UNIVERSAL MARDI GRAS: INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND, CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF LETTING THE GOOD TIMES ROLL WITH DELICIOUS CUISINE FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE, A VIBRANT PARADE, LIVE CONCERTS FROM THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC, AND MORE
Guests Can Take Part in the Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras with Admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual or Seasonal Pass
Universal Orlando Resort’s wildly popular event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, begins this Saturday, February 1 and runs daily through Sunday, March 30, inviting guests to celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music and food. The fan-favorite celebration returns to Universal Studios Florida with an all-new mouth-watering menu of international cuisine, a spectacular parade with dazzling floats where guests can catch tons of beads, and live concerts – on select nights – by some of the biggest names in music, like GRAMMY-winning artist T-Pain, global pop superstar Joe Jonas and Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Juanes. And guests can enjoy all of the fun as part of regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
See below for more information about the festivities that await at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, plus special offers guests can take advantage of this season:
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Experiences
Guests can let the good times roll and enjoy: Live performances by the biggest names in music on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage inside Universal Studios Florida, following the Mardi Gras parade (see below for the full concert lineup).
| UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2025 CONCERT LINEUP | |
| Date | Headliner |
| February 1 | T-Pain |
| February 8 | Joe Jonas |
| February 15 | Kool & The Gang |
| February 16 | Juanes |
| February 22 | Scotty McCreery |
| March 1 | Foster the People |
| March 8 | Illenium |
| March 15 | All Time Low |
| March 16 | Lawrence |
| March 21 | Coco Jones |
| March 22 | DJ Pauly D |
| March 29 | TLC |
- Mouth-watering flavors of global cuisine from New Orleans to Puerto Rico and beyond. Guests can venture through Universal Studios Florida and dine on the sweet, savory and spicy dishes – including Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, a Colombian Burger and so much more. The best way to enjoy this year’s delicious menu is with the purchase of the Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, where guests pay $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120.
- A dazzling Mardi Gras parade where they can celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras and catch tons of beads by the handful. This year’s parade features six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers and more.
- Guests can also take their Mardi Gras party to the next level with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a delicious three-course meal at one of eight participating restaurants, followed by an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the parade by tossing beads aboard one of the coveted floats as it travels down the streets of Universal Studios Florida. Click here for more information.
- An all-new incredibly-themed Tribute Store where they’ll uncover the wondrous, whimsical and weird legends of the bayou and explore a curiosity shop, swamp shack and marsh. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the bayou and shop an exciting array of Mardi Gras-themed merchandise. Highlights include a vibrant selection of apparel such as t-shirts, flannels, hats and hoodies, as well as accessories like headwear, backpacks, and vinyl toys. New must-haves include the eye-catching Gator Junior Shoulder Pal Plush and exclusive 30th anniversary collectibles, including a customizable commemorative beaded necklace, light-up Gator Junior popcorn bucket, a limited-edition bubble pin, and festive chocolate coins.
- Exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s nine hotels, where they can dine on Mardi Gras food and beverages from Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in Hard Rock Hotel to Bayou Shrimp and Grits at Bar 17 in Universal Aventura Hotel.
- Special Mardi Gras offerings at select venues at Universal CityWalk, including Pat O’Brien’s Mardi Gras After Party on select nights with live entertainment and exclusive food and drink offerings, and the Red Coconut Club, which will transform into the Cursed Coconut Club, open on select nights for the Mardi Gras season.
- And more!
All-New Exciting Offers to Plan the Mardi Gras Celebrations
Guests looking to experience Universal Mardi Gras and all that Universal Orlando has to offer can take advantage of a variety of incredible offers to plan their visit.
- Florida residents can get two days free with the purchase of a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket – allowing them three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Florida residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also book a stay at the all-new Universal Stella Nova Resort or Universal Terra Luna Resort (officially opening March 25, 2025) for just $159 per night (click here to learn more).
- U.S. and Canada residents can enjoy two free days of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with the purchase of the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days” ticket offer– giving them four days to enjoy some of the most innovative and immersive theme park experiences. U.S. and Canada residents can also save 30% on a 4-night stay at the all-new Universal Stella Nova Resort or Universal Terra Luna Resort (officially opening March 25, 2025) (click here to learn more).
Universal Orlando Passholder Perks
Guests can also become a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder and save up to $100 on the purchase of any Florida resident Pass. Universal Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive exclusive Mardi Gras perks, including an opportunity to ride a Mardi Gras float in the parade (reservations required), a complimentary Mardi Gras-themed button, access to a special parade-viewing area, food and beverage discounts up to 15% off, special merchandise and more (click here to learn more).
Access to Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply). For more information about Universal Mardi Gras, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
You May Also Enjoy: Universal Orlando Resort Announces 2025 Event Dates
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
- The Jonas Brothers Returning To Disney For A Christmas Movie - January 28, 2025
- Universal Mardi Gras Kicks Off This Weekend - January 27, 2025
- runDisney Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Merch - January 24, 2025