Orlando, FL — Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns to Universal Studios Florida from Feb. 6 to March 27, 2027, included with a theme park ticket or Annual Pass. The event offers an evening parade of floats built by the same studio behind New Orleans’ parade floats, live concerts on select nights, Louisiana jazz and zydeco in the French Quarter Courtyard, and food from Carnaval celebrations around the world. Below is my guide to the event to help you plan.
Note: I may earn a commission if you buy through some links in this article.
The Mardi Gras Parade
The Mardi Gras parade rolls through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in the evening, with floats designed and built with Kern Studios, the same team that builds the parade floats in New Orleans. Universal gives the floats a new theme every year, alongside returning floats like King Gator, and each float has a unique costume design for its bead throwers and beads colored to match.
For catching beads, Universal’s guide suggests the Hollywood section, where you can see the parade as it starts and again as it comes back around, or the New York area.
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience
Ride a parade float and throw beads, plus a 3-course meal at participating Universal Orlando restaurants. Float spots are limited, and you have to buy at least 24 hours ahead.
Price: Varies by date, 2027 details not posted yet
Rules: At least 48 inches tall, 18 or older or with a legal guardian, able to transfer to a Universal-provided wheelchair
Admission: Separate same-day theme park ticket required
Concerts and Live Music
Mardi Gras concerts play on select nights on the Music Plaza Stage, with a lineup that Universal says spans pop, rock, country, R&B and more. Universal hasn’t announced the 2027 lineup, and its concerts page says to check back soon for 2027 details.
Universal’s guide recommends arriving two to three hours before a concert for a spot near the front, because the lawn fills up fast. Before the main-stage concerts, Louisiana jazz and zydeco bands play in the French Quarter Courtyard in the park’s New York area.
Carnaval Food and Drinks
In 2026 the Mardi Gras booths served dishes from Carnaval celebrations in Puerto Rico, Austria and Brazil alongside New Orleans food, including beignets, king cake, baked Cajun mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and King Cake Cola. Universal hasn’t posted the 2027 menu yet. Food and drinks cost extra, and you must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID for alcohol.
The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card costs $65 for a $75 value or $120 for a $150 value.
Dates and Tickets
Universal Mardi Gras runs Feb. 6 to March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida, about a week shorter than 2026’s run of Feb. 7 to April 4. It’s included with a theme park ticket or an Annual Pass, and Annual Pass blockout dates apply.
Fever also sells Universal Orlando park-to-park tickets for U.S. and Canadian residents, from one to five days, with Universal Studios Florida admission included and no booking fees. See Fever’s dates and tickets.
Ticket options and hotel perks
| Ticket | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Florida ticket (1-park or park-to-park) | Set by date on Universal’s tickets page | Mardi Gras is included on the date of your visit |
| Annual Pass | Pass prices on Universal’s site | Mardi Gras is included, with blockout dates |
Universal Orlando hotel guests get Early Park Admission, up to an hour early at select attractions with valid theme park admission, and complimentary shuttle buses or water taxis from select hotels.
Photos
Universal Mardi Gras FAQ
When is Universal Mardi Gras 2027?
Feb. 6 to March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida. Last year it ran Feb. 7 to April 4, 2026.
Is Universal Mardi Gras included with admission?
Yes. It’s included with a Universal Studios Florida ticket or an Annual Pass, and Annual Pass blockout dates apply.
Who is performing at Universal Mardi Gras 2027?
Universal hasn’t announced the 2027 concert lineup yet. Its concerts page says to check back soon for 2027 details.
Can you ride a float in the Mardi Gras parade?
Yes, with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which adds a 3-course meal. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, 18 or older or with a legal guardian, and able to transfer to a Universal wheelchair. Universal hasn’t posted 2027 details yet.
Universal Mardi Gras runs Feb. 6 to March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida. For tickets and hours, visit universalorlando.com. The rest of the resort’s year, from what opened in 2026 to Halloween Horror Nights, is in my Universal Orlando Resort guide.
