Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is one of the most underrated annual events in theme park history. It runs for weeks, it’s included with park admission, and it delivers a genuine festival atmosphere that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. We spent time soaking in the whole thing and put together the best of what Universal Mardi Gras 2025 had to offer!
What Is Universal Mardi Gras?
Universal Mardi Gras is an annual seasonal event at Universal Studios Florida that celebrates the spirit of New Orleans’ famous festival. It typically runs from February through April and includes nightly parades, live concerts, special food and drinks, and themed entertainment throughout the park.
The best part? It’s all included in your standard park admission! No upcharge, no separate ticket; just show up and enjoy.
The Parade
The Mardi Gras parade is the centerpiece of the whole event. Massive floats roll through the park every night loaded with performers throwing beads to the crowd. The energy is genuinely electric, especially as the sun goes down and the whole thing gets lit up!
Pro tip: Get to your spot along the parade route at least 30 to 45 minutes early if you want a good view. The crowds build up fast and the good spots go quick.
The Food
Every year Universal brings in a rotating lineup of Mardi Gras-inspired food and drinks, and 2025 did not disappoint. Beignets are a perennial favorite (fresh, powdery, and dangerously easy to eat three of). The specialty cocktails and frozen drinks leaned into classic New Orleans flavors and were a highlight of the event.
Food booths are scattered throughout the park, so budget some extra time (and stomach space) to explore!
The Concerts
Included with admission, the Mardi Gras concert series brings in a real lineup of artists performing on the main stage. The concerts happen nightly and the vibe is pure festival. Even if the artist isn’t someone you know, the atmosphere makes it worth sticking around!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Mardi Gras
- Go on a weeknight. Weekends get packed. A Tuesday or Wednesday visit will get you shorter lines and a better experience overall.
- Check the concert schedule in advance. The Universal app and website post the lineup for the season, so plan your visit around an artist you actually want to see.
- Eat your way through it. Don’t just grab one thing. The variety of food is part of the fun!
- Bring a bag for your beads. You will end up with more than you expect.
Watch Our Full Mardi Gras Coverage
We captured the parade, the food, the concerts, and everything in between. Head to the Magic Daydreamers YouTube channel to watch our full
Best of Universal Mardi Gras 2026 video and subscribe so you don’t miss our coverage of upcoming Universal and Disney events all year long!
