre from country to pop or rock. Here is the schedule:
Universal Mardi Gras Concert Lineup 2026
- Kaskade: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Portugal. The Man: Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Ivy Queen: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Joey Fatone & AJ McLean: Saturday, February. 21, 2026
- Rupaul (DJ Set): Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Ziggy Marley: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Tyler Hubbard: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Bebe Rexha: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Zedd: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Barenaked Ladies: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- The All-American Rejects: Saturday, March 28, 2026
French Quarter Courtyard Entertainment
Beyond the major headliners, there is live entertainment all over the park. Over in the French Quarter Courtyard and the New York area, you’ll find more musicians, such as Louisiana jazz and zydeco bands.
Mardi Gras Tribute Store
Universal Studios Florida also transforms the Tribute Store to match the Mardi Gras theme. There are photo ops, Mardi Gras merchandise (including masks and beads) to complete the celebration experience.
After Party in CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is also in on the Mardi Gras celebration. Several locations along the CityWalk have specialty items just for the event. There are Mardi Gras themed treats at Voodoo Doughnuts and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. Plus, the New Orleans-based Pat O’Brien’s has exclusive treats and drinks for the event as well.
What to Eat at Universal Mardi Gras
Back in the French Quarter Courtyard, there are many more New Orleans-inspired dishes for Mardi Gras. In the courtyard, there are rows of tents and bars with celebratory signature drinks and unique foods to get you in the Big Easy mood, including jambalaya and beignets.
Where to Stay for Universal Mardi Gras
The party doesn’t end once you leave the parks for the day because the Universal Orlando Resort hotels are also in party mode. Several of the hotels have their own exclusive offerings for the event with special food and beverage options. These include the Korean Cajun Jambalaya at Universal Aventura Hotel and the shrimp po’boy at Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Are you going to head to Universal Studios Florida for the big celebration? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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