Hey Thrill Seekers,
Get ready to grab your beads, fill your stomach and join one of the biggest parties of the year at Universal Orlando Resort!
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns to Universal Studios Florida in 2027, bringing colourful floats, live entertainment, international food and plenty of Mardi Gras atmosphere to the park.
The 2027 event runs from 6 February until 27 March 2027, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to join the celebration during a spring holiday in Orlando.
And the best bit? Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida, so you don’t need to purchase a separate event ticket.
Here’s everything you need to know about Universal Mardi Gras 2027.
📅When is Universal Mardi Gras 2027?
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval takes place at Universal Studios Florida from 6 February to 27 March 2027.
Unlike Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras isn’t a separately ticketed event. Guests with valid admission to Universal Studios Florida can enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities during normal park operating hours.
Universal Mardi Gras 2027 dates
6 February – 27 March 2027
The event takes place throughout this period, although some entertainment, including the live concerts, is scheduled for selected nights.
Universal hasn’t yet announced the full 2027 concert line-up or all of the detailed event schedules, so we’ll update this guide as more information is released.
🎭What happens at Universal Mardi Gras?
There’s a lot more to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando than simply watching a parade.
The celebration combines:
- 🎭 A spectacular Mardi Gras parade
- 🎶 Live concerts on selected nights
- 🍴 International food and drinks
- 🥳 Street entertainment and performers
- 📿 Bead throwing
- 🛍️ Exclusive Mardi Gras merchandise
- 🎈 Colourful Mardi Gras decorations and atmosphere
Universal describes the 2027 celebration as an opportunity to “taste the world”, with food inspired by flavours from around the globe. Food and merchandise are available to purchase separately.
📿Universal Mardi Gras Parade
One of the highlights of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida is undoubtedly the Mardi Gras parade.
Colourful floats make their way through the park, with performers, music, costumes and, of course, plenty of beads being thrown into the crowds.
The floats take inspiration from traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations, incorporating colourful designs, masks, beads, food and music.
It’s a brilliant spectacle for the whole family and is one of those Universal experiences where it’s worth finding a good viewing position in advance.
Can you catch beads at Universal Mardi Gras?
Yes!
One of the traditions of Universal Mardi Gras is catching beads thrown from the parade floats.
You’ll see guests lining the parade route hoping to catch as many beads as possible as the floats pass by.
Top tip: If catching beads is high on your list, arrive at your chosen viewing location early. The parade can attract large crowds, particularly on popular evenings.
🛟Universal Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience
Want to get much closer to the action?
Universal also offers a Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, although details and availability for 2027 are still to be announced.
The experience allows guests to actually ride on one of the Mardi Gras parade floats and take part in the bead-throwing fun.
It also includes a three-course meal at a participating Universal Orlando restaurant. Universal states that float places are limited and that the experience requires separate same-day theme park admission.
There are also age and height requirements for guests taking part.
We’ll update this section when Universal announces the 2027 pricing and booking information.
🎶Universal Mardi Gras 2027 concerts
Live music is another major part of the Mardi Gras celebration.
On selected nights, Universal Studios Florida’s Music Plaza Stage hosts live performances featuring artists from a range of genres.
Previous Mardi Gras celebrations have featured performers from pop, rock, country and R&B, so the concerts can attract some surprisingly big names.
Who is performing at Universal Mardi Gras 2027?
The 2027 concert line-up has not yet been announced.
Universal has confirmed that live performances will take place on selected nights, but the artists and dates have yet to be revealed.
As soon as the line-up is announced, we’ll add the full list here.
Based on previous years, however, it’s worth keeping an eye on Universal’s announcements if you’re visiting during Mardi Gras and want to catch a particular artist.
🍴Universal Mardi Gras food
If there’s one thing Universal Mardi Gras takes very seriously, it’s food!
The International Flavors of Carnaval theme means that guests can travel around the world without leaving Universal Studios Florida, with food inspired by different countries and cultures.
Universal says guests can expect to “taste the world”, with sweet, savoury and spicy dishes available during the event.
Food is available to purchase separately from your park admission.
What food will be available at Mardi Gras 2027?
Universal has not yet released the full 2027 food line-up.
However, based on previous Mardi Gras events, expect a mixture of:
- International dishes
- Street-food style snacks
- Sweet treats
- Spicy dishes
- Drinks inspired by different countries
- Mardi Gras favourites
Universal typically releases the full food and drink menus closer to the start of the event.
We’ll update this guide once the 2027 menus are announced.
🧂Universal Mardi Gras countries and flavours
One of the things that makes Universal Mardi Gras different from a traditional theme park food festival is the international focus.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on New Orleans cuisine, the event takes guests on a culinary journey around the world.
Previous events have featured food inspired by countries and regions including Mexico, France, Germany, China, Italy, Colombia and Canada, alongside traditional New Orleans-inspired dishes.
The exact 2027 destinations and menus haven’t yet been confirmed.
🛍️Mardi Gras merchandise
If you’re looking for a souvenir of your visit, Universal also creates exclusive Mardi Gras merchandise.
Previous merchandise collections have included:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Pins
- Drinkware
- Accessories
- Mardi Gras-themed souvenirs
The exact 2027 collection will be announced closer to the event.
Mardi Gras merchandise can be found at various locations around Universal Studios Florida during the celebration.
🎫Do you need a separate ticket for Universal Mardi Gras?
No!
This is one of the biggest differences between Mardi Gras and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular Universal Studios Florida admission. You don’t need to buy a separate Mardi Gras ticket.
You can therefore visit Universal Studios Florida as normal and enjoy the Mardi Gras entertainment happening throughout the day and on selected evenings.
Your regular Universal ticket can include access to attractions as well as the Mardi Gras festivities taking place during your visit.
👶Is Universal Mardi Gras suitable for children?
Absolutely.
Unlike Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Mardi Gras isn’t a horror event and is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.
The colourful parade, performers, music, food and bead throwing make it a particularly fun event for families visiting Universal Studios Florida.
There isn’t a separate nighttime admission requirement either, so younger children can experience the Mardi Gras atmosphere during a normal day at the park.
📅When should you visit Universal Mardi Gras?
If Mardi Gras is an important part of your Orlando holiday, it’s worth checking the event calendar before choosing which day to visit Universal Studios Florida.
The event runs every day from 6 February until 27 March, but some of the biggest entertainment is only available on selected nights.
If you’re particularly interested in the concerts, you’ll want to plan your visit around the artist you want to see once the 2027 line-up is announced.
If you’re more interested in the food and parade, you have considerably more flexibility.
⭐Tips for Universal Mardi Gras 2027
Get there early for the parade
The Mardi Gras parade can attract large crowds, so don’t leave finding a viewing spot until the last minute.
Wear something comfortable
You’ll be doing plenty of walking around Universal Studios Florida, and you may also find yourself standing for the parade.
Comfortable shoes are essential!
Bring a bag for your beads
You could end up catching quite a few beads during the parade. A small bag can be useful for keeping them together for the rest of your day.
Try something you’ve never eaten before
With international food at the heart of the event, Mardi Gras is a great opportunity to try something completely different.
Don’t just stick to your usual theme park favourites!
Check the concert schedule
If you’re hoping to see a particular artist, check the official schedule before your visit. Concerts take place on selected nights rather than every evening.
Consider the Float Ride and Dine Experience
If you’re looking for something extra special, keep an eye out for the 2027 Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience.
Riding on a parade float and throwing beads into the crowd is certainly a different way to experience Mardi Gras!
❓Universal Mardi Gras 2027 FAQs
When is Universal Mardi Gras 2027?
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval takes place at Universal Studios Florida from 6 February to 27 March 2027.
How much does Universal Mardi Gras cost?
There is no separate Mardi Gras admission fee. The event is included with valid admission to Universal Studios Florida. Food, drinks and merchandise are available to purchase separately.
Where does Universal Mardi Gras take place?
Universal Mardi Gras takes place at Universal Studios Florida.
Is Universal Mardi Gras every day?
The Mardi Gras celebration runs throughout the event period, from 6 February to 27 March. However, some entertainment, particularly the live concerts, takes place on selected nights.
What time is the Mardi Gras parade?
Parade times can vary and are subject to change. Check the Universal Orlando app and official park information on the day of your visit for the latest time.
Are the Mardi Gras concerts free?
Yes. The concerts are included with your valid admission to Universal Studios Florida on the selected concert nights.
Can children go to Universal Mardi Gras?
Yes. Universal Mardi Gras is a family-friendly celebration and doesn’t have the horror elements associated with Halloween Horror Nights.
Can I ride on a Mardi Gras float?
Universal offers a separate Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, subject to availability. Float places are limited and additional terms, including age and height restrictions, apply.
Universal Mardi Gras 2027: Let the good times roll!
With colourful floats, beads flying through the air, international food and live music, Universal Mardi Gras is a great way to add something different to an Orlando holiday.
The 2027 event runs from 6 February to 27 March, and because Mardi Gras is included with regular Universal Studios Florida admission, there’s no need to buy a separate event ticket.
And with Universal Epic Universe now part of the Orlando theme park scene, 2027 could be an interesting year to combine a visit to Mardi Gras with time exploring all four Universal Orlando theme parks.
We’ll keep this guide updated as Universal announces the 2027 concert line-up, food menus, parade times, merchandise and Float Ride and Dine details.
Planning a trip to Florida? Explore our range of Universal Orlando tickets and start planning your next Orlando adventure.
Smiles included…
Jamie
