Universal Orlando Resort’s popular Mardi Gras event runs February 1st through March 30th at Universal Studios Florida theme park. The event is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, and we have compiled need-to-know info about the event.
Universal Mardi Gras is included with your theme park ticket, and it is offered daily through March 30th. The event features specialty food & drink offerings, an exclusive Mardi Gras parade, live concerts from some of the biggest names in music, and more!
This coverage is part of our “Outside the Bubble” coverage of theme parks and experiences beyond Walt Disney World. Our coverage will continue to expand this year as excitement builds for Universal’s brand new theme park Universal Epic Universe!
2025 Universal Mardi Gras Map
2025 Mardi Gras Concert Lineup
End the day on a high note with live performances on select nights on the Music Plaza Stage.
February
- T-Pain | Feb. 1
- Joe Jonas | Feb. 8
- Kool & The Gang | Feb. 15
- Juanes | Feb. 16
- Scotty McCreery | Feb. 22
March
- Foster The People | March 1
- Illenium | March 8
- All Time Low | March 15
- Lawrence | March 16
- Coco Jones | March 21
- DJ Pauly D | March 22
- TLC | March 29
2025 Mardi Gras Parade Details & Times
Catch spectacular floats, including colorful new ones inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions like masks, beads, food, music, and more.
This year’s parade features six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads, and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers, and more.
The parade floats are designed and built in partnership with Kern Studios, the same team that creates the parade floats up in New Orleans. Every year, there’s a new theme developed for the floats along with the iconic floats, like King Gator. Each one has a unique costume designed for the bead throwers and a batch of beads colored to match the look and feel of the float.
5:00pm:
- February 4
6:00pm:
- February 2, 3, 5-7, 9-13, 18-21, 24–28
- March 3-7, 9, 12, 18
7:00pm:
- February 14, 17, 23
- March 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23-28, 30
7:30pm (Concert dates):
- February 1, 8, 15, 16, 22
- March 1, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29
The Universal Mardi Gras parade is perhaps the most unique parade at any Central Florida theme park because guests are actually part of the action! As a bead catcher, simply line the parade route and cheer on the floats and performers. Keep an eye out for beads being tossed by other guests on the floats!
You haven’t truly experienced Mardi Gras until you’ve experienced it from atop one of the spectacular floats. Toss beads to the crowd while you make your way through the streets for an unforgettable time. A limited number of spots are available per night.
Reservations will be accepted in-park via the Virtual Line
experience in the Official Universal Orlando App. Visit the app for more details.
We’ll have more coverage of the parade following the first event, so be sure to check back soon!
2025 Mardi Gras Food & Drink Booths
Discover all the tasty, groovy things Universal has in store for you at Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Savor dishes like Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, a Colombian Burger, and Beignets for days.
In addition to more traditional Mardi Gras fare, international flavors are on display at 13 food and beverage locations within the park.
We’ll have more coverage of the parade following the first event, so be sure to check back soon!
Guests looking to save some money can purchase the Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, where guests pay $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news as well as news, photos, and info from great offerings Outside the Bubble!
