2024 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

February 1, 2025 – March 30, 2025

It’s Florida’s Biggest Party — Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando. Each spring, the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street make their way from the bayou to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. With concerts lighting up the stage; 1.8 million beads flying through the air; a wild and wonderful parade led by amazing, outrageous performers — Mardi Gras is a Universal Orlando tradition like no other. Good times and great food are on the menu with boatloads of tasty shrimp, sweet stacks of delicious beignets and so much more!  Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration is the party of the year—and everyone’s invited. Mardi Gras events are included with your Universal Studios theme park admission.

While Mardi Gras normally lasts only two weeks in New Orleans, at Universal Orlando Resort the party will run for two months, on consecutive dazzling nights from early February to mid-April.

Universal Orlando has been creating its special Mardi Gras celebration for years – bringing the perfect combination of the Big Easy and spectacular theme park entertainment to its guests all for the price of regular admission. Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans – all inside Universal Studios Florida.

The following is information about 2024’s Mardi Gras Celebration. Details will be updated when 2025 info is released. 

The Mardi Gras Concerts

You can’t have a great party without great music. At Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras you can catch some of the biggest names from the worlds of pop, rock, country, R&B and more, live in concert on the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios Florida at 8:30 p.m. on select nights.

For 2024, you’ll be able to catch:

• February 3: Walker Hayes
• February 10: The All-American Rejects
• February 17: Elle King
• February 18: KC and the Sunshine Band
• February 24: Barenaked Ladies
• March 2: DJ Khaled
• March 9: Ava Max
• March 10: Queen Latifah
• March 16: Luis Fonsi
• March 17: Zedd

Mardi Gras Parade

Gather the family and catch beads by the handful as our dazzling parade winds its way through the park with incredible floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, street performers and dancers. It’s fun and excitement for all ages.

For those with little ones, you can head to the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area, which can be found in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop. The area is available beginning one hour prior to the start of the parade.

Be sure to line the streets to catch beads and doubloons by the handful. There is a different theme for the parade each year. In addition, there are some fan-favorite floats like the Riverboat and King Gator.

Looking for the best spots to watch the parade from? Take a look at the map below:

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

Want to be a part of the Mardi Gras parade fun? Guests can reserve a spot on a parade float and toss beads to the crowd, as well as enjoy a 3-course meal selecting from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort. Dining options include:

• Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
• Lombard’s Seafood Grill
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew

The cost of this experience starts at $84.99 per Guest and varies depending on the date.

Depending on availability, a limited number of Mardi Gras float spots may be available day-of for theme park guests to reserve. However, there is no guarantee that these spots will be available. The only way to guarantee your spot is to book the Ride and Dine experience.

French Quarter Courtyard

Want to experience the real feel of The Big Easy? Head to the French Quarter Courtyard for sizzling Cajun and Creole food, as well as authentic music. The French Quarter Courtyard opens at 4:00 pm. each night of Mardi Gras.

Performers

With a rich history of soulful performers, New Orleans is often considered to be the birthplace of true American music. Each Mardi Gras evening you can enjoy the sweet sounds of authentic jazz, blues, and zydeco bands from New Orleans. You’ll also see talented stilt walkers and more wandering the streets, getting Guests excited for the event!

Food & Beverage

The French Quarter Courtyard offers delectable dishes and beverages available for purchase. All food and drinks will be served in tasting sizes. You’ll now be able to enjoy a variety of the New Orleans dishes during your visit. Menu items available for purchase include dishes like shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, frog legs, crab etouffee, and crawfish! Plus, there will be a signature Mardi Gras cocktail, craft beer and more.

For those who want to try a little bit of everything, consider picking up the Tasting Lanyard. This will be available for special purchase.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

There will be a fantastically highly themed shop in the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. Here Guests can peruse, as well as purchase exclusive in-park merch and and participate in photo ops.

CityWalk After Party

After-hours, partygoers 21 and older should head to CityWalk. The New Orleans spirit can be found at Pat O’Brien’s, a replica of the famed French Quarter watering hole. There you can enjoy Hurricanes, eat Cajun favorites in the Main Bar, or join the group sing-along in the Piano Lounge. The Mardi Gras party has also taken over the Red Coconut Club and transformed it into the Cursed Coconut Club.

CityWalk is open each night until 2:00 a.m. and on event nights, your Annual Pass or Universal Studios theme park ticket allows you to skip the cover at Pat O’Brien’s and all other CityWalk nightclubs.