Originally posted: The Universal Close Up Blog.
The start of a new year is upon us. Time to set those New Year’s resolutions, start planning out your year, and most importantly, get ready for Universal’s Mardi Gras. This year’s event returns Feb. 9 – April 4 to Universal Studios Florida with nightly parades, live concerts on select nights, Cajun food and drinks and beads, beads and more beads! Let’s dive into the star-studded concert lineup with new and returning fan-favorites. Catch these live performances on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage.
Concert Lineup:
- February 9 – BUSH
- February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
- February 17 – Dan + Shay
- February 23 – Macklemore
- March 2 – To be announced
- March 9 – Becky G
- March 10 – Sean Paul
- March 16 – Steve Miller Band
- March 17 – Ziggy Marley
- March 23 – NF
- March 24 – Pitbull
- March 30 – To be announced
- March 31 – To be announced
New Nighttime Parade Theme
The nightly parade returns with 12 floats, beads, colorful dancers and stilt performers. This year’s new theme is one of my all-time favorites – Party Animals! You’ll see floats and performers dressed as their spirit animals from all over the world like the arctic, jungle, ocean, swamp and more.
Universal’s Mardi Gras – Arctic Parade Float Rendering
French Quarter Food and Drinks
The French Quarter Courtyard is getting a new culinary twist this year. All food and drinks will be served in tasting sizes. You’ll now be able to enjoy a variety of the New Orleans dishes during your visit.
Enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine during Universal’s Mardi Gras – King Cake.
To add to the excitement, our culinary team has whipped up new and returning fan-favorite food and drink options. We’re talking beignets, frog legs, crab etouffee, and crawfish! Plus, we’re going to have a signature Mardi Gras cocktail, craft beer and more. Stay tuned to the blog for more mouthwatering details.
French Quarter Entertainment Lineup
You can’t have the French Quarter Courtyard without the beats of the Big Easy. Catch these authentic New Orleans bands performing daily in the French Quarter.
- February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
- February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
- February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
- March 19 – April 4: New Breed Brass Band
Special Ticket and Annual Pass Offers
This spring we’ve got the perfect way for Florida residents to experience ANY day of Mardi Gras and Universal Orlando thrills and excitement. For a limited time get 3 days for just $159.99 plus tax with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola or Coke Zero Sugar now through April 4, 2019. You can use your three days anytime now through June 30, 2019. That means no blockout dates and you can use them non-consecutively. OR you can upgrade to an Annual Pass* to enjoy the parks all year long and our special events like Mardi Gras. Right now – April 4, you get up to six months free with the purchase of any Annual Pass. That’s a whole year now and up to half a year free! Plus, Passholders get awesome perks during Mardi Gras like an exclusive parade viewing area, float riding opportunities and more. *Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
