Universal Mardi Gras: What You Need to Know to Have Your Best First Visit
Are you ready to catch beads and celebrate the fun of Mardi Gras without the crowds of New Orleans? Then it’s time to plan your visit to Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Guests can enjoy this experience from February 7 through April 4, 2026 and many experiences are included with your park ticket to Universal Studios Florida park.
What is it?
This event takes place each spring at the Universal Orlando resort and specifically at the Universal Studios Florida park (the original park). It includes a fun parade with authentic floats and a chance to catch beads, concerts, special food and merchandise and more.
Live Entertainment
On most Saturday nights (and a few other nights) during the festival, guests can enjoy a concert located on the Music Plaza Stage right inside the park with a start time around 8:30pm. These are included with your park ticket and here is this years line up:
February 7- Kaskade
February 14- Portugal- the Man
February 15- Ivy Queen
February 21- Joey Fatone and AJ McLean
February 28- RuPaul (DJ Set)
March 7- Shaggy
March 13- Tyler Hubbard
March 14- Bebe Rexha
March 15- Zedd
March 21- Bare Naked Ladies
March 28- All American Rejects
Merchandise & the Tribute Store
If you love to shop, you will want to check out the Mardi Gras Tribute store located inside the park but you can also find select merchandise and even some fun festive treats located all around the Universal Orlando resort (including at select Universal resorts). Merchandise can include items like shirts, gator items and more. Plus there are special treats like cake pops, krispie treats and more.
Global Eats
Guests can also dig in to Global Eats (food is an additional purchase) at special food booths. From beignets and King cakes to Vienna-styled Pork Schnitzel, there is something for everyone to try. If you are planning to try multiple, delicious eats and want to save, be sure to grab the Mardi Gras Food and Beverage card. Guests can purchase a card for $65 to then purchase $75 worth of food and beverage items (including alcohol) at the festival booths. Booths typically will open around 11am (so not at park open) but will offer great treats for lunch or dinner.
A REAL Mardi Gras Parade! (Family Friendly Edition)
The star of the event is the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras parade which happens every evening typically at 7pm. This parade features authentic Mardi Gras floats and on most of the floats, you can find people tossing beads out into the crowd. With fun colors and epic performers, you will not want to miss this celebration!
The parade begins next to Cafe La Bamba and the Horror Make Up Show and then will turn left to head up Hollywood towards the front of the park. It will continue up the main drag to New York before it loops back to where it originally started (making a right just before San Francisco). Guests can find great viewing spots anywhere along the parade route and don’t need to camp out too early to grab a spot (15-30 minutes is plenty of time). If you want lots of extra beads, the end of the parade is a great option because the throwers on the floats will be trying to unload the last of their beads.
A word to the wise- it can be a challenge to cross the parade route during the parade so if you aren’t planning to watch the parade and need to be somewhere else in the park, plan ahead to avoid trying to take longer routes walking around the parade.
If you are looking for an extra fun experience for the parade, you can actually ride on one of the floats and toss out beads! This is called Float and Ride and starts at $94.99 plus tax and it includes a 3 course dinner at select dining locations then a ride on the float during the parade. Reservations are required and guests must be 48” or taller (plus guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). This experience often sells out so be sure to let your Goofy Getaways Travel Advisor know if you want to book this as part of your Universal Orlando vacation.
Ready to Experience This Event Yourself?
This festive experience takes place every year at Universal Orlando and is fun for the whole family. We highly recommend staying on property at a Universal Orlando resort so you can also get the benefit of early entry to the parks to make the most of your magical day. Your Goofy Getaways Travel Advisor can help you choose the BEST resort, dates and package details for YOUR travel party. Reach out to us today or click the link below to get started.
