Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up to celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras from February 1 through March 30th. This year’s theme is “International Flavors of Carnaval” and in addition to the park’s signature Mardi Grad Parade, Universal is rolling out the red carpet for some huge artists brining their musical styles to the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida.

Kicking off the concert series included with park admission is T-Pain on February 1 and Joe Jonas from Jonas Brothers on February 8, 2025. Some 12 performances are planned throughout the springtime festival. Concerts take place each evening after the park’s Mardi Gras Parade, featuring six all-new floats this year.

Of course, Mardi Gras is more than parades and music – you can’t forget the food! Universal is planning all-new menu items to bring the “International Flavors of Carnaval” to Orlando: from Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon to Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites to a Colombian Burger and more.

One of the most fun ways to experience all that Universal’s Mardi Gras has to offer is the “Ride and Dine Experience” – for a nominal fee, you get to enjoy a three-course meal at select restaurants across the Universal Orlando Resort parks and City Walk. But the coolest part is the “Ride” experience… you get to ride on one of the Mardi Gras parade floats and toss beads to Universal Orlando guests lining the parade route!

To complete your Mardi Gras experience, Universal’s hotels are getting into the action too with limited-time food and beverages like Bourbon Street Beignets at Hard Rock Hotel, Bayou Shrimp and Grits at Universal Aventura Hotel and New Orleans Chicken at Universal Endless Summer Resort.

To get in, you need a ticket so Universal is also rolling out a number of special offers to get you closest to the Mardi Gras action:

• Florida Residents: Score two days free when you purchase a 2-Park 1-Day ticket
• US and Canada Residents: two free days with a “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days” ticket
• Annual Passes: Save up to $100 on the purchase of a new Universal Annual Pass

Universal Annual Passholders will get extra Mardi Gras perks including a chance to reserve a spot on a parade float, free Mardi Gras button, special parade viewing area, special AP merchandise and discounts on food & beverages.

Check out the Universal Orlando Resort website for all things Mardi Gras and FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW!