Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras: A Guide to the Park’s Most Colourful Celebration
By Amy Davoli, Owner · Travel & Cruise ConsultantUpdated October 2026 · 3 min read
Quick takeaways
- Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida usually runs from February to April.
- Look for festival-exclusive food and drinks inspired by Louisiana, Brazil and the Caribbean, from beignets to King Cake.
- The nightly parade brings colourful floats, performers and endless beads to catch.
- Free concerts on select nights are included with regular park admission.
The best time to visit Universal Orlando Resort is during Mardi Gras season. From February to April each year, the park transforms into a vibrant celebration filled with color, music, delicious food, and endless entertainment. You’ll be surrounded by lively floats and talented street performers and savoring Cajun-inspired dishes while catching all the beads you can! It’s the ultimate family friendly party of the year, and it’s an experience you should have at least once in your lifetime.
After multiple visits myself (and even bringing my boys along for some of the fun), I can confidently say this: Universal’s Mardi Gras is one of the BEST times to experience Universal Orlando.
Here’s why I think you’ll love it, too!
The whole park is filled with Mardi Gras spirit
The moment you step into Universal during Mardi Gras season, the spirit of the Big Easy comes alive in a way you won’t find any other time of the year. From themed photo spots to colourful accents and lively performers, the whole park feels full of a unique energy.
Exclusive food and drinks
One of the most irresistible highlights of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration is the food. The event rolls out a massive lineup of festival-exclusive eats and beverages, with flavors inspired by Louisiana, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Whether you’re craving classic desserts like beignets or King Cake, sipping on refreshing cocktails or mocktails, or sampling bite-sized dishes to try a little bit of everything, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to feast on!
The Mardi Gras parade: arguably the best part!
One part of the celebration you absolutely can not miss is the Mardi Gras parade. During this iconic event, colourful floats fill the streets, performers dance alongside the route, confetti fills the air, and there are endless beaded necklaces to catch! Each year, the parade takes on a fresh theme, with Universal’s art team constantly finding new ways to bring Mardi Gras to life.
Kids love it. Adults love it. Everyone becomes part of the celebration. And the best part? The parade happens every night throughout the season, so it’s easy to fit into your visit.
Amy’s tipGrab your spot along the parade route early, and bring a bag for all the beads you’ll catch!
So many free concerts!
On select nights, there are even free concerts, and the lineup changes every year! These FREE live concerts are included in regular park admission and feature a range of music from big names to classic throwbacks; it’s a crowd-pleaser. And it’s not just the tunes, it’s the colourfully costumed performers and authentic New Orleans vibe that get everyone excited.
Start planning for next year’s Mardi Gras
Even though dates change from year to year, Mardi Gras at Universal almost always takes place between February and April. If this event is on your bucket list (and it should be!), It’s never too early to plan ahead.
I’d love to help you:
- Choose the best dates
- Find the right resort
- Plan the perfect Universal Orlando getaway
- Make sure you don’t miss any Mardi Gras highlights
Let’s get your Universal Mardi Gras adventure started! Just reach out when you’re ready.
FAQs
When is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando?
Dates change every year, but Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida almost always takes place between February and April.
Are the Universal Mardi Gras concerts free?
Yes. The concerts on select nights are included with regular park admission, and the lineup changes every year.
Is Universal Mardi Gras family-friendly?
Yes. It’s a family-friendly celebration, and kids love catching beads at the parade.
What food is at Universal Mardi Gras?
Festival-exclusive dishes and drinks inspired by Louisiana, Brazil and the Caribbean, including beignets, King Cake and plenty of cocktails and mocktails.
