Hi, it’s Lily Frog! Laissez les bons temps rouler … or as we froggies like to say, “Let the good times roll!" Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a famous celebration that originated in New Orleans and is now celebrated around the world. Universal Orlando Resort in Florida brings the excitement of this cultural event to life with its annual Mardi Gras celebration. This event is a perfect opportunity for kids and families to experience the magic of Mardi Gras all while having fun at a theme park. In this post, we'll be sharing our top five activities your kids will love at this year's Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration. Let's go!
FAQs
- Where does Universal Mardi Gras take place? The majority of festivities at Universal Mardi Gras take place at Universal Studios Florida, but you'll also find celebrations (featuring themed food and drinks) at Universal CityWalk and at the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
- When does Universal Mardi Gras take place? Universal Mardi Gras runs from Feb. 7 to April 4, 2026.
- What are some highlights of Universal Mardi Gras? Highlights of Universal Mardi Gras include themed food and drinks inspired by Carnaval celebrations from all around the world, the Mardi Gras concert series, a terrific tribute store and, of course, the sensational Universal Mardi Gras Parade.
- How can I ride on a Mardi Gras Parade float? Check out our guide to Universal's Mardi Gras Parade for everything you need to know about snagging a coveted spot on a parade float.
- Who is performing in this year's Mardi Gras concert series? You'll find more details about the hoppin' lineup below! In 2026, the Mardi Gras concert lineup includes Joey Fatone & AJ McLean, The All American Rejects and even RuPaul.
Top Five Things To Do with Kids at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2025
For 2026, the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando is running from Feb. 7 to April 4 and features live music, colorful floats, hoppin' entertainment and amazing shopping and dining experiences.
And before you even ask, we already know what you’re thinking … “Is the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration appropriate for kids?” The answer is, of course, YES! We’re hoppy to share that not only is this event tadpole-friendly, but there are a ton of activities that the whole family will enjoy. The best part is that all of the Mardi Gras fun is already included with your general admission ticket, including the concert series! Plus, bonus — the Frog Family offers discount tickets to help you get there.
Celebrate with the Universal Mardi Gras Parade
The Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade is the centerpiece of the park's yearly Mardi Gras celebration and is a must-see for families and kids. The parade features vibrant and colorful floats — designed and created by the premier float builder for the Mardi Gras carnival season for the past 80 years and the largest parade float and prop fabrication studio in the United States, Kern Studios — that travel through the park, accompanied by catchy music, jovial dancers and entertaining street performers.
Tadpoles will love the nightly parade, where they can catch beads from the floats. As the floats make their way through the park, participants throw an array of beads to the crowds, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. I mean, beads and bling — it's sort of a Mardi Gras thing!
The floats are inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans but with a Universal Orlando twist. The parade celebrates the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, making the floats and characters unfrogettable! Keep your eye out for bayou critters, sparkling shellfish, merry maenads and more.
Little Jester's Parade Viewing Area
Scoring a prime parade seat and viewing location can be challenging when you have the tadpoles to consider. I mean what's the point in attending the parade if your kiddos can't see because crowds are blocking the way. Universal Orlando has got you covered by providing the Little Jester's Parade Viewing Area.
This viewing area is a reserved section designed specifically for families with young children and provides an unobstructed view for tadpoles 10 and under. You'll find this section just in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop.
Become A Part of the Parade
Want to ramp up your Universal Mardi Gras experience? We think one of the most frogstastic ways to do this is to become an official parade float rider and toss beads out to the crowds. Yup, you read that right! Each year, Universal Orlando invites regular park-goers to participate and ride floats during the parade!
Here are a few things you need to know before you go:
- Space is limited and accessible by purchasing the Float Ride and Dine Experience (starting at $94.99), which includes a savory three-course meal at select restaurants.
- All frogs riding a float must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must be at least 48 inches tall.
- You must be able to board the float and stand for the duration of the parade.
- Strollers and large bags are prohibited. Small bags and personal items are allowed.
- For more information and hopful tips be sure to check out our guide on everything you need to know about the Universal Mardi Gras parade.
Parade starts at 5 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 11
- March 3
Parade starts at 6 p.m. on the following dates:
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
- Feb. 27
- March 6, 10, 20
Parade starts at 7 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 7-10, 12-26, 28
- March 1-2, 4-5, 7-9, 11-19, 21-31
- April 1-4
Times are subject to change. Be sure to check the specific times on the day of your visit in the Universal Orlando app. For the best viewing experience, we recommend staking out your spot about an hour before showtime. We love the views from the Hollywood area of the park. If snagging a prime concert view is your priority, then watch the parade close to the Music Plaza Stage such as across the street from Illumination's Minion Cafe.
Feast Upon Flavors from Around the Globe
Let them eat cake! Food is a huge part of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration, and there are plenty of delicious options for kids to enjoy. The park offers authentic New Orleans-style cuisine, including po'boys, king cake and beignets that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In addition to traditional Mardi Gras dishes, there are also plenty of kid-friendly options throughout the park at various dining locations that offer burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and other classic theme park fare.
We love coming to Universal Studios Florida during Mardi Gras season, however, to try the mouthwatering array of international dishes from Carnaval celebrations around the world! This year, you'll find savory options such as Shrimp Fried Rice from China, Matzatlán Street Ceviche from Mexico and Chicken Souvlaki from Greece, as well as sweet treats, such as Maracuja Mousse from Brazil, Kaiserschmarrn from Austria and Coconut Flancocho from Puerto Rico.
You can save by purchasing a Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card. The cost is $65 for a $75 card and lanyard. There is no expiration date or limit on the quantity you can purchase.
Food booths open at 10 a.m. each day and operate until about 30 minutes before the park closes. Keep in mind that on holidays and weekends, lines can be lengthy. We suggest having a designated froggy wait in line to order food, while other members of your party wait at a table or enjoy interacting with the street performers to help pass the time. In addition, you'll want to check our crowd calendar for the best times to visit.
Universal Orlando Resort hotels also get in on the Mardi Gras fun with offerings such as Mini King's Cake at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Muffuletta inspired pasta at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Bourbon Street Beignets at Hard Rock Hotel!
Meet Festive Characters & Street Performers
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration is known for its sensational street performers. These talented individuals entertain guests with their colorful costumes and mesmerizing movements. From stilt walkers to dancers, the street performers are an integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. For the braver froggies in your krewe, have them ask to earn beads by doing a dance, telling or joke or following silly orders from one of the performers.
Throughout the day, you'll find characters such Woody Woodpecker, dressed in their finest Mardi Gras attire throughout the resort. About three hours before the parade begins, street performers make their way out onto the streets. Have your camera or phone handy and be sure to strike a pose!
Mardi Gras Bands
The Beads and Brass band is a must-see attraction that will have you tapping your froggy feet and swaying to the beat. The band brings the traditional sounds of New Orleans to life with its brass instruments and upbeat rhythms. During the Mardi Gras event, the band can be seen marching through the streets and in front of the Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show, playing a mixture of classic Mardi Gras tunes and popular hits. They definitely know how to get the crowd moving and grooving.
Additionally, in New York, you'll find Honey's Mardi Gras Indians with NOA Brass Band. This authentic New Orleans Brass Band features legendary figure Irving "Honey" Bannister, Jr., one of the longest running "masking" performers, honors African heritage and pays homage to Native American tribes that historically offered refuge to enslaved Africans. Expect to find dazzling beads, feathers and sequins in this traditional form of cultural expression and resistance.
Dance to the Beat at Universal Mardi Gras Live Concerts
The Universal Mardi Gras celebration 2026 features a lineup of exciting and talented musicians and bands, performing live on stage during select nights. The concerts offer a fun and safe atmosphere and an opportunity for kids and families to dance and sing along to their favorite tunes. From popular pop and rock acts, there's a variety of musical genres to enjoy.
The concert stage is set up in the heart of the park, the Music Plaza stage, allowing guests to enjoy the music while they sample delicious food and gaze at Rip Ride Rockit roller whiz by in the distance. The concerts are free with park admission. Performances usually begin at 8:30 p.m. and end around 10 p.m. (after the official park closing time) on each concert night.
Here's this year's Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 concert lineup:
- Feb. 7: Kaskade
- Feb. 14: Portugal. The Man
- Feb. 15: Ivy Queen
- Feb. 21: Joey Fatone & AJ McLean
- Feb. 28: Rupaul (DJ Set)
- March 7: Ziggy Marley
- March 13: Tyler Hubbard
- March 14: Bebe Rexha
- March 15: Zedd
- March 21: Barenaked Ladies
- March 28: The All-American Rejects
Commemorate Your Trip with a Token from the Tribute Store
Looking to take a piece of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration home with you? Then the iconic Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Tribute Store is the perfect destination. The store specializes in merchandise inspired by the famous Mardi Gras celebration and is located in the Hollywood section of the park. Tadpoles can find a wide variety of items such as colorful bead necklaces, masks, costumes, hats and other Mardi Gras-themed souvenirs. Additionally, the store also features merchandise specific to Universal Orlando's own Mardi Gras event, including event-branded t-shirts, hats and other keepsakes.
This year, you'll enter through the lively Baron Tonton's Roadhouse and wander down winding pathways of the boroughs of New Orleans before exiting through the colorful and vibrant French Quarter — all decked out for Mardi Gras season. This year's Tribute Store is one of our all-time favorites with hilarious Easter eggs, hidden surprises, neon lights, swingin' music, picturesque photo ops and a dazzling parade float to top it all off. You don't want to miss it!
Are You Ready to Party Mardi Gras Style?
The Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration is a fun-filled experience and I guarantee your kiddos will have a blast! The Mardi Gras parade, live music and delicious food make for a unique and exciting way to celebrate this cultural event. If you're looking for a new and different family-friendly activity, the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando is definitely worth a visit.
What do you think of this year's Universal Mardi Gras celebration? Do plan on attending this year? Let us know what questions you still have down in the comments. We can't wait to help you jazz up your next Universal Orlando Mardi Gras vacation!
Related: Our Jubilant Guide to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026: International Flavors of Carnaval
Love,
