Mardi Gras Universal Orlando returns to Universal Studios Florida with festive parades, international food booths, live concerts, and bead-throwing fun included with park admission.
UPDATE: Ziggy Marley has replaced Shaggy on March 7!
Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the concert lineup and more details for its wildly popular Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval celebration is returning to Universal Studios Florida for 2026! This vibrant festival will run from February 7 through April 4, 2026, bringing beads, parades, global food, and live music back to the theme park this spring.
Mardi Gras Universal Orlando Concert Lineup
This year’s concert series will feature 11 live performances by some of the most popular names in music, including the pop superstar behind the mega-hit, “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha, the Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer behind the chart-topping song, “Clarity” – Zedd, and platinum-selling rock band The All-American Rejects. See below for the complete list of performers.
| UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2026 CONCERT LINEUP | |
| DATE | HEADLINER |
| February 7 | Kaskade |
| February 14 | Portugal. The Man |
| February 15 | Ivy Queen |
| February 21 | Joey Fatone & AJ McLean |
| February 28 | RuPaul (DJ SET) |
| March 7 | Ziggy Marley |
| March 13 | Tyler Hubbard |
| March 14 | Bebe Rexha |
| March 15 | Zedd |
| March 21 | Barenaked Ladies |
| March 28 | The All-American Rejects |
What Else to Expect at Mardi Gras Universal Orlando
Mardi Gras Universal Orlando transforms Universal Studios Florida into a high-energy carnival inspired by New Orleans and Carnavals around the world, and it’s all included with your park ticket.
Daily Festivities
- Nightly Mardi Gras Parade: Featuring dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street performers, and mountains of beads flying through the crowd.
- International Flavors of Carnaval Food Marketplaces: Taste a huge variety of dishes from New Orleans classics to global carnival-inspired bites, all located throughout the park.
Mardi Gras Universal Orlando Food and Beverage Options
This year’s Mardi Gras menu will bring the flavors of Carnaval to life with an exciting mix of international cuisine and classic New Orleans favorites. The celebration will feature dishes from 12 countries, inviting guests to take their taste buds on a journey around the world without ever leaving Universal Studios Florida. A sampling of this year’s eats includes Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese, a Ham, Brie and Berry Crepe, Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel, Pinchos de Lechon, along with fan-favorites like the New Orleans-inspired Beignets and the Cat 5 drink, and so much more. Guests can savor these culinary delights at kiosks across the park and at select restaurants.
Mardi Gras Universal Orlando Food and Beverage Card is Back!
Guests can taste more and save more at Mardi Gras with the purchase of a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, allowing them to relish in the delectable flavors of Mardi Gras and enjoy more for less by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders are eligible for special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available for purchase at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida and can be redeemed at any food & beverage location at all four Universal Orlando theme parks, and Universal CityWalk.
Mardi Gras Tribute Store
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store will also return this year to the Hollywood section of the theme park, featuring a brand-new theme and an exciting selection of merchandise that’s not to be missed. Additional details will be shared soon.
The best way for guests to enjoy Universal Mardi Gras and keep the party going is by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s 11 magnificently-themed hotels, where they can indulge in delectable Mardi Gras food and beverage offerings unique to each hotel, from Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel to Korean Cajun Jambalaya at Bar 17 Bistro in Universal Aventura Hotel to Voodoo Street Fries at the Pier 8 Market in Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, and much more. Hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive benefits during their visit, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.
Also,, on select nights, guests can experience extra Mardi Gras excitement at Universal CityWalk with entertainment offerings that include patio guitarists, DJs, stilt walkers and exclusive drink offerings during the Mardi Gras After Party in Pat O’Brien’s, and the transformation of the Red Coconut Club into the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.
Float Ride and Dine Experience
This special add-on includes:
- A three-course meal at a participating restaurant on the day of your visit
- A reserved spot aboard one of the Mardi Gras parade floats during the nighttime procession
- The unforgettable experience of tossing beads from the float as it winds through the streets of Universal Studios Florida
Participating dining locations include popular Universal CityWalk and theme park eateries like The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Lombard’s Seafood Grille, Confisco Grille (requires a 2-park ticket), and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only).
🎟️ Tickets for this add-on start at approximately $94.99 per adult (ages 18+) and include a discount for Universal Orlando Passholders.
Universal’s Mardi Gras continues to be one of the most lively and colorful celebrations in Orlando’s theme park calendar, blending traditional Carnival spirit with theme park thrills. Whether you’re chasing beads, savoring international cuisine, or dancing to live music, Mardi Gras 2026 promises something for every fan heading to Universal Studios Florida this spring!
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
Expertise. Ease. Value.
Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
