A HUGE Mardi Gras Event Starts TODAY at Universal Orlando Resort!

It may feel like the holidays were just yesterday, but Universal Orlando is already celebrating a new holiday right NOW!

Quincy with Mardi Gras Parade performers

Mardi Gras is a massive celebration that happens at Universal Studios in Orlando each year. Guests can watch an amazing parade, eat tons of special foods, and so much more. Let’s dive into what you can really expect at this year’s party!

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will take place in the park from February 3rd to April 7th, 2024. One of the biggest draws of this event, other than the food, is the live entertainment guests will get to see for FREE with their regular park ticket! You’ll be able to see the following performers during the event:

February 3rd — Walker Hayes
February 10th — The All-American Rejects
February 17th — Nessa Barrett
February 18th — KC and the Sunshine Band
February 24th — The Barenaked Ladies
March 2nd — DJ Khaled
March 9th — Ava Max
March 10th — Queen Latifah
March 16th — Luis Fonsi
March 17th — Zedd

Patti LaBelle LIVE (2023)

And speaking of food, we do know that some beloved favorites are returning to the festival this year, (plus some NEW snacks) such as:

Germany booth — Chicken Schnitzel
Mexico booth — Chilaquiles Verdes
China booth — Szechuan Noodle Salad (NEW)
Puerto Rico booth — Pastelons (NEW)
New Orleans — Beignets

Beignet

And we HAVE to mention the parade! This is many guests’ favorite part of the whole event. However, it only happens on select nights, so make sure you’ve chosen a night when it will be making its way through the park.

Mardi Gras float

Watching the parade is tons of fun, but you can also be IN the parade by joining the Virtual Line experience in the Official Universal Orlando App. It can fill up very fast, however, so if you want to guarantee a spot, you can purchase the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which allows you to throw beads to the crowds from a reserved spot on a float PLUS eat a three-course meal at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, or Lombard’s Seafood Grille.