Universal Mardi Gras 2027: Dates, Parade Times, Concerts and Tips

Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras celebration returns to Universal Studios Florida from February 6 to March 27, 2027, about a week shorter than 2026 (February 7 to April 4). It's a parade with bead throws, New Orleans style food booths and concerts on select nights, all included with a Universal Studios Florida ticket.

Universal Mardi Gras 2027 at a glance

• Dates: February 6 to March 27, 2027
• Where: Universal Studios Florida only, not Islands of Adventure or Epic Universe
• Cost: parade, concerts and booths are included with Universal Studios Florida admission; food and drinks are extra
• Concerts: select nights; the 2027 lineup hasn't been announced yet

Universal Mardi Gras parade times and bead tips

The parade is the main event. Big floats roll through the streets of Universal Studios Florida (the 2027 route isn't posted yet), with riders throwing beads into the crowd the whole way. In 2026 it started at 5, 6 or 7 PM depending on the date, with 7 PM the most common. Universal hasn't posted 2027 parade times yet, so check its site or app closer to your date.

Tips for beads: stand near the start of the route where riders still have full bags, and wave. Kids on shoulders do very well.

In 2026 Universal also sold a float ride and dine experience where guests ride a float and throw beads, with limited spots. Universal's 2027 event page didn't list it as of November 2026, so don't count on it until Universal confirms.

Universal Mardi Gras 2027 concerts

In 2026 there were 11 concerts across the season, starting shortly after the parade on the Music Plaza stage, around 8 to 8:30 PM. Universal hasn't named the 2027 artists or concert dates yet. Concerts are included with admission, but a big name can fill the plaza, so arrive early.

Universal Mardi Gras food booths

Universal hasn't posted 2027 menus yet. In past years the booths covered New Orleans classics (beignets, jambalaya, po' boys, king cake) plus a rotating set of Carnival flavors from other countries. Prices are per item, so share a few plates. Booth hours for 2027 aren't posted yet; in past years they opened in the afternoon, so you could eat before the parade.

Tips for Universal Mardi Gras

• Plan a full park day and stay late. The parade is at night, so the best rides are quieter in the late afternoon while people find a parade spot.
• Weeknights in February are calmer than weekends, which add concerts and locals. More in Orlando in February 2027.
• Spring break crowds arrive in March, especially March 13 to 21 when Orlando schools and UCF are off. Easter is March 28, the day after the event ends. See Orlando in March 2027 for the full month.
• Annual passholders get in with their pass, subject to blackout dates.

Before or after the party

Mardi Gras is a night out, which leaves the daytime open. A sunset airboat tour at Boggy Creek in Kissimmee is about 40 minutes from Universal, and our link takes 10% off. If you'd rather have dinner and a show on a non-parade night, see our Orlando dinner shows ranked.

What Universal has and hasn't posted for 2027

As of November 2026, Universal's Mardi Gras page confirms the basics and not much else:

• Dates: February 6 to March 27, 2027.
• Where: Universal Studios Florida.
• Admission: included with your theme park ticket or Annual Pass. Blockout dates apply to passes, so check yours against the night you want.
• Concerts: live performances on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage. No dates or artists are listed yet.
• Parade: floats inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions. No parade times are posted yet.
• Food and merchandise: available for purchase. You must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID to buy alcohol.

The page does not list a float ride or dining experience for 2027 so far. If a specific concert or a parade start time matters to your plans, wait for Universal to post the schedule before you lock in a date.

Mardi Gras at CityWalk and the Tribute Store

Universal says the festivities extend to Universal CityWalk, with themed food and drinks at several venues, and that the Red Coconut Club becomes the Cursed Coconut Club for the season. The parade and the Music Plaza concerts are inside Universal Studios Florida and need park admission.

Inside the park, Universal also lists a Mardi Gras Tribute Store, which it describes as a themed experience as well as a shop for the season's merchandise.

Getting there, accessibility and schedule changes

Universal Orlando is about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando off I-4. Parking rates and the rules for bags and outside food were not something we could confirm for 2027, so check Universal's policies and FAQ page before you go.

For guests with disabilities, Universal's accessibility page lists:

• Parade and show viewing: stage shows and parades have reserved Accessible Viewing areas marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ask an attendant for help finding one.
• Wheelchairs and scooters: wheelchairs listed at $15 per day in November 2026, standard ECVs at $75 per day and canopy ECVs at $95 per day, each with a signed rental contract.
• From the garage: courtesy wheelchairs are kept by the first elevator bank on the third floor at CityWalk to get you from parking to the rental counter at the front of the park.
• Sign language: interpreting can be requested at no charge for select live shows. Universal asks for at least 14 days of notice by email.

Universal notes that entertainment may close or change hours for weather, capacity or special events without notice. The Mardi Gras page and the Universal Orlando Resort app are where each night's details will appear.