Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2025

Universal Studios Orlando transforms into a vibrant carnival each year, celebrating Mardi Gras with a mix of New Orleans-inspired traditions and unique park experiences. With stunning parades, live concerts, and an array of festive foods, the event is one of the park’s largest annual celebrations, drawing visitors from around the world. During two months, the resort hosts the biggest party in Orlando, culminating with a traditional Mardi Gras parade every night with dozens of amazing floats and talented performers. Catch those beads and doubloons! Try mouth-watering sweet, savory, spicy dishes from around the world and attend a live music concert that happens every week!

Mardi Gras Parade

The parade, which starts at 7:45 pm every day, is very family-friendly, with a designated kid viewing area. The show features many dancers, stilt walkers, and street performers. Enjoy the sight of fantastic floats from a safe spot! The floats are inspired by NOLA traditions and most carnivals of the world.

Visitors can participate in the parade, catching beads and enjoying the excitement from the sidelines. The boldest ones can reserve a spot on a parade float and toss beads to revelers. To join as a Bead Thrower, visitors must reserve a spot using the Universal Orlando Resort App. Prime parade-viewing areas include the Hollywood section and the New York area near Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, offering great perspectives and plenty of opportunities to catch colorful beads. Whether catching or throwing, the parade is a can’t-miss spectacle filled with glitter, confetti, and music.

Live music

Music enthusiasts will find plenty to love at Universal’s Mardi Gras. The French Quarter Courtyard in the New York area hosts live Louisiana jazz and zydeco bands before the main stage concerts, setting the mood with authentic sounds and lively performers. Strolling through the courtyard, you can enjoy delicious food, grab a drink, or dance alongside the glittering, talented Mardi Gras entertainers.

Mardi Gras also hosts weekly concerts at Music Plaza Stage, featuring some of the biggest names in pop music as well as authentic New Orleans bands. Lineups include stars like The Roots, Marshmello, Karol G, Bell Biv DeVoe, Kool & the Gang, TLC, Speedwagon, Dustin Lynch, Diana Ross, and Chris Young. Genres span pop, rock, country, Latino, and more. It’s an awesome way to close out your day in the parks.

Food

French Quarter Courtyard offers plenty of mouth-watering treats and classic Cajun cuisine. Must try Universal Studios foods during Mardi Gras season include delicious crawfish boil, Andouille sausage, jambalaya, gumbo and fried chicken. The Mardi Gras Feast & Floats Dessert Party is available on certain nights. Don't forget to try beignets, deep-fried pastry dusted with confectionary sugar.

Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras delivers an unforgettable celebration blending authentic tradition with theme park magic, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages.