Our Jubilant Guide to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026: International Flavors of Carnaval

Every spring, Universal Orlando's biggest party comes alive during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Universal Orlando Resort plays host to the hoppin' New Orleans celebration, complete with Cajun and international flavors, toadally amazing concerts and entertainment — including a float-filled, electrifying parade — that would make the Big Easy proud. This year, the party is running from Feb. 7 until April 4, 2026, so it's time to send in your RSVP and start practicing your bead-catching skills! Here's everything you need to know, and we'll be sure to update as more party deets come in.

Hop To

• Mardi Gras Parade
• Mardi Gras Concerts
• Food and Drinks at Universal Studios Florida
• Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts
• Mardi Gras Atmosphere + Experiences

FAQs

• Where does Universal Mardi Gras take place? The majority of festivities take place at Universal Studios Florida, but you'll also find celebrations (featuring themed food and drinks) hoppening at Universal CityWalk and at the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
• When does Universal Mardi Gras take place? Universal Mardi Gras takes place 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 all around the world, the Mardi Gras concert series, a chilling tribute store and, of course, the spectacular 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? Universal announced the hoppin' lineup, and you'll find more details below! In 2026, the Mardi Gras concert lineup includes Joey Fatone & AJ McLean, The All American Rejects and even RuPaul.

Between gorgeous weather, all-star music, killer food and festive floats ... what more could you ask for? French Quarter Courtyard is chock-full of dancers, jazz bands and delicious food. All of the extra fun is included with regular Universal Orlando park admission!

This fun, action-packed event takes place daily during our personal favorite season in Orlando, so you really can't miss it. Take a peek at our ribbeting guide for Mardi Gras, including tips to make the most of your visit. Let the good times roll, frog friends!

Universal Mardi Gras Parade

2026's parade celebrates the food and music of New Orleans. These festive additions will join Universal's traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats, such as the nearly 50-foot-long King Gator, and dozens of performers in festive costumes as they wind through the streets of Universal Studios Florida and throw out beads by the handful.

It's important to strategically plot your parade spot. Below is a list of the parade times for 2026 (times can be subject to change, so we'd recommend double-checking on the day of).

Parade starts at 5 p.m. on the following dates:

• Feb. 11
• March 3

Parade starts at 6 p.m. on the following 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

Later showings are when you really have to plan ahead!

If you want to attend the concert at 8:30 p.m., we recommend getting a spot right along the edge of the street in front of Music Plaza Stage for a quick turnaround to snag a concert spot. Try snagging a spot across the street from Illumination's Minion Cafe about an hour and 30 minutes before the parade starts. You'll be right at the front of that section when the ropes go up. As soon as the parade ends, you'll be able to make your way to the concert viewing area quickly and even snake your way to the front for a frogtastic view!

There's also a special viewing area near the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood for tadpoles under 10 and an accompanying grow-up, which was where Leap and Lily like to camp out. These are great locations, but don't bank on them unless you arrive early ... they typically fill up quickly!

@undercovertourist 📌 Save for the top 5 tips for visiting Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort! 💙💛💚🧡 Also, did you catch those beignets having a moment? 🤤 Tap our link in bio for more tips! #undercovertourist #mardigras #universalorlandoresort #uor #universalorlando #orlandovacation #uor ♬ original sound - Angelica Lopez

To land a solid parade spot anywhere, try lining up about 30 minutes ahead of time. On weekends, crowds are heavier, so arrive 45 minutes early ... and if you have a larger group or want front-row seating, find your spot at least 60 minutes ahead of the parade start. Front-row seating (or standing) gives you and your tadpoles a better shot at catching beads — especially since some viewing areas end up being pretty far from the floats and are, therefore, harder for riders to throw to. This is half the fun for us, so we'd highly recommend looking for a spot the earlier, the better!

Did you know you can also ride on a float?! An epic add-on has returned in 2026 that we're toadally jazzed about that allows you to do just that. On select dates, you can enjoy a three-course meal and get a reserved spot on a parade float! Here are the restaurants participating in 2026:

Universal Studios Florida

• Lombard's Seafood Grille

Universal CityWalk

• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew
• Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only)

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required)

This bundle is the best way to guarantee your place in the parade, and starts at $94.99 per person (tax included). Separate theme park admission is required for the same date of booking and your purchase must have been made 24 hours prior to the event date.

The entire Float Riding experience lasts two to three hours, so you may miss the beginning of the concert, but if seeing the show isn't a priority for you, we can't recommend this experience enough. All riders must be at least 48 inches tall with a parent/adult guardian over 18 to sign a waiver. Floats are assigned upon availability. Get your throwing arm ready!

Depending on availability, a limited number of Mardi Gras float spots may be available day-of for theme park guests to reserve. There is no guarantee, however, that these spots will be available.

Universal Mardi Gras Concert Lineup 2026

Universal Mardi Gras always has a super impressive lineup of performers from all different music genres for its concert series. On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the celebration, Music Plaza Stage hosts some of radio's finest bands and artists. Performances usually begin at 8:30 p.m. and end around 10 p.m. (after official park closing time) on each concert night. We're so hoppy to share the 2026 lineup with you!

Mardi Gras 2026 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

Concert crowds will vary depending on the popularity of the artist and day of the week. This year, Lily is excited for Bebe Rexha and Tad can't wait for Portugal. The Man, but "the old frogs" like me and Leap are hoppin' for Joey Fatone & AJ McLean and The All-American Rejects. (Last year, T-Pain hit capacity at around 8 p.m. on opening night and fans started lining up right at park open for Joe Jonas.) Saturdays generally bring in larger crowds than Sundays. If you don't mind missing the parade, we recommend landing your concert viewing spot at least an hour ahead of time for a spot on the grass.

Universal Mardi Gras Food and Drinks at Universal Studios Florida

New Orleans is known for its hoppin' delicacies, and the Cajun offerings at Universal Mardi Gras are no different. In 2026, bold flavors from 12 different countries will ignite your taste buds with an array of delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various Carnaval celebrations around the globe. Food booths open at 10 a.m. and operate until 30 minutes before the park closes. While we gather our thoughts about this year's offerings, check out our favorite food and drink items of Universal Mardi Gras 2025!

Returning in 2026 is the specialty "Mardi Gras Food and Beverage" gift card, which is available for purchase at various locations throughout the park during the event. Pay $65 for a $75 card and lanyard (or, if you're an annual passholder, $120 for a $150 card and lanyard) — good for over 50 Mardi Gras tasting menu items! Give the gift of "good times" to a friend or use it for yourself and minimize the time you'd spend fishing for your wallet. The cards don't expire, so you can use your remaining balance for next year's event, as well!

Here are the menus for 2026:

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA

Bites of the Bayou

• Food Menu:
  
  • Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese: cavatapppi past with andouille sausage and holy trinity, tossed in a spicy Cajun cream sauce with scallions
  • Fried Oyster Po'Boy: flash fried oysters with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and Cajun remoulade
  • Fried Green Tomato Po'Boy: flash fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and Cajun remoulade
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Category 5 Punch: Cruzan dark rum, Myers's Dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit syrup, simple syrup and grenadine
  • Akita Mardi Gras Bock: canned

China

• Food Menu:
  
  • Shrimp Fried Rice: egg fried rice with shrimp and vegetables
  • Mala Beef Skewer: marinated beef skewer topped with Szechuan spice blend and scallions
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Luck and Prosperity: Hokkaido Milk Tea powder, ginger purée, blood orange syrup and orgeat syrup with brown sugar tapioca boba

France

• Food Menu:
  
  • Ham, Cheese and Berry Crepe: freshly baked crepe, filled with sliced ham, Brie cheese and mustard cream sauce, finished with berry gastrique
• Drink Menu:
  
  • French Blonde: New Amsterdam gin, Lillet Blanc, St-Germaine elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and Bee Brother's Lemon Bitters

Italy

• Food Menu:
  
  • Burrata Focaccia: house-made focaccia, filled with mortadella, fresh burrata cheese and pistachio pesto
  • Sfogliatella "Lobster Tail": layers of sweet flaky pastry filled with a rich vanilla ricotta cream
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Bergamot Spitz: Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, St-Germaine elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice and Cavicchioli 1928 Prosecco
  • Wine Stream Capri Mimoa

Mexico

• Food Menu:
  
  • Matzatlán Street Ceviche: shrimp ceviche served on top of Tostios Salsa Verde chips with cucumber, carrot and tomato salsa
  • Flautas: crispy beef flats with tomatillo salsa, sour cream, shaved lettuce and radish
  • Tres Leches: a soaked three milk chocolate cake with toasted almonds and merengue
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Cielo Rosado: Cuervo Tradicional blanco tequila, Del Maguey Single Village Vida Clásico mezcal, grapefruit juice, peach purée, smoked paprika and a hint of smoked sea salt
  • Mangonada Mocktail: Chamoy, a house-made mango smoothie and Choula hot sauce

Puerto Rico

• Food Menu:
  
  • Pinchos de Lechon: char-grilled pork shoulder skewer with guava bbq sauce and pan sobao
  • Pastelón Fritters: crispy sweet plantain and picadillo beef fritters served with mayo ketchup
  • Coconut Flancocho: coconut flan with pineapple cake and a rum whipped topping
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Piña Colada: Don Q Reserva rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and a hint of smoked sea salt

Taste of the Quarter

• Food Menu:
  
  • Beignets: traditional New Orleans pillowy pastry bites, fried and dredged in a powdered sugar
  • King Cake: Mardi Gras cake with a cinnamon swirl icing, sprinkles and a Mardi Gras baby
• Drink Menu:
  
  • King Cake Espresso Martini: New Amsterdam vodka, JF Hayden's espresso liqueur, king cake syrup and brewed coffee
  • Abita Mardi Gras Bock: canned

Greece

• Food Menu:
  
  • Chicken Souvlaki: marinated and roasted chicken skewer with feta cheese, tomato, onion and cucumber salad, served inside a warm pita
  • Spanakopita: savory Greek pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in crispy layers of phyllo dough
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Ouzo Cooler: Metaxa Ouzo, lemon juice, simple syrup, cucumber essense and mint essence

Jamaica

• Food Menu:
  
  • Rasta Pasta: penne pasta with colorful bell peppers in a jerk vegan coconut curry cream sauce
  • Jerk Chicken: fire-grilled jerk marinated chicken thigh with a Caribbean jerk BBQ sauce and coco bread
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Kingston Rum Punch: Monymusk overproof white rum, Planetary OFTD overproof rum, lime juice, passion fruit syrup and guava nectar

Ireland

• Food Menu:
  
  • Fish & Chips: beer battered and fried fresh cod, served til chips and tartar sauce
  • Beer & Cheese Soup: beer and cheese soup served with a warm pretzel stick
  • Shepherds Pie: seasoned beef and lamb, mushrooms, peas and carrots, topped with Cheddar mashed potatoes
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Green Tea Clover: Jameson Irish whiskey, MIDORI melon liqueur, DeKuyper peach schnapps, sour mix
  • Ring of Kerry: Patrón Silver tequila, DeKuyper watermelon pucker, sour mix, lime

Brazil

• Food Menu:
  
  • Pichanha: char-grilled beef sirloin cap steak, thickly sliced and served with faofa and vinaigrette
  • Pão de Queijo: freshly baked warm Brazilian cheese bread bites
  • Maracuja Mousse: passion fruit mousse with a passion fruit gelée
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Frozen Maracujan Caipirinha: LeBlon Cachaça, Bols Orange Curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit juice, passion fruit syrup and simple syrup

Bourbon Street Snacks

• Drink Menu:
  
  • Category 5 Punch: Cruzan dark rum, Myers's dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit syrup, simple syrup and grenadine
  • Abita Purple Haze, Frenziskaner Hefeweisen, Pacifico Clara
  • Abita Amber, Keels Farm King Cake Cider
  • Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine IPA

Chile Patagonia

• Food Menu:
  
  • Verlasso "Fire" salmon: fire-roasted Verlasso salmon, served with crispy potatoes and fresh herb salsa
  • Pastel de Choclo: baked ground beef pie with raisins, olives and egg, topped with a creamy corn pudding
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Teremoto: Veramonte sauvignon blanc, house-made pineapple sorbet and grenadine
  • Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc

Austria

• Food Menu:
  
  • Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel: crispy pork cutlet with potato salad, lingonberry jam and lemon
  • Goulash: slow cooked tender beef with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and paprika, served with artisan bread and sour cream
  • Kaiserschmarrn: fluffy torn pancake pieces dusted with powdered sugar and served with apple sauce and lingonberry jam
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Eiskaffe: iced Vienna coffee and simple syrup, cold foam and coca powder top

Bloody Mary Carts

• Drink Menu: 
  
  • Bloody Mary Wild: New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, celery salt, black pepper, hot sauce and Sriracha with a Jack Link's Original Beef Stick garnish and a Flamin' Hot Cheetos rim
  • Bloody Mary Mild: New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, celery salt and black pepper with a Jack Link's Original Beef Stick garnish and a Flamin' Hot Cheetos rim
  • Premium Bar:
    
    • Mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito's vodka, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, BACARDI Superior rum, Patron Silver tequila, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 whiskey, Crown Royal whisky, Tanqueray London Dry gin

Daiquiri Deck

• Drink Menu:
  
  • Colors of Carnival: layering of King Gator Margarita, Canal Street Colada and Bourbon Street Blast
  • Bourbon Street Blast: Jack Daniel's Blackberry whiskey, DeKuyper crème de cassis, lemon juice and blackberry
  • King Gator Bayou Blast: Cuervo Tradicional reposado tequila, St-Germaine elderflower liqueur, Absente absinthe, lime juice and honeydew syrup
  • Canal Street Colada: Planetary OFTD overproof rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, mango syrup and cream of coconut
  • Premium Bar:
    
    • mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito's vodka, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, BACARDI Superior rum, Patron Silver tequila, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 whiskey, Crown Royal whisky, Tanqueray London Dry gin
  • Royal Street Refresher Mocktail: peach purée, strawberry purée, Sūpāsawā and mint essence
  • Abita Purple Haze: Draft Beer
  • Parish Brewing Co Ghost in the Machine IPA: Draft Beer
  • Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay

Universal Mardi Gras Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts

Once again, the Red Coconut Club in CityWalk will serve up Mardi Gras-themed cocktails as the "Cursed Coconut Club" for Carnaval season! On Wednesdays through Sundays from Feb. 7 to April 4, 2026, frogs can enjoy fun, festive Mardi Gras décor and themed drink offerings for purchase, plus live entertainment on select nights. Check the official Universal Orlando Resort app for dates and hours of operation. Last year, we found three different bars — each with their own unique story and menu! Here are the menus for 2026:

Bar #1

• Cocktails:
  
  • Tropical Detonator: Monymusk overproof rum, Three Olives vodka, New Amsterdam gin, Midori and pineapple juice
  • Who Dat?: Old Forester bourbon, lime juice, orange juice, Angostura bitters and Coca-Cola
  • The Dirty Bird: 360 Vodka Madagascar Vanilla, 360 Vodka Bing Cherry, 360 Vodka Sorrento Lemon, lime juice, dragonfruit syrup and Sprite
  • Sunset on the Fly: Orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and grenadine
  • Shot & a Beer: Choice of liquer shot (1.25oz) with a canned Miller Lite Cuervo Tradicional blanco tequila, Fireball Jameson Irish whiskey or Fernet-Branca
• Canned Beverages:
  
  • Miller Lite
  • Abita Andygator
  • Modelo
  • NÜTRL
  • Athletic Brewing Co Upside Down Golden NA
  • High Noon
  • Monster Voodoo Grape

Bar #2

• Cocktails:
  
  • Lafayette Nọ1: Rhum Clement Agricole rum, Cruzan Dark rum, Brovo Falernum, St. Elizabeth allspice dram, lime juice, orange juice nad honey syrup
  • Pimm's Nọ504: Pimm's #1, New Amsterdam gin and Sprite
    
    • Mocktail: Cucumbers and mint with Seagram's Ginger Ale and Sprite
  • Salon 75: New Amsterdam gin, lemon juice, strawberry syrup and Cupcake Prosecco
  • Eighth Ward: Misguided Spirits whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice and grenadine
• Draft Beer:
  
  • Parish Brewing Ghost in the Machine
  • Keel Farms King Cake Cider
  • Abita Amber Blue Moon
  • Abita Purple Haze Michelob Ultra
• Canned Beverages:
  
  • Miller Lite
  • Abita Andygator
  • Modelo
  • NÜTRL
  • Athletic Brewing Co Upside Down Golden NA
  • High Noon
  • Monster Voodoo Grape

Bar #3

• Cocktails:
  
  • Rougar-ita: Firefly White Lightning' moonshine, DeKuyper blue curaçao, lime juice and agave
  • Honey Island Punch: Cruzan Light rum, Cruzan Dark rum, lime juice, pineapple orange juice and grenadine
  • Letiche Lemonade: Firefly Peach moonshine, iced tea and lemonade
    
    • Mocktail: iced tea & lemonade, peach syrup

• Draft Beer:
  
  • Parish Brewing Ghost in the Machine
  • Keel Farms King Cake Cider
  • Abita Amber Blue Moon
  • Abita Purple Haze Michelob Ultra

• Canned Beverages:
  
  • Miller Lite
  • Abita Andygator
  • Modelo
  • NÜTRL
  • Athletic Brewing Co Upside Down Golden NA
  • High Noon
  • Monster Voodoo Grape

That's not all, though! Frogs can keep the good times rolling at the Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O'Brien's on Fridays and Saturdays from Feb. 7 to April 4, 2026.

Whether you're staying at a resort as a guest or just stopping in for a delicious meal, you'll also find a variety of menu items specially themed for the celebration at every resort on property!

Here are the full resort food and drink offerings for 2026.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel

Aurora Market

• Mini King's Cake
• Mardi Gras Gelato

Flora Taverna

• Soul Crab Beignets: Golden-fried beignets filled with sweet lump crab meat, herbs, and a hint of spice
• Lady Iris: Gin, pomegranate liqueur, green herbal liqueur, lemon, ruby port

Bar Helios

• 4 am on the Decatur: Slow-drip coffee and caramel infused cognac, sweet vermouth, bitter liqueur

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Splendido Bar & Grill

• Harbor Hurricane: Two different light rums, lime, orange, passion fruit, grenadine

Trattoria del Porto

• Italian 75: Gin, essence, lemon, simple syrup, prosecco
• Muffuletta inspired pasta: Nduja (whipped salami), olives, grilled artichokes, pepper jack fondue and gemeli

AP Offering

• Free dessert with entrée or sandwich purchase between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Hard Rock Hotel

The Kitchen

• Bourbon Street Beignets: Bourbon caramel sauce, powdered sugar

Velvet Bar

• Bayou Board: Alligator andouille sausage, smoked wild boar sausage, large soft pretzel, warm beer cheese, spicy brown mustard
• French 75: Gin, single pressed lemon juice, simple syrup, sparkling wine, lemon peel for garnish

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Islands Dining Room

• Chicken & Sweet Potato Lumpia: Served with nước chấm sauce

Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar

• Orchid: Gin, elderflower liqueur, violet liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, pea flower float

Tuk Tuk Market

• Chocolate Bomb: Choose from chocolate and caramel with spiced pecan with Mardi Gras purple, green, and gold decor, s’mores or cookies & cream

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Amatista Cookhouse

• Ancho Chile Chicken Empanadas: Braised chicken, black beans, red pepper aioli

Strong Water Tavern

• Cucumber Hurricane Twist: Light rum, lime juice, melon liqueur, sliced cucumber

New Dutch Trading Co.

• Traditional King Cake

Universal Stella Nova Resort

Cosmos Cafe and Market

• From the cafe side:
  
  • Lunch only:
    
    • Shrimp Po'Boy: Crunchy coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, remoulade, French bread, French fries
  • Dinner only:
    
    • Shrimp & Grits: Sautéed shrimp, stone-ground grits, andouille sausage, sofrito, cheddar cheese, cream, cayenne molasses
• From the market side:
  
  • All Day:
    
    • Muffuletta: Stacked Italian meats, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, onions, olive tapenade, French bread

Nova Bar

• Cosmic Carnival: Bourbon shaken with Louisiana-style liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine, served over ice

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Omega Cafe and Market

• From the cafe side:
  
  • Lunch only:
    
    • Shrimp Po'Boy: Crunchy coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, remoulade, French bread, French fries
  • Dinner only:
    
    • Shrimp & Grits: Sautéed shrimp, stone-ground grits, andouille sausage, sofrito, cheddar cheese, cream, cayenne molasses
• From the market side:
  
  • All Day:
    
    • Muffuletta: Stacked Italian meats, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, onions, olive tapenade, French bread

Luna Bar

• La Louisiane: Rye whiskey with French herbal liqueur and sweet vermouth, served over ice

Universal Aventura Hotel

Bar 17 Bistro

• Korean Cajun Jambalaya: Shrimp and kimchi fried rice tossed with Cajun trinity vegetables, topped with gochujang-glazed and andouille sausage
• Sujeonggwa (available non-alcoholic): Korean style punch with cinnamon, ginger, simple syrup and Soju

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Galaxy Bowl Restaurant

• (Bowl of) Beignets: Whipped cream, chocolate powder
• Classic Hurricane: Light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit puree, simple syrup, grenadine, orange wheel, cheery

Bayliner Diner

• Mardi Gras Flat Bread: Diced andouille sausage, caramelized onion, peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella, dash of Cajun seasoning

Swizzle Lounge

• Sazerac: Bourbon, rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, bitters, lemon twist

Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites

Beach Break Cafe

• Bayou Blast: Cajun fried wings, Bayou red beans and rice

Sand Bar

• Masque D'amour: Spiced rum, passion fruit, mango, vanilla, cinnamon

Universal Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Pier 8 Market

• Voodoo Street Fries: Seasoned fries topped with chicken, andouille sausage, spicy fried shrimp, onions, peppers, cheese sauce, green onions

Available at Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar and The Wave Maker's Pool Bar

• Masque D'amour: Spiced rum, passion fruit, mango, vanilla, cinnamon

Universal Mardi Gras Atmosphere and Experiences

Starting at around 4:30 p.m., the streets erupt with a party atmosphere you'd be hard-pressed to find outside the Crescent City. We love dancing along to The Beads & Brass Band near the Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show and grabbing photos with Mardi Gras royalty, succulent seafood, swamp wildlife and, of course, Baron TonTon himself along the streets of Minion Land and New York!

Returning in 2026 is Honey's Mardi Gras Indians with NOLA Brass Band. A legendary figure in New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Irving "Honey" Bannister, Jr. is one of the longest-running "masking" Mardi Gras Indians. As a form of both cultural expression and resistance, this performance honors African heritage and pays homage to Native American tribes that historically offered refuge to enslaved Africans. The dazzling beads, feathers and sequins represent the tribe's culture values, history and resilience. Bannister mentors new generations of maskers within the Creole Wild West Indian Tribe and ensures that the customs and history of Mardi Gras Indians are passed on. You'll find this performance next to Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The incredibly themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store returns to the Hollywood area of the park this year! Not only can you get fancy beads, masks and event merchandise inspired by the event here, but it's also always the perfect place for some glorious photo-ops. Each year, the Tribute Store gets its own unique theming and, this year's store might've just taken the (king) cake. Enter TonTon's Roadhouse, a local hotspot where the brews are flowing, the tunes are rocking and the cryptids are still lurking. Pass through the chilling kitchen and wander a glowing, seedy back alleyway where voodoo has seeped into the streets from the mystical House of TonTon. You'll then traipse through a mysterious graveyard and finally exit through the lobby of the iconic Hotel Ana Marie and into the French Quarter where the party's just getting started floats are being erected in the baron's image.

You know and love Lil' Boo and Earl the Squirrel ... so is it any surprise Mardi Gras now has its own resident icon? King Gator's son, Prince Gator, has made his official walkaround character debut this year! A prince who knows how to party, this adorable new meet-and-greet is hoppening throughout the day at the Wave outside Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show.

Over in Universal CityWalk, you'll even find patio guitarists, DJs and stilt walkers performing on select nights and even Woody and Winny Woodpecker all decked out in their Mardi Gras best!

Universal Mardi Gras is the closest thing you can get to N'awlins ... without having to worry about your tadpoles seeing or hearing anything they shouldn't. The festive floats, atmospheric decor and delicious cuisine really give your little ones a taste of the Big Easy, which is a fun exploration of a different celebration they might not be familiar with. Allow your kiddos to try new foods, interact with performers and catch all the beads they can! (Fun fact: The floats in the Universal Mardi Gras parade are designed by Kern Studios, which has created authentic floats in New Orleans for over 60 years!)

Are you ready to put your dancing shoes on and visit Orlando's version of the Big Easy? You're sure to have a blast! Let us know if you have any questions about Universal Mardi Gras in the comments below. 

Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events

Hoppy planning!