It’s time to party – Mardi Gras returns to Universal Studios Florida this February for a colorful celebration, New Orleans style.
The event takes place between February 3rd and April 7th, 2024, and promises to be filled with floats, beads, and beats. Plus, there will be dazzling street performers to ramp up and entertain the crowds.
What to Expect
This year, the celebrations are kicking up a notch with an elements-inspired theme. There will be six new floats – earth, wind, fire, water, the sun, and the moon – alongside the traditional floats. And, of course, there will be plenty of beads to catch.
Parades take place daily, starting at either 5:15, 6:15, 7:30, or 7:35. Check your park app on the day to make sure you don't miss out.
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a stellar foodie lineup, and there will be numerous stands throughout the park dotted with limited-edition goodies. While the dishes will take inspiration from global flavors, expect plenty of Louisiana classics in the form of beignets and drool-worthy po’boys.
The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience
There’s even the option to take your Mardi Gras celebrations to the next level, as Universal’s Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience also returns. This starts at $84.99 plus tax per person and allows you to reserve a spot in which you can ride and toss beads from a Mardi Gras float during the parade.
You’ll also get to reserve a three-course meal at one of the following: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, or Lombard’s Seafood Grille. This can be booked online or by calling 407-224-4233.
Note that Park guests who are not booked onto the Mardis Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience are not guaranteed a spot on a float during the parade, as it is first-come-first-served through the Virtual Line experience in the official app.
An Epic Lineup of Mardi Gras Concerts
The concerts are often the highlight of Universal's vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations. And this year there will be regular concerts throughout the Mardi Gras event – these will be held at the Music Plaza Stage after the Mardi Gras parade.
The concerts kick off with a performance from country singer Walker Hayes on the opening night, and he is followed by some big names. The full lineup is as follows:
- February 3: Walker Hayes
- February 10: The All-American Rejects
- February 17: Nessa Barrett
- February 18: KC and the Sunshine Band
- February 24: Barenaked Ladies
- March 2: DJ Khaled
- March 9: Ava Max
- March 10: Queen Latifah
- March 16: Luis Fonsi
- March 17: Zedd
Better yet, there’s no need to part with any more of your hard-earned cash, as performances and parades are included in the admission price, or with a valid annual park pass.
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