Your Complete Guide to Mardi Gras 2026 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is one of the best seasonal events in all of theme park entertainment — and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be exceptional. Running February 1 through April 4 for 57 nights, this event packs in a legendary parade, world-class concerts, international food, and all-around New Orleans magic. Best part? It’s included with your Universal Studios Florida admission.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading to Mardi Gras 2026 at Universal Orlando.

Mardi Gras 2026 at a Glance

• Dates: February 1 – April 4, 2026 (57 nights)
• Location: Universal Studios Florida
• Included with: Universal Studios Florida admission or annual pass
• Parade: Every night during the event
• Concerts: Weekends only
• Note: Seasonal Passholders are blacked out on Mardi Gras concert nights

The Mardi Gras Parade

The parade is the heart of Mardi Gras at Universal, and it runs every single night of the event. Universal uses floats created by Kern Studios — the same company that has built Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947. There are twelve beautifully crafted floats in this year’s parade, celebrating New Orleans’ food, music, bayou, and festive spirit. Several fan favorites return including the Krewe, King Gator, Riverboat, and King & Queen floats.

Parade Start Times

• 7:00 PM — most nights
• 5:00 PM — February 11 and March 3
• 6:00 PM — February 27 and March 6, 16, and 20

Arrive at least an hour before parade time on weekends and concert nights. Weekday parades are less packed, but Spring Break weeks are the exception — crowds can spike significantly during that window regardless of day.

Best Parade Viewing Spots

The parade makes stops along Hollywood Blvd and in New York (near Revenge of the Mummy) for mini-celebrations and confetti bursts — those areas fill up fast, so stake your spot early. For families with kids, the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop gives children their own dedicated space. Annual Passholders get a special viewing area at Mel’s Drive-In (Thursday through Sunday), while Universal Rewards Visa Signature Cardmembers have a reserved spot in front of Schwab’s Pharmacy.

Ride a Float

Want to be part of the parade instead of just watching it? You can ride a float and toss beads to the crowd. Reservations are required and made via the Virtual Line experience in the Universal Orlando app — check the app regularly since last-minute spots sometimes open up.

Float rider requirements: must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by an adult), at least 48 inches tall, no bags or strollers. All riders must sign a waiver before boarding. Check-in is near the Animal Actors On Location! theater.

Ride & Dine Package

Upgrade your float experience with the Ride & Dine package, which includes your float spot plus a 3-course meal at a participating restaurant. Starting at $94.99, you can dine at:

• Lombard’s Seafood Grill — Universal Studios Florida
• Confisco Grille — Islands of Adventure (2-park ticket required)
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar — CityWalk
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew — CityWalk
• Antojitos — CityWalk (dinner only)

Annual Passholders save 15% on the Ride & Dine experience. Check in for float riding no later than 45 minutes before parade start — you can arrive up to 1 hour 45 minutes early.

The Concerts

Mardi Gras concerts are held at the Universal Music Plaza Stage on weekends, starting shortly after the parade ends (typically 8:00–8:30 PM). Here’s the full 2026 concert lineup:

• February 7 — Kaskade
• February 14 — Portugal. The Man
• February 15 — Ivy Queen
• February 21 — Joey Fatone & 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

The Music Plaza Stage is standing room only. If the concert is your primary reason for visiting, skip the parade and get to the stage early — some popular acts draw lines starting in the morning. Hearing and visually impaired viewing is at the far left near Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Wheelchair viewing is along the walkway near the tech booth.

International Food: 60+ Items from Around the World

The food program at Mardi Gras is genuinely one of the best in theme parks. More than 60 tasting-sized international dishes are available across food kiosks throughout Universal Studios Florida, inspired by global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Puerto Rico to China and beyond.

The smartest way to eat through it all is with the Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card:

• General guests: $65 for a $75 card
• Annual/Seasonal Passholders: $120 for a $150 card (save $30)

Water and sodas are included with the card. Unused value rolls over between Mardi Gras days and doesn’t expire — you can also use it on snacks like soft pretzels, popcorn, and bottled water during regular park hours. The card can be reloaded through March 30.

The Mardi Gras Tribute Store

Located in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store is a must-visit even if you’re not buying anything. This year’s store takes guests through Baron Tonton’s Roadhouse and the House of Tonton, featuring elaborately themed rooms inspired by the neon glow of New Orleans’ nightlife and the vibrant French Quarter atmosphere.

Signature merchandise includes a Baron Tonton shoulder pal, headband, apparel, neon-infused items, beignet keychains, and plush keepsakes. The collection is bigger and bolder than previous years.

Cursed Coconut Club

The Red Coconut Club gets a Mardi Gras makeover as the Cursed Coconut Club during the event. Open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 PM, it features Mardi Gras decor, live music, and specialty drinks. All ages are welcome, though it becomes more adult-oriented later in the evening. CityWalk also gets in on the action with themed food and drinks at multiple venues, including The After Party and Fat Tuesday at Pat O’Brien’s and a Carnavale Concha Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Annual Passholder Perks

• 15% off the Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience
• Special parade viewing area at Mel’s Drive-In (Thu–Sun)
• One free UOAP Mardi Gras Magnet (while supplies last) from the UOAP Lounge
• $30 savings on the F&B Card ($120 for $150 value)
• Premier Passholders: 15% off at Universal-owned Mardi Gras food tents
• Preferred Passholders: 10% off at Universal-owned Mardi Gras food tents
• King Cake Cola at Café La Bamba Patio (alcoholic version with spiced rum for 21+)
• Exclusive Passholder merchandise
• Early park admission to Volcano Bay (up to 30 min early) for Power and Seasonal Passholders
• Up to 30% off at participating Universal Orlando hotels

Crowd Tips for Mardi Gras 2026

Weekdays are your best bet for lighter crowds, especially mid-week. But plan for heavier traffic on any weekend that features two or three concert acts, and during Spring Break windows. Add an extra 30–40 minutes to your schedule on those nights to secure a good spot for the parade and concert.

Mardi Gras 2026 at Universal Orlando runs through April 4 — included with park admission and free with your annual pass (except Seasonal Passholders on concert nights). Stay close to DisMornings for ongoing coverage, reviews of the food items, and tips to maximize your visit.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!