If you thought Mardi Gras was only at New Orleans, think again! Universal Orlando will kick off its Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Florida starting Saturday, February 7th. Unlike last year, this year’s event will run through April 18th, which is a Saturday. On select nights, you can experience all there is to Mardi Gras, in a family friendly way. Read below for information, news, tips, frequently asked questions, and more about the event.
Mardi Gras Grand Celebration Parade
On select nights from February 7th through April 18th, Universal Orlando unveils their grand celebration parade for Mardi Gras, complete with lights, stunning floats, amazing costumed characters, beads, and so much more. Get ready to catch some amazing footage as well as beads by the handful.
Schedule:
- Saturday, February 7th …… 7:15pm
- Saturday, February 14th …… 7:15pm
- Sunday, February 15th …… 7:15pm
- Saturday, February 21st …… 7:15pm
- Saturday, February 28th …… 7:15pm
- Saturday, March 7th …… 7:15pm
- Friday, March 13th …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, March 14th …… 7:45pm
- Sunday, March 15th …… 7:45pm
- Friday, March 20th …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, March 21st …… 7:45pm
- Sunday, March 22nd …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, March 28th …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, April 4th …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, April 11th …… 7:45pm
- Saturday, April 18th …… 7:45pm
Parade Route:
The Mardi Gras parade begins at Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show (which is located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida) and will end at Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show.
Riding a parade float:
Annual Passholders have the opportunity to ride a parade float. If you would like to ride a parade float you must be a valid Annual Passholder, 18 years of age or older (or accompanied by an adult), and 48 inches in height. Bags and strollers are not permitted on the floats. Standard push wheelchairs can be accommodated on the floats only with advance notice. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before boarding a float. It is required for you to sign up to receive this opportunity, you can do so by clicking HERE. You will not be allowed on a float without signing up. Signing up does not guarantee a spot, as space is limited and based on “first come, first served”.
Concert Lineup
Mardi Gras is not complete without live performances. On select nights from February 7th through April 18th, Universal will have live concerts by recognized recording artists:
- Saturday, February 7th: Olivia Newton-John
- Saturday, February 14th: Jessie J
- Sunday, February 15th: Barenaked Ladies
- Saturday, February 21st: Kelly Clarkson
- Saturday, February 28th: Heart
- Saturday, March 7th: Trace Adkins
- Friday, March 13th: MKTO
- Saturday, March 14th: STYX
- Sunday, March 15th: American Authors
- Friday, March 20th: Becky G
- Saturday, March 21st: Yandel
- Sunday, March 22nd: The B-52s
- Saturday, March 28th: Phillip Phillips
- Saturday, April 4th: The All-American Rejects
- Saturday, April 11th: The Band Perry
- Saturday, April 18th: Trey Songz
French Quarter Courtyard
Taste, drink, see, and hear the heart of Mardi Gras. At the French Quarter Courtyard, you can purchase an array of delicious Cajun cuisines, such as jambalaya, beignets, gumbo, and so much more. You can also purchase different beverages and see and hear New Orleans bands perform. The French Quarter opens later in the day and typically closes during the concert.
Performances:
- Saturday, February 7th: Rockin’ Jake
- Saturday, February 14th: The Big Easy Playboys
- Sunday, February 15th: The Big Easy Playboys
- Saturday, February 21st: Grady Champion
- Saturday, February 28th: Cha Wa
- Saturday, March 7th: Beth Mckee & The Sliders
- Friday, March 13th: Mississippi Rail Company
- Saturday, March 14th: Mississippi Rail Company
- Sunday, March 15th: Mississippi Rail Company
- Friday, March 20th: Soul Project
- Saturday, March 21st: Soul Project
- Sunday, March 22nd: Soul Project
- Saturday, March 28th: Naughty Professor
- Saturday, April 4th: Daddy Mac Blues Band
- Saturday, April 11th: Big Al and the Heavyweights
- Tuesday, April 14th: Gravy
Admission to Universal Studios Mardi Gras
Admission to Universal Studios Mardi Gras is included with your theme park admission or annual pass. Please be aware that Florida Residents and annual passholders (using a Power Pass) have blockout dates. Click here to view the blockout dates for a Florida resident ticket. Click here to view the blockout dates for a Power Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is the Mardi Gras event at Universal Studios appropriate for children?
Answer: Yes, Universal Studios Mardi Gras is appropriate for children and was created to be. While the event was designed to be family friendly, please be aware that concert performers may use foul language at times and there will be some guests who do the same. Nonetheless, the event is appropriate for children.
Question: Where do the concerts take place?
Answer: The concerts take place at the Music Plaza in Universal Studios Florida, which is located in between the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and TWISTER… Ride it Out. You can’t miss it because you’ll see a roller coaster peeking 17 stories high just behind the stage.
Question: Is there any seating for the concert?
Answer: Seating is not provided and personal chairs are not permitted either.
Question: Do I sign up to watch the concert?
Answer: Signing up is not required to watch the concert. The concert is included with your theme park admission/annual pass.
Question: About how early should I arrive to watch a concert?
Answer: At times you will see people waiting during morning hours, however, we suggest you arrive 3-4 hours prior to the concert time to get front row. The area will be packed when the Mardi Gras parade ends.
Question: Am I allowed to leave the concert area once I enter?
Answer: Yes, security will allow you to leave and return to the concert area, but be aware that other people will be entering the area and there could be a possibility that you could lose your spot.
Question: What time does the concert begin?
Answer: Usually the concert will begin about 30-45 minutes after the Mardi Gras parade. The Mardi Gras parade begins at different times throughout the event. Exact times for the Mardi Gras Parade and concert should be listed on the park map, which can be found at the front of the park and several other locations.
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