Universal Mardi Gras 2027 Dates: Included with Admission

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2027: Dates, Parade, Food, and Concerts

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs February 6 through March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida. The parade, bead tosses, street entertainment, and global food booths are included with a Universal Studios Florida theme park ticket or eligible Annual Pass. Blockout dates can apply to passes. Live concerts happen on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage. Food, drinks, and merchandise are extra.

That is the core of the 2027 event. You do not need a separate Mardi Gras ticket to catch beads, watch the floats, or eat from the street booths. You do need park admission for that day, and any add-on such as the Float Ride and Dine Experience is sold separately.

When is Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2027?

The official event window is February 6 to March 27, 2027. It takes place inside Universal Studios Florida during the park day, not as a separately ticketed after-hours event. Universal has not published daily parade start times, a full operating calendar, or concert dates yet. Those details usually appear closer to the season.

The 2027 run is shorter than the 2026 celebration, which ran February 7 through April 4. Easter falls on March 28, 2027, the day after this edition ends.

Is Mardi Gras included with Universal Orlando tickets?

Yes. Admission to the celebration is included with a Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass that is valid for Universal Studios Florida on your visit date. Annual Pass blockout dates apply, so passholders should confirm the date before booking travel. A Universal Islands of Adventure-only ticket does not cover the event, because the parade and concerts are at Universal Studios Florida.

Hotel packages that bundle a room and park tickets can be a practical way to cover admission, but the event itself is not an extra gate charge.

What is the Universal Mardi Gras parade?

The parade is the main free-with-admission attraction. Colorful floats, including designs inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions, move through Universal Studios Florida with masks, beads, music, and street performers. Universal’s Art and Design team builds the floats each year, turning bare float skeletons into the moving set pieces used for International Flavors of Carnaval.

Guests watch from the parade route and catch beads. Standing room is first come, first served. On busier evenings, especially concert nights, arriving at the route early is the practical way to get a clear view.

Are there concerts at Universal Mardi Gras 2027?

Yes, on select nights. Performances are at the Music Plaza Stage and have historically covered pop, rock, country, R&B, and dance. Universal has not announced the 2027 artist lineup or which dates have shows. Past headliners are not a schedule for 2027.

If a specific act is the reason for the trip, wait for the official lineup before locking nonrefundable travel. Concert nights are still covered by regular Universal Studios Florida admission, subject to pass blockouts.

What food is at Universal Mardi Gras?

Street booths sell sweet, savory, and spicy dishes from around the world, available for purchase. The official theme is global eats without a passport, alongside the New Orleans-inspired parade. Menus for 2027 are not posted yet. Alcohol is limited to guests 21 or older with a valid photo ID.

Exclusive Mardi Gras merchandise, including apparel, accessories, pins, and drinkware, is also sold during the event.

What is the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience?

This is the paid upgrade. It combines a three-course meal at a participating Universal Orlando restaurant with a reserved spot riding a parade float and tossing beads. Universal currently says to check back for 2027 details. What the page already states:

• Same-day Universal Studios Florida admission is required in addition to the experience.
• Float spots are limited.
• Purchase must be made at least 24 hours before the event date.
• Pricing varies by date and is subject to availability.
• Riders must be at least 48 inches tall and able to board the float and stand for the parade.
• Riders must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Riders must be able to transfer to a Universal-provided wheelchair.

Restaurant choices and menus are in the experience terms once booking opens. Do not plan around a prior year’s price.

Do Universal Orlando hotels add anything for Mardi Gras?

A stay at a Universal Orlando hotel does not include the event by itself, but it adds useful extras during the celebration. Early Park Admission allows entry up to one hour before the general public to one park, with valid theme park admission and only at select attractions. Participating hotels also offer special Mardi Gras menu items for purchase and complimentary shuttle or water-taxi transportation.

Those perks matter most on parade and concert nights, when evening crowds build inside Universal Studios Florida.

How to plan a Universal Mardi Gras 2027 visit

Buy or confirm Universal Studios Florida admission for a date inside February 6 to March 27, 2027. If you want a concert, wait for the artist list and then pick that night. Use the Universal Orlando Resort app for wait times, the map, and showtimes once they are loaded.

Cover headline rides earlier in the day, then move toward the parade route in the evening. Budget separately for food, drinks, merchandise, and the Float Ride and Dine Experience if you book it. Sign up for Universal’s Mardi Gras emails if you want the lineup and dining details as soon as they post.

Universal Mardi Gras 2027 FAQ

Where is Universal Orlando Mardi Gras held? Universal Studios Florida only.

Do I need a special event ticket? No. A valid Universal Studios Florida ticket or eligible Annual Pass is enough for the parade and street festivities. Concerts on select nights use the same admission. The Float Ride and Dine Experience is a separate purchase.

What dates should I book? Any date from February 6 through March 27, 2027. Concert dates are still unannounced.

Can kids attend? Yes. The parade and food booths are part of the regular park day. Float Ride and Dine has height, age, and standing requirements.

Is alcohol included? No. Alcohol is available for purchase to guests 21 and older with photo ID.