Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

Event Overview

Universal's Mardi Gras is a weeks-long celebration included with standard park admission, combining a nightly-on-select-dates parade with international food marketplaces and live concerts. It runs on select nights (typically Friday–Sunday) from early February through early April.

Its signature elements are the illuminated parade — featuring authentic New Orleans-built floats and bead-tossing — paired with a free concert series at the Music Plaza Stage near Minion Land featuring major touring artists.

Highlights

• 2026 concert lineup includes Bebe Rexha, Zedd, The All-American Rejects, Kaskade, Portugal. The Man, Shaggy, Barenaked Ladies, RuPaul (DJ set), Tyler Hubbard, Ivy Queen, and Joey Fatone & AJ McLean across 11 event nights
• All concerts are free with park admission and staged at the Music Plaza Stage
• A nightly parade features New Orleans-crafted floats and bead-tossing on select event nights
• International food marketplaces let guests sample dishes representing global Carnival traditions
• A paid upsell Float Ride & Dine experience lets guests ride aboard an actual parade float

Planning Tips

• Concerts and the parade only happen on select nights (mostly Fri–Sun) — check the specific date's schedule before visiting.
• Arrive early to Music Plaza Stage for headline concerts — these draw large standing crowds even though they're free.
• Since it's included with admission, pair a Mardi Gras night with normal ride touring earlier in the day.
• Book the Float Ride & Dine experience well in advance if interested — it's limited-capacity and sells out.