Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 2026 🎭🎺
Ready for big parade energy, live music, and food from around the world? 🌎🍽️ Mardi Gras 2026 at Universal Orlando brings the party to Universal Studios Florida with vibrant floats, concert nights, and that unforgettable New Orleans-inspired vibe ✨🎶.
Below you’ll find the highlights, the Mardi Gras dates, and simple tips to help you pick the best nights for flavors, floats, and fun 🎆.
Location 📍 (Resort + Park)
- Resort: Universal Orlando Resort 🏨
- Park: Universal Studios Florida 🎢
Overview of Mardi Gras 2026 🎉
Mardi Gras 2026 at Universal Orlando—Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval—is a carnival Mardi Gras celebration inspired by New Orleans, packed with colorful parades, live concerts, and international cuisine 🎭🌮.
Mardi Gras dates (2026): February 7 to April 4, 2026. Plan your visit around the best nights for food, floats, and music 🎶🍽️.
What the event includes 🎟️✨
Expect extra entertainment layered on top of your park day—perfect for turning a “regular” visit into a full-on festival night:
- 🎭 Themed parades with Mardi Gras-inspired floats
- 🎤 Live concerts with featured artists (on select nights)
- 🌮🌍 Food booths with flavors from different countries
- 🥁 Street entertainment and a festive atmosphere throughout the park
- 🛍️ Exclusive souvenirs & merchandise tied to the event
Featured artists (selected) 🎶⭐
Lineups can evolve during the season, but these artists were highlighted as selected names:
- NSYNC (special appearance with guest members)
- Shaggy
- Zedd
- Kaskade
- More artists announced throughout the season (To be confirmed)
Mardi Gras dates and times (Mardi Gras 2026) 📆⏰
- Mardi Gras dates (2026): February 7 to April 4, 2026 🗓️
- 🏰 Takes place during regular park hours (daily hours vary—To be confirmed)
- 🎤 Concerts are usually held at night (times vary by artist/date—To be confirmed)
- 🎭 Parades have specific schedules depending on the day (check the daily calendar—To be confirmed)
Tickets and pricing 💳🎟️
Good news: for Mardi Gras 2026, you don’t need a separate event ticket just to enjoy the core festival 🎉.
- ✅ No additional ticket required for standard event offerings
- 🎫 Access is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida
- 💡 Some premium experiences may cost extra (details and pricing: To be confirmed)
Premium add-ons vary year to year, but may include options like VIP-style experiences, reserved viewing, or special packages (availability and inclusions: To be confirmed) 💎.
Ticket sales dates 🗓️
- Not applicable for general event access (it’s included with park admission) ✅
- VIP options or special packages may be purchased separately (on-sale dates: To be confirmed)
What makes it special 🌟
- 🎉 Big seasonal event included at no extra cost with park admission
- 🍽️ A tasty mix of entertainment + music + international cuisine
- 💃 Great for adults, couples, and friend groups looking for nightlife vibes
- 🧭 A smart way to visit Universal during event season and get “more” from your day
Tips to enjoy Universal Mardi Gras 🪄
- ⏳ Arrive early on concert days to claim a good viewing spot
- 🍴 Try the food booths outside peak hours (late afternoon can be ideal)
- 🎶 Match your date to your favorite artist by checking the calendar
- 🎢 Consider pairing it with other Universal parks on the same trip for more variety
- ✅ Quick planning tip: check the official event calendar before you go (To be confirmed)
- 📸 For the best photos and vibes, arrive before sunset—this carnival Mardi Gras atmosphere looks amazing once the lights come on ✨
Important notes ⚠️
- 🗓️ Concert and parade schedules may vary by day
- 🎤 The artist lineup may be updated during the season
- 🔧 Subject to operational changes by Universal