What To Expect at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2026

Updated: February 8, 2026, 2:41pm CST

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Is It Worth It?
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The author was an invited guest of Universal Orlando Resort. All opinions are the author’s own, and Universal Orlando Resort had no input in any part of this review.

Universal Orlando Resort has brought the spirit and spectacle of New Orleans to Florida with Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.

For the 31st year, Universal Studios Florida is home to sparkling parades, delicious food, live music, and plenty of beads. This year’s festivities will run daily through April 4, 2026, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the party — which is included with theme park admission!

Let’s take a look at the details.

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 2026 at Universal Studios Florida runs daily through April 4 at the popular Orlando theme park.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan — Enjoy theming throughout the park.

Guests can enjoy street performers, parades, and live music for no extra cost. All of these events are included with a valid park ticket.

Plus, with food dishes representing Carnaval from around the world, it is the perfect place to work up an appetite.

Concerts

While the parades get a lot of love (for good reason), one of the best parts of visiting Universal Mardi Gras is the free concert series that runs over the 2-month party.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan 03

1 of 3

Kaskade performed February 7.

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

February 14: Portugal. The Man
February 15: Ivy Queen
February 21: Joey Fatone and AJ McLean
February 28: RuPaul (DJ Set)
March 7: Shaggy

March 13: Tyler Hubbard
March 14: Bebe Rexha
March 15: Zedd
March 21: Barenaked Ladies
March 28: The All-American Rejects

These shows are held around 8 p.m. on the Music Plaza Stage in front of what will be the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, replacing the old Rip Ride Rockit.

Popular shows fill up fast, so if you want to see a specific artist, you might want to arrive early.

Parades

Some of the most iconic parts of Mardi Gras are the floats. These intricately detailed, colorful floats inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras are packed with people tossing beads into the crowds.

Masks, feathers, beads, doubloons, food, music, and the bayou. This is what you see, feel, and hear, and these floats roll their way through the streets of Universal Studios.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan 05 — Enjoy nightly parades.

There’s not a bad seat in the park, but people do like to camp out early for prime viewing and bead catching.

If you want a different perspective, guests 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 to toss beads to the parade watchers.

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

Food

The shows and parades are great, but you can’t have Mardi Gras without the food. As you might expect, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval has plenty of options.

This year features food that represents cultures and plates from around the world. From classic beignets to picanha from Brazil, you will not go hungry at this event.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan 09

1 of 5

Mardi Gras beverages.

You can find food stands spread throughout the park, so you can go on a mini food tour between rides and parades.

Tribute Store

Just like every event at Universal, a new Tribute Store is decked out to match the party. This year’s Mardi Gras theme has the store packed with enough merch to deck your entire family for the party.

Whether you’re looking for a King Gator sweatshirt or a cute beignet keychain, you can find it here.

Cursed Coconut Club

Outside the park, at Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club has once again been transformed into the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan 14

1 of 3

The Cursed Coconut Club.

This Louisiana-style dive bar is packed with neon lights, haunted bayou decor, games, cocktails, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cursed cocktail before or after your visit to the park.

And if you saw something moving above the bar … no, you didn’t.

Is It Worth It?

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida is so much fun that it feels like it should be a separately ticketed event.

Univeral Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Image Credit Chris Hassan 15 — Experience performers throughout your day.

The fact that all of these extra performers, floats, beads, and incredible concerts are included with your admission is incredible, and could be one of the best theme park deals out right now.

If you find a show you want to see, buying a park ticket gets you access, unlimited rides, and a ton of free beads. Not bad.

Hot Tip:

Popular shows fill up quickly, so if you are going just for the concert, it may be worth arriving early to secure your spot, as they are general admission with no assigned seats.

Final Thoughts

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval has officially kicked off for the 2026 season. Running through April 4, anyone with a ticket to Universal Studios Florida can take part in the party.

With live music, dancing, parades, performers, and lots of free beads, this is a must-visit, family-friendly event for theme park and Mardi Gras fans alike.