Universal Mardi Gras 2026: Everything We Know So Far About the Party, Parade & Planning Your Trip

Get ready to let the good times roll—Universal Orlando’s fan-favorite celebration, Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returns in 2026 from February 7 through April 4! While Universal has only teased out a few details so far, there’s already plenty to be excited about. Mardi Gras Universal delivers high-energy fun with nightly parades, flying beads, and global flavors you won’t want to miss!

Whether you’re a foodie, a parade lover, or just craving a colorful escape this winter, this blog breaks down everything we know so far about the 2026 event—and why it’s the perfect time to start planning your visit. As a U-Preferred Travel Agent with insider access and expert planning tools, I’m here to help you craft the ultimate Mardi Gras getaway to Universal Orlando Resort.

Let’s dive into what you can expect—and how to be among the first to ride, dine, and celebrate in style.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the colorful costumes, amazing foods and overall good times during Mardi Gras while also enjoying theme park rides and less, shall we say, exposure… this may be the event for you.

This yearly event at Universal Studios Florida has a spectacular parade most nights, street performers, plenty of beads, free concerts, tons of amazing food, and much more. Plus all of the Mardi Gras festivities are included in your park ticket!

The food alone is worth the trip. Authentic Cajun specialties mixed with international dishes and drinks associated with the Carnaval season can be found across the park. As a foodie, trying all the event-only dishes is my favorite part of a theme park visit!

Again, the festivities will run each day from February 7 to April 4, 2026. This event only takes place in the Universal Studios Florida park, including the free concerts and the parade.

The official website says parades are on “select nights,” but if you try to purchase tickets for the Float Ride & Dine experience, you can basically choose any night throughout the event. Obviously if there is inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled or delayed. There is usually one parade each night, but sometimes on weekends or busier nights they will add a second.

Another big highlight is the lineup of free concerts during the event. Be sure to check back here to see the list when the 2026 lineup is released.

You don’t want to miss the parade! You’ll see vibrant floats inspired by New Orleans celebrations—packed with color and plenty of bead throwing!

You’ll also see plenty of street performers and characters walking with the floats. The costumes are beautiful, and the performers are so much fun to watch!

The parade usually starts and ends near Mel’s Drive-In, and I’ll post the route here once it’s released!

But if you REALLY want to take your experience to the next level, you can actually be IN the parade! The Float Ride & Dine is an add-on experience that is only offered during Mardis Gras. It gives guests the chance to actually ride in one of the parade floats and toss beads out to the crowd! Talk about a memory-maker!

You also get a 3-course meal from your choice of the following restaurants on property: Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew or Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food in CityWalk; Lombard’s Seafood Grill in Universal Studios Florida; or Confisco Grille in Islands of Adventure. Important Note: If you choose to eat at Confisco Grille, you MUST have a two-park ticket that allows you entry into both Islands of Adventure for dinner and Universal Studios Florida for the parade. For this meal, you can make a reservation for either lunch or dinner, except for Antojitos, which only offers dinner.

To be in the parade you have to be 18 years or older, or accompanied by a parent. You also have to be willing to stand most of the parade, and as part of “The Krewe” you have to wear the official costume, which is basically a yellow and orange vest.

You’ll need a valid park ticket—either a separately purchased day ticket or an annual pass—since this experience is an add-on. The add-on starts at $95 per person and varies depending on date. There seem to be plenty of bookings still available, but this experience does sell out, especially on weekends!

As a Travel Agent I can tell you – this truly is one of those experiences you won’t forget. Being in a major production of a parade traveling through one of the most popular theme parks in the country… it’s an absolute blast. I’ll be doing this experience when I visit Universal Orlando Resort in February, so be sure to keep an eye out for my full blog post and video!

The international food selection at this event is truly top notch. Think EPCOT’S International Food & Wine Festival, but specifically geared toward spicy, Cajun flavors.

In previous years, the food booths have offered Carnaval eats like Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from the Canada booth, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from the China booth and a Colombian Burger from the Colombia booth. And of course beignets for days… A reason in and of itself to come during Mardis Gras!

Expect food lines to be long at each of the booths, and all of the food and drinks will be for purchase. No word yet on the menu, or if there will be any kind of tasting passport. I’ll share the complete food menu and event map when they’re released!

As if there isn’t enough to do at Universal Studios Florida, you’ll also be able to take in free concerts on select nights throughout the event! These shows usually last about an hour and a half and close out the park’s operating day.

Artists featured in previous years run the gambit of genres, from T-Pain to Joe Jonas to Kool & The Gang, Scotty McCreery, Foster the People and many more. The concerts are free and the seating is all General Admission at the Music Plaza Stage in Production Central, so you’ll want to arrive EARLY if you hope to get a good seat. But let’s be honest – that area is so small that you can stand back on the main road and still see and hear just fine.

Here’s the full 2026 lineup:

Universal Orlando Resort is my favorite set of parks, and Mardi Gras is at the perfect time of year. ESPECIALLY for those who travel without kids. February offers low crowds—except President’s Day weekend and concert nights—making it one of the best times to visit!

If you don’t already have a Travel Agent, I can help you choose the right dates for you, find the perfect hotel for you (especially if you want all the perks of staying on-site), help you with the right tickets and Mardi Gras add-ons, plus help you put together a strategy so you can enjoy the things that are most important to you without the hassle.

We’ll work together so you know when and where to arrive to get the best view of the parade. Want to join the parade? I’ll help you book Float Ride & Dine tickets and secure your meal reservation early. I can show you how to use the Universal Orlando Resort app to find parade times, ride wait times, the Mardi Gras event map and food locations. And all this at no charge to you!

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What are YOU most excited to check out at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval? Tell me in the comments!

Check back here often for updates as Universal announces more details. And whenever you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, you can leave a comment below or contact me here. Laissez les bons temps rouler!