By Jim Carchidi
February 3, 2026
Floridians are still reeling from a frigid weekend but Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for Fat Tuesday. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 7, with concerts, special menus, and the Mardi Gras parade featuring the iconic King Gator float. The party lasts until April 4 with concerts running until March 28.
Universal Studios Florida held its first Mardi Gras celebration in 1995 with Cajun food, live Louisiana-style music and vibrant parade floats. The experience expanded year-over-year and the 31st edition will continue the tradition with more of everything, including a new generation of gator icons.
The Mardi Gras parade
Images courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
The spirit of New Orleans flows through the streets of Universal Studios park with twelve hand-crafted floats, street performers, live music, and plenty of bead tossing. A special Float Ride and Dine Experience ticket scores a spot to ride in the parade and serves up an exclusive three-course meal.
Concert schedule
The Music Plaza Stage will host live performances on select nights between Feb. 7 and March 28. The schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 7: Kaskade
- Feb. 14: Portugal. The Man
- Feb. 15: Ivy Queen
- Feb. 21: Joey Fantone & AJ Mclean
- Feb. 28: RuPaul (DJ Set)
- March 7: Shaggy
- March 13: Tyler Hubbard
- March 14: Bebe Rexha
- March 15: Zedd
- March 21: Barenaked Ladies
- March 28: The All-American Rejects
Flavors of Carnaval
Festival fare is inspired by Carnival celebrations from around the world and incorporates favorites from previous years. New Orleans staples range from Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese and King Cake to Shrimp Po’Boys and Shrimp and Grits. International menu highlights include:
Verlasso Salmon from Chile
Ham, Brie and Berry crepe from France
Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel from Austria
Pinchos de Lechon from Puerto Rico
Chicken Souvlaki from Greece
Picanha from Brazil
Fish and Chips from Ireland
Sfogliatella (crispy “lobster tail” pastry) from Italy
More attractions
The son of King Gator will make his debut in a new guest experience. Prince Gator will welcome guests of all ages for meet-and-greet photo ops outside Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show. And for those needing a retail break, a new Mardi Gras Tribute Store will open in the park’s Hollywood area with themed rooms full of exclusive event merchandise.
The event is part of Universal's seasonal celebrations that include Halloween Horror Nights and the Holidays Celebration with special events in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. Universal recently confirmed an addition to its year-round attractions with the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster replacing Rip Ride Rockit, which closed last year.
For event tickets, updates, annual pass and hotel information, check the Universal Mardi Gras web page.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
Leave A Comment