What To Expect at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2025

Updated: February 3, 2025, 4:56pm CST

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Universal Mardi Gras
Is It Worth It?
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Mardi Gras is back at Universal Studios Florida and is packed with fun, food, and entertainment for its 30th anniversary.

This popular event is included with park admission and celebrates the international flavors of Carnival with food, music, parades, and a lot of beads.

Let’s take a look at the details and let the good times roll!

Universal Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Studios Florida runs daily from February 1 through March 30 at the popular Orlando theme park.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras — Let the good times roll through March 30. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Guests can take part in the festivities at no extra cost as long as they have a valid ticket to enter the park.

With a long list of mouthwatering foods, street performers, stunning parade floats, and even live concerts, it’s no surprise this is one of the most popular events at Universal Orlando Resort.

Concerts

If you’re looking for a good bang for your buck, getting a free Mardi Gras event and a concert included with your ticket is one of the best theme park deals.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 01 — T-Pain was the first show, and the viewing area was at capacity. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

On select nights, guests can catch a free show from a long list of popular and Grammy-winning artists, including:

February 1: T-Pain
February 8: Joe Jonas
February 15: Kool & the Gang
February 16: Juanes
February 22: Scotty McCreery
March 1: Foster the People

March 8: Illenium
March 15: All Time Low
March 16: Lawrence
March 21: Coco Jones
March 22: DJ Pauly D
March 29: TLC

These shows are held on the Music Plaza Stage in front of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and can fill to capacity. So if you want a good viewing area for your favorite artist, be sure to arrive early.

Parades

Inspired by some of New Orleans’ most iconic krewes, Mardi Gras 2025 features 6 brand-new floats complete with live music, performers, and a whole lot of beads.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 02 — The floats are works of art. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Guests who really want to get into the spirit can book the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a 3-course meal and the chance to ride one of the floats along the streets of Universal Studios Florida, tossing beads to the parade watchers.

Parade floats run between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Food and Drinks

While some people come to Universal Mardi Gras for the parades and concerts, many come for the food.

This year, Universal Mardi Gras features a long list of specialty items and 13 booths around the park where visitors can try cuisine from around the globe.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 08 — Lines were long on the first day of Mardi Gras. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

There is much to try, from hot-maple-lacquered salmon from Canada to spicy Szechuan chicken bites from China. But whatever you do, make sure you don’t skip the beignets!

Tribute Store

As always, the Tribute Store is decked out in a whimsical Mardi Gras theme, packed with weird legends of the bayou and enough merchandise to create your own store at home.

Whether you’re looking for a limited-edition souvenir or just cool Universal gear, you can find it here.

Cursed Coconut Club

Outside the park on Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club has been transformed into the Cursed Coconut Club during Mardi Gras season.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 12 — The Curse Coconut Club is worth a visit. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Open on select nights, visitors can experience live music, specialty drinks, voodoo vibes, and tarot card reading without needing to pay for a parking ticket.

Hot Tip:

Don’t miss the Zoltar machine on the second floor.

Is It Worth It?

Universal Mardi Gras is absolutely worth it for anyone planning on visiting Universal Orlando Resort before March 30, 2025.

Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 07 — A fun event for all ages. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

The family-friendly event costs no additional money, so as long as you have a park ticket, you can enjoy fun parades and even free concerts. And probably walk away with a few pounds of beads.