Mardi Gras is heading back to Universal Studios Florida for another run of parades, bead showers, Cajun cookin', and, of course, a full roster of musical acts. The park just released its talent line-up for 2017, and it’s packed with some popular names. Trace Adkins will kick things off on February 4th, followed by NE-YO on February 11th, Collective Soul on February 18th, X Ambassadors on February 19th, and Fifth Harmony on February 25th.
Mardi Gras concerts run through March 25th
The music continues into March at Universal Orlando Resort, with Kool & The Gang on March 4th, and Olivia Newton-John on the 5th.
UB40 and Toby Keith take their acts to Universal Studios Florida on March 11th and 12th, and Jason Derulo and Earth, Wind & Fire play on March 18th and 19th. Mardi Gras ends its run with a finale by the All-American Rejects on March 25th.
Universal features authentic floats
The Mardi Gras music takes place on the main stage by the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster. It’s free with park admission, so grab a good spot early for your favorite bands. Just be sure to leave time to see the parade beforehand, as Universal Studios Florida features authentic floats that bring a new mythical creatures theme to the event this year. Look for Dance of the Dragon, Flight of the Pegasus, and Rise of the Garuda.
The floats are engineered by Blaine Kern, a name that’s familiar to anyone who knows the details of the iconic New Orleans event.
See a sampling of the Mardi Gras parade
If you’d like to get a flavor for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, check out the video below of the 2016 parade. It shows the richly themed floats, and if you look closely, you’ll see how the handfuls of beads rain down on the revelers.
You’ll want to come to the park early enough to stake out a good parade-watching spot and to catch some dinner at the kiosks that serve up authentic Cajun dishes with a pleasant kick. Enjoy the fun, then cap your evening with a concert by your favorite band.
The Mardi Gras festivities happen along with all the usual shows, rides, and attractions at Universal Studios Florida, so plan for a long and busy visit if you plan to fit everything into your day.
