ORLANDO, Fla. – Get ready to collect beads, savor bites, and dance the night away—Universal Orlando Resort is bringing back its Mardi Gras celebration.
Running Feb. 7 through April 4, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval promises a lively parade inspired by New Orleans, more than 40 international food offerings, and live concerts by top artists on select nights.
“Once you enter the gates, we have our performers who are out wanting to talk to everyone and offer everyone beads, getting the kids to dance and join in,” said Kelly Malik, show director at Universal Orlando Resort. “We really want to encompass the whole family environment.”
The star-studded concert lineup includes:
- Feb. 7: Kaskade
- Feb. 14: Portugal. The Man
- Feb. 15: Ivy Queen
- Feb. 21: Joey Fatone & AJ McLean
- Feb. 28: RuPaul (DJ set)
- March 7: Ziggy Marley
- March 13: Tyler Hubbard
- March 14: Bebe Rexha
- March 15: Zedd
- March 21: Barenaked Ladies
- March 28: The All-American Rejects
Catch the parade
The Mardi Gras parade will showcase 12 hand-crafted floats celebrating the spirit of New Orleans, from its music and food to its iconic beads and bayou culture.
Guests can also purchase the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a three-course meal and a reserved spot on a parade float. Click here to make a reservation.
Savor the flavor
Food lovers can enjoy a diverse menu featuring dishes from over 40 countries alongside New Orleans classics.
Highlights include baked Cajun mac and cheese, ham, brie and berry crepes, Vienna-style pork schnitzel, pinchos de lechon, beignets and the Cat 5 drink.
“We have a new country, Chile. We really wanted to bring this fire salmon to life here at Mardi Gras, said Jens Dahlmann, vice president and executive chef of culinary operations at Universal Orlando Resort. It comes right from Chile, three days later at Universal Orlando.”
Guests can save with a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, which offers bonus value and special pricing for passholders.
More in store
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store will return to the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida with a new theme and exclusive merchandise.
Guests staying at Universal Orlando’s 11 themed hotels can enjoy unique Mardi Gras food and beverage offerings, early park admission and complimentary transportation. Universal CityWalk will host Mardi Gras after parties on select nights featuring live entertainment, DJs, stilt walkers, and special drinks.
Starting Jan. 15, guests can get three months free with the purchase of any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Passholders receive exclusive Mardi Gras perks, including discounts on food and hotels, access to a designated parade viewing area, early access to the Tribute Store and Cursed Coconut Club, and more.
Current passholders save 15% on the Float Ride and Dine Experience and up to 30% at participating Universal Orlando hotels.
Admission to the Mardi Gras festivities is included with regular park admission to Universal Studios Florida.