Get your bead-catching hands ready, because Mardi Gras is coming back to Universal Orlando Resort!
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns to Universal Studios Florida every day from Saturday 6 February to Saturday 27 March 2027. Inspired by the Big Easy's legendary celebrations, it brings a nightly parade of towering floats, handfuls of beads, live concerts on select nights and food from Carnaval celebrations around the world. Best of all, the festivities are included with your Universal Studios Florida admission.
Universal has confirmed the 2027 dates, but the concert line-up, parade theme and menus are still to be revealed. We’ve rounded up everything that's confirmed so far, how Mardi Gras worked in 2026, and our favourite tips for making the most of your Mardi Gras night. We'll keep this guide updated as Universal announces more!
Key details:
- When: Daily from 6 February to 27 March 2027 (50 days of celebrations).
- Where: Universal Studios Florida, with themed food and drink at Universal CityWalk and the Universal Orlando Resort hotels too.
- Included with admission: The parade, concerts and street entertainment are included with a valid Universal Studios Florida ticket. Food, drink and merchandise are bought separately.
- The parade: Runs nightly, with New Orleans-style floats, performers and beads by the handful.
- Concerts: Big-name artists on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage. The 2027 line-up is usually announced in January.
- Food and drink: In 2026, booths served dishes inspired by 12 countries alongside New Orleans favourites.
- Ride a float: The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience returns for 2027, letting you toss beads from a float in the parade.
When is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando in 2027?
Universal Mardi Gras 2027 runs daily at Universal Studios Florida from Saturday 6 February to Saturday 27 March 2027, as announced by Universal Orlando Resort. The party kicks off three days before Fat Tuesday (9 February 2027) and wraps up the day before Easter Sunday.
That gives you seven and a half weeks of beads, music and Carnaval flavours to fit into your Orlando holiday, including eight Saturdays packed with festival fun.
Year | Universal Mardi Gras dates |
|---|---|
2025 | 1 February - 30 March |
2026 | 7 February - 4 April |
2027 | 6 February - 27 March |
Is Universal Mardi Gras included with park admission?
Yes, Universal Mardi Gras is included with your Universal Studios Florida admission, so there's no separate event ticket to buy. The parade, concerts and street entertainment are all part of your park day, and you'll pay separately for food, drinks, merchandise and premium extras such as the Float Ride and Dine Experience.
Mardi Gras experience | Included with park admission? |
|---|---|
Mardi Gras parade and beads | Yes |
Concerts at the Music Plaza Stage | Yes |
Street performers, bands and characters | Yes |
Mardi Gras Tribute Store (entry) | Yes |
Festival food and drink | Purchased separately |
Mardi Gras merchandise | Purchased separately |
Float Ride and Dine Experience | Purchased separately |
The Universal Mardi Gras parade
The Universal Mardi Gras parade is the heart of the celebration, rolling through Universal Studios Florida every night of the event with colourful, hand-glittered floats, dancers, stilt walkers, brass bands and riders throwing beads to the cheering guests below.
Universal's floats are built in partnership with Kern Studios, the New Orleans float makers behind countless Big Easy parades, so you're getting the real deal! Signature floats such as the nearly 50-foot King Gator return every year, joined by a set of new floats designed around an annual theme. In 2026, the new floats celebrated the food, music, beads and bayou of New Orleans. Universal will reveal the 2027 parade theme closer to the event.
Mardi Gras parade times
In 2026, the parade stepped off at 7pm on most nights, with a handful of earlier 5pm and 6pm parades on selected dates. Parade times can change from night to night, so we'd recommend checking the official Universal Orlando Resort app on the day of your visit.
Mardi Gras parade route
In 2026, the parade began in Hollywood beside Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, travelled through Hollywood, Minion Land and New York past Battery Park, then looped back to where it started. Each section of the route enjoys roughly 20 minutes of floats and performers as they pass.
The 2027 parade is expected to follow the same route.
Where to watch the parade
- For the most beads: A front-row spot along the route gives you the best chance of catching them. Aim to arrive around 30 minutes early on weekdays, 45 minutes on weekends and an hour or more for front-row spots or larger groups.
- For the parade and a concert: Pick a spot along the edge of the street near Music Plaza, across from Illumination's Minion Cafe, so you can head straight to the concert area afterwards.
- For little ones: In 2026, there was a dedicated children's viewing area near the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood, for kids under 10 with an accompanying adult.
- For accessible viewing: Universal provides accessible viewing areas for parades and stage shows, marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility.
How to ride a Mardi Gras float
Fancy being on the other side of the beads? The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience is returning for 2027, letting you ride a float in the parade and throw beads to the cheering guests below, paired with a three-course meal at a participating restaurant. Universal will share 2027 booking details closer to the event.
In 2026, the experience included:
- A three-course meal (appetiser, main and dessert) with a non-alcoholic drink
- A reserved spot on a parade float, with beads to throw
- Participating restaurants at Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk and Universal Islands of Adventure (the Islands of Adventure restaurant needs a ticket covering both parks, so allow extra time to head back to Universal Studios Florida for float check-in)
Here's how it worked in 2026:
- Book through the Mardi Gras page on the Universal Orlando Resort website at least 24 hours in advance. Spots for guests using wheelchairs can be booked by phone.
- Have theme park admission for the same day.
- Allow two to three hours for the meal, check-in and parade.
- Check in at Universal Studios Florida between 1 hour 45 minutes and 45 minutes before the parade's scheduled start time.
- Riders need to be at least 48 inches (122cm) tall, and guests under 18 ride with a parent or legal guardian.
- Riders need to be able to board the float, stand for the parade (around 35 minutes) and transfer to a Universal-provided wheelchair if applicable.
A limited number of same-day float spots may also be released in the app, subject to availability, but booking the Float Ride and Dine Experience is the way to guarantee your place.
Universal Mardi Gras concerts
On select nights, the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida hosts live concerts from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, Latin, dance and more, all included with your park admission. Concerts in 2026 started at 8:30pm, straight after the parade, with standing-room viewing on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2027 line-up hasn't been announced yet. Universal usually reveals its Mardi Gras headliners in January, and most concerts fall on Saturdays, with a few Friday and Sunday shows too. We'll add the 2027 line-up here as soon as it's out.
The 2026 Mardi Gras concert line-up
For a taste of what to expect, here's who took to the stage in 2026:
Date | Artist |
|---|---|
Saturday 7 February | Kaskade |
Saturday 14 February | Portugal. The Man |
Sunday 15 February | Ivy Queen |
Saturday 21 February | Joey Fatone & AJ McLean |
Saturday 28 February | RuPaul (DJ Set) |
Saturday 7 March | Ziggy Marley |
Friday 13 March | Tyler Hubbard |
Saturday 14 March | Bebe Rexha |
Sunday 15 March | Zedd |
Saturday 21 March | Barenaked Ladies |
Saturday 28 March | The All-American Rejects |
Concert tips:
- Love the headliner? Plan your Universal Studios Florida day around their concert date, and head to the Music Plaza Stage early for a spot close to the stage.
- Watching from further back? The big screens give you a great view from the New York side of the park.
- Choose your highlight. For a big-name headliner you love, fans often head to the Music Plaza Stage well before the parade, so you might like to enjoy the parade on a different night of your trip. On other nights, watch the parade near Music Plaza and stroll over to the concert afterwards.
Universal Mardi Gras food and drink
Food is a huge part of the fun at Universal Mardi Gras, which is why the event carries the name International Flavors of Carnaval. Festival booths around Universal Studios Florida serve tasting-sized dishes and drinks inspired by Carnaval celebrations around the world, alongside classic New Orleans favourites.
The 2027 menus haven't been revealed yet, but here's a taste of the 2026 booths:
2026 booth | Highlights |
|---|---|
Taste of the Quarter | Beignets, King Cake, King Cake Espresso Martini |
Bites of the Bayou | Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese, Fried Oyster Po'Boy, Category 5 Punch |
Brazil | Picanha, Pão de Queijo, Frozen Passion Fruit Caipirinha |
Puerto Rico | Pinchos de Lechón, Pastelón Fritters, Coconut Flancocho |
Italy | Burrata Focaccia, Sfogliatella "Lobster Tail" |
Chile Patagonia | Verlasso "Fire" Salmon, Pastel de Choclo |
Jamaica | Jerk Chicken, Rasta Pasta |
Austria | Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel, Goulash, Kaiserschmarrn |
Ireland | Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Beer & Cheese Soup |
Mexico | Shrimp Ceviche, Flautas, Tres Leches |
Greece | Chicken Souvlaki, Spanakopita |
China | Shrimp Fried Rice, Mala Beef Skewer |
France | Ham, Cheese and Berry Crepe |
There were also dedicated drinks stands in 2026, including the Daiquiri Deck, Bloody Mary carts and Bourbon Street Snacks, with craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. Alcoholic drinks are available to guests aged 21 and over with valid photo ID.
New Orleans staples such as beignets, King Cake and gumbo are Mardi Gras favourites that make a welcome return most years, while the international booths often rotate, so 2027 could bring some brand-new flavours to try.
Vegetarian and vegan options
The festival booths include plenty of meat-free choices, so vegetarian and vegan guests can make a tasty evening of it too. In 2026, the highlights included:
2026 booth | Dish | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
Jamaica | Rasta Pasta - penne and bell peppers in a jerk coconut curry cream sauce | Vegan |
Bites of the Bayou | Fried Green Tomato Po'Boy | Plant-based |
Brazil | Pão de Queijo - warm Brazilian cheese bread bites | Vegetarian |
Greece | Spanakopita - spinach and feta in crispy filo pastry | Vegetarian |
Taste of the Quarter | Beignets and King Cake | Sweet treats |
If you have a food allergy or need gluten-free options, ask to speak to a chef or manager before you order, and they'll do their best to help. The festival booths have compact, shared kitchen spaces, so for severe allergies, Universal's table-service restaurants, such as Lombard's Seafood Grille at Universal Studios Florida, are a great choice, as their kitchens are better set up to cater for dietary requirements. You can also check menus and dietary information in the Universal Orlando Resort app.
The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card
Planning to graze your way around the booths? In 2026, Universal sold a Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card with a souvenir lanyard, giving you extra value to spend on festival food and drink. The cards don't expire, and they can be used at the Mardi Gras booths and most food and drink locations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
Mardi Gras food booth opening times and payment
The festival food booths typically open daily at 11am and stay open until 30 minutes before the park closes, so you can snack your way through the whole afternoon and evening.
You order in person at each festival booth, and paying is easy. The booths accept cash, credit and debit cards, Universal Pay in the Universal Orlando Resort app, and the Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card. Wearing your card on its lanyard is a handy way to keep it ready as you hop between booths!
Our top tip: Eat a little earlier in the evening, around 3pm to 5pm, so you've got plenty of time to try a few booths before finding your parade spot. Sharing dishes is a great way to taste more of the menu!
More Mardi Gras fun around the resort
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store is a must-visit at Universal Studios Florida, combining event merchandise with an immersive, themed walkthrough that changes every year. In 2026, it took guests through TonTon's Roadhouse in the Hollywood area, a spooky bayou-inspired adventure full of photo spots, before arriving at shelves of Mardi Gras goodies. The 2026 collection included a Mardi Gras Spirit Jersey, King Gator hoodies and hats, pins, magnets, ornaments, rubber ducks, a beignet plush and even King Cake cotton candy.
Entry is included with your park admission, and the 2027 theme will be revealed closer to the event.
Street performers and characters
The party starts in the afternoon, with brass bands, dancers, stilt walkers and roaming characters filling the streets. King Gator's son, Prince Gator, made his walkaround debut in 2026, meeting guests near Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show. Honey's Mardi Gras Indians also performed in the New York area, celebrating one of New Orleans' most treasured cultural traditions.
Universal CityWalk
The celebrations continue at Universal CityWalk, just outside the theme parks. In 2026, the Red Coconut Club became the Mardi Gras-themed Cursed Coconut Club, open on select nights from 5pm until late.
Pat O'Brien's, famous for its duelling pianos, hosted a Mardi Gras After Party on Fridays and Saturdays, with themed food, cocktails and live entertainment. Heading to CityWalk after the parade or concert is a brilliant way to keep the party going once the park closes.
Universal Orlando Resort hotels
The Universal Orlando Resort hotels join the fun too, with Mardi Gras-inspired dishes and drinks at hotel restaurants and bars. In 2026, these included beignets, King Cake, po'boys, shrimp and grits, and classic Hurricane cocktails.
Tips for visiting Universal Mardi Gras in 2027
- Ride first, party later. Spend the morning and afternoon enjoying the rides, then switch to Mardi Gras mode in the late afternoon when the bands, booths and performers are in full swing.
- Pick your night. Saturdays bring the headline concerts and a big party atmosphere. Weekday evenings give you the parade and food booths in a more relaxed setting.
- Plan around the parade. Check the parade time in the app, eat a little earlier and find your spot ahead of time.
- Pack a light layer. Orlando in February and March is usually warm and sunny, with average highs of around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F), but evenings can feel cooler once the sun goes down.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Mardi Gras goes ahead in light rain, but Universal may delay or adjust the parade, street entertainment and concerts if there's lightning or high wind nearby, to keep everyone safe. The app is the best place for any updates on the day.
- Ride the evening favourites early. The parade route runs through Hollywood and New York, so enjoy rides such as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon before the parade begins.
- Add a Universal Express Pass. Universal Express gives you faster access to rides during the day, so you have more time for the Mardi Gras fun. The parade and concerts are open to everyone with park admission, so Express is all about the rides. Guests staying at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel enjoy Universal Express Unlimited at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure included with their stay.
- Download the Universal Orlando Resort app. It's the best place for parade times, concert news, menus and park maps.
How to plan a Mardi Gras day at Universal Studios Florida
- Morning: Arrive early and enjoy headline attractions such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Revenge of the Mummy.
- Afternoon: Explore the park, visit the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and meet Prince Gator.
- Late afternoon: Start your food tour of the festival booths.
- Early evening: Find your parade spot and get ready to catch some beads!
- Evening: Watch the parade, then head to the Music Plaza Stage if it's a concert night, or enjoy a few more rides and a final festival treat.
A brief history of Universal Mardi Gras
Universal Studios Florida has been celebrating Mardi Gras since 1995, bringing a family-friendly taste of the Big Easy to Orlando every year. Over three decades, the event has grown from a New Orleans-themed parade into a full Carnaval celebration, adding big-name concerts at the Music Plaza Stage, international food booths, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and the chance to ride a float yourself.
Year | Mardi Gras milestone |
|---|---|
1995 | Universal Mardi Gras debuts, with floats built by New Orleans' legendary Blaine Kern, known as "Mr. Mardi Gras" |
1998 | King Gator joins the parade, and he's been the star of the show ever since |
2025 | Universal celebrates 30 years of Mardi Gras, with a second line band leading the parade for the first time |
2026 | Prince Gator makes his walkaround debut |
2027 | The party returns from 6 February to 27 March |
Here's a fun fact: The parade steps off beside Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, where a memorial honours Blaine Kern, the man who helped bring New Orleans' floats to Orlando.
Let the good times roll in 2027!
Universal Mardi Gras 2027 promises another fantastic season of floats, beads, live music and flavours from around the world at Universal Studios Florida, all included with your park admission. The dates are confirmed, and we can't wait to share the concert line-up, parade theme and menus as soon as they're announced!
Ready to join the party? Book your Universal Orlando Three Park Adventure Ticket with AttractionTickets.com and enjoy 14 days of park-to-park fun at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe, with Mardi Gras included every day you visit Universal Studios Florida.
