The massive Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando Resort returns this year from February 5 through April 24. The 11-week-long festivities will feature a series of star-studded live concerts, a vibrant Mardi Gras parade and mouth-watering fare, with food offerings whose flavors are inspired by cultures around the world.
The spectacle and excitement of Universal's Mardi Gras celebration are included with the purchase of admission to Universal Studios Florida. Florida's biggest Mardi Gras party consist of:
Mardi Gras Concert & Live Music Series
For 2022, Universal Orlando has snagged some of the music industry's most influential and popular performers to headline its Mardi Gras concert series. Motown legend Diana Ross, singer-songwriter Khalid, and Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Marshmello, along with a dozen other big-name artists, will be performing live over the course of the Mardi Gras celebration.
On select nights, these concerts will take place at the park's 'Music Plaza' stage, an adrenalizing outdoor amphitheater that takes its inspiration from Los Angeles' iconic open-air venue, the Hollywood Bowl. The complete concert lineup appears below.
| Date | Headliner |
|---|
| February 5 | Sugar Ray |
| February 12 | Diana Ross |
| February 19 | Barenaked Ladies |
| February 20 | Styx |
| February 26 | Jon Pardi |
| March 5 | LL COOL J, featuring D Z-Trip |
| March 6 | Marshmello |
| March 12 | Lee Brice |
| March 13 | Becky G |
| March 18 | Khalid |
| March 19 | Seal |
| March 20 | Gavin DeGraw |
| March 25 | The Revivalists |
| March 26 | Jimmie Allen |
| March 27 | Jason Derulo |
'Planet Mardi Gras' Parade
Universal Studios Florida will also showcase an authentic New Orleans-style parade, complete with spectacular floats, dazzling costumes and plenty of beads being tossed out to guests. For 2022, parade elements will rotate around an original theme: 'Planet Mardi Gras'. Six brand-new floats will combine Mardi Gras flare with such cosmic-inspired elements as stars, comets, rocket ships and Martians. These quirky, colorful floats will join Universal's six traditional New Orleans-inspired floats in making their way along the route, accompanied by high-energy music and dozens of performers dressed in eye-popping, festive costumes.
Flavors From Around the Globe
The award-winning chefs at Universal Orlando Resort will also spice up this year's Mardi Gras celebration in their own way, whipping up delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of various delicacies from various parts of the world. Guests can take their tastebuds around the globe by trying specialty items like New Orleans-style Beignets, Southeast Asian Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa, Indian-inspired Vegan Samosas and Salchipapas that hail from Central America. Guest visiting the park during the event period can sample a bit of everything by purchasing a 'Mardi Gras Food and Beverage' card.
Select food-and-beverage venues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando hotels will also be featuring Mardi Gras-inspired menu items, including New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice; Chicken, Andouille & Shrimp Jambalaya; Shrimp Po' Boys; and King Cake Pancakes.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
