The Mardi Gras Celebration at Universal Orlando is scheduled for February 5 through April 24. The 11-week long festivities will feature star-studded live concerts, a vibrant Mardi Gras parade, and food offerings whose flavors are inspired by cultures from around the world. It’s the loudest, wildest, spiciest blowout this side of the Bayou. Since 1995, Universal Orlando Resort has been bringing the fun and flavors of the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras celebration to the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
The excitement of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with the purchase of admission to Universal Studios Florida.
MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES & LIVE MUSIC
The Mardi Gras concert and live music series snagged some of the music industry’s most popular performers. Motown legend Diana Ross, singer-songwriter Khalid and Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Marshmello, along with other name artists, will perform live over the course of the Mardi Gras celebration.
On select nights, these concerts take place at the park’s “Music Plaza” stage, an outdoor amphitheater modeled after Los Angeles’ iconic open-air venue, the Hollywood Bowl set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert line-up.
Here’s the lineup of Performances:
February 5 – Sugar Ray
February 12 – Diana Ross
February 19 – Barenaked Ladies
February 20 – Styx
February 26 – Jon Pardi
March 5 – LLCool J. featuring D Z – Trip
March 6 – Marshmello
March 12 – Lee Brice
March 13 – Becky G
March 18 – Khalid
March 19 – Seal
March 20 – Gavin DeGraw
March 25 – The Revivalists
March 26 – Jimmie Allen
March 27 – Jason Derulo
Plus, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios.
SPECTACULAR “PLANET MARDI GRAS” PARADE
Universal Studios Florida will also present an authentic New Orleans-style parade, including spectacular floats, dazzling costumes, and beads being tossed for guests to catch. The Parade focuses on the original theme, “Planet Mardi Gras.” Six new floats will combine Mardi Gras flare with cosmic-inspired elements such as stars, comets, rocket ships, and Martians. These colorful floats will join Universal’s six traditional New Orleans- inspired floats. They make their way along the parade route, accompanied by high-energy music and dozens of performers dressed in festive costumes. Experience float riding from atop one of the floats and toss beads to the crowd.
Where and When to See It
Enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the parade select nights of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras. Consult the Mardi Gras event map in the park for the parade route. Note there is no Mardi Gras Parade on April 1,2 and 8th.
Parade starts at 5:15 pm on the following dates:
- Feb 25
Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
- Feb 6-11, 14-17, 22-24, 28
- Mar. 1
Parade starts at 7:15 pm on the following dates:
- Feb 13, 18, 21, 27
- Mar. 2-4, 7-11
Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:
- Mar. 14-17, 21-24, 28-31
- Apr. 3-7, 9-24
Parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:
- Feb 5, 12, 19, 20, 26
- Mar. 5, 6, 12, 13, 18-20, 25-27
FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The award-winning chefs will spice up the celebration in their unique ways, whipping up delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of delicacies from all over the world. Guests will take their tastebuds around the globe by sampling specialty bites like New Orleans-style Beignets, Southeast Asian Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa, Indian-inspired Vegan Samosas, and Salchipapas from Central America. A food and beverage card can be purchased to sample a bit of everything from the kiosks located throughout the park.
Select food and beverage venues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando hotels will also feature Mardi Gras – inspired menus, including New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice, Chicken, Andouille & Shrimp Jambalaya, Shrimp Po’Boys, and King Cake Pancakes. Visit the Mardi Gras tribute store to shop for all things Mardi Gras.
SPECIAL OFFER – BUNDLE AND SAVE UP TO $200
All the excitement of Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. You can bundle and save up to $200 when purchasing a Universal Orlando Create Your Own vacation package starting from $105 per person, per night at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (based on a family of four with a 5-night hotel stay). Guests who purchase this package will enjoy 5-night hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s resort hotels, plus a special 3-Day, 3-Park ticket which includes an additional TWO DAYS FREE – giving them five (5) days to enjoy epic theme park thrills and the non-stop fun of Universal’s Mardi Gras. This offer is available for purchase through May 5 and is valid for use until December 15. Call 1-800-942-3301 to speak to an agent and plan your Mardi Gras vacation today!
