Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Mardi Gras 2026 Dates: February 7 – April 4, 2026
Check back after the start of the celebration for updates on what has returned and what is new.
It’s time to “Let the Good Times Roll” because Mardi Gras is BACK at Universal Orlando. This event is one of our favorite events on the Universal Resort calendar! Every year in February with amazing food booths, street entertainment and a parade worth cheering for, Universal rings in the Mardi Gras season. And this year, is no different.
February 7th will be the start of the Mardi Gras celebration. The theme this year is “Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval“. While we strongly suggest/recommend you check it all out for yourself, we understand that sometimes that’s just not possible. So, we will try our best to highlight the amazing experience that IS Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration!
Food
Is it even Mardi Gras without food? It’s not called “FAT Tuesday” because of the hair styles! The 2026 celebration food does not disappoint! SO many yummy options! This year some highlights are the Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel from Austria, Verlasso Salmon from Chile, Picanha from Brazil, and my personal favorite….beignets. These and many other food items are available for purchase.
Universal Studios
With the International twist on the Carnaval celebration, the foods are different than you might expect. There are the favorites from the French Quarter such as drinks with Rum, jambalaya, Bloody Mary’s and etouffee. But there are also selections from Austria, Chile, Brazil, and more.
Islands of Adventure
If you’re in Islands of Adventure and are not able to jump over to the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios, you can still sample some of the yumminess. This year they have Mardi Gras Hits food booth which offers jambalaya, shrimp gumbo and category 5 punch (hurricane). They also have New Orleans Desserts which offers biegnets and King Cake!
City Walk
In City Walk, there are a few Mardi Gras places.
Cursed Coconut Club
Select nights during Mardi Gras (February 7 – April 4) from 5:00 PM – Midnight (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays) | 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Fridays & Saturdays). The admission is free but food and special drinks are extra. There is also special entertainment.
Entertainment Schedule:
· • 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays): DJ, Duo/Trio (Sundays only), Solo Guitarist (Wed & Thu)
· • 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Fridays & Saturdays): DJ, Duo/Trio (Fridays only)
Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s®
Fridays & Saturdays, February 7 – April 4 from 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM at the amazing Pat O’Brien’s®. Again, the admission is free but there are special drinks to purchase. THere is also great entertainment.
· Entertainment Schedule:
· • DJ: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
· • Stilt Walkers: 7:30 PM – Midnight
· • Patio Guitarist: 7:00 PM – 10:45 PM
Entertainment
Throughout the day at Universal Studios, there are stilt walkers and others entertainers interacting with guests. They make for some great photo ops as well as just seriously fun to see. The Mardi Gras band comes out at various times as well. The best place to see these entertainers is scattered along the roadway near the Jimmy Fallon ride.
Concerts
During the Mardi Gras celebration, on select nights, there are concerts that are included in your park ticket. Here is 2026’s line up:
Parade & Beads
Probably the BIGGEST portion of the Mardi Gras celebration is the parade. The Mardi Gras parade is a family friendly and fun event. Crowds line up for the best spot to get the beads and to see the floats. The same designer who creates the floats in New Orleans, creates the Universal floats. The music is fun & the beads are plentiful. You can even yell “throw me something mister” if you want to!
The parade is at various times, so be sure and check the Universal app! There is also an option to do a Float Ride and Dine Experience. You can reserve a spot on a spectacular Mardi Gras parade float. It includes 3-course meal from participating restaurants too. You can then experience the parade as a float rider while tossing beads. Keep in mind, separate, same-day theme park admission required
Tribute Store
For (almost) every event, Universal has a Tribute Store! The Tribute Store is always themed around the special event. The Mardi Gras Tribute Store is on Hollywood Blvd this year and is filled with specialty beads and t shirts in addition to other specialty Mardi Gras items. There is also a dessert case where you can get specialty food items to satisfy the sweet tooth.
The Mardi Gras event is a family friendly event and is included in your theme park ticket!
For more on other Universal Events check out Universal Orlando: Special Events.
Our Magical Memory Planners can help you with all the details and be sure help you incorporate this fun event into your spring plans.
