Travelbiz E-Zine
13
January
2026

Pop Superstar Bebe Rexha, Shaggy, and more to headline Live Concerts on select nights during Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2026 Celebration

Plus, New Details Revealed about the Mouth-Watering International Cuisine, Dazzling Parade and Other Festivities Guests Can Enjoy during the Celebration, Running February 7 through April 4.

Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to let the good times roll from February 7 through April 4, 2026, with the return of the fan-favourite event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavours of Carnaval. This year’s celebration will feature a spectacular parade that pays homage to The Big Easy, a selection of more than 40 mouth-watering internationally-inspired menu items, and – on select nights – live concerts by some of the biggest names in music – including Bebe Rexha, Zedd, and The All-American Rejects. And the best part is that access to the festivities is included with regular park admission to Universal Studios Florida.

Here’s an overview of what’s in store at this year’s spectacular Mardi Gras celebration.

STAR-STUDDED CONCERT LINEUP FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2026
This year’s concert series will feature 11 live performances by some of the most popular names in music, including the pop superstar behind the mega-hit, “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha, the Grammy-winning DJ and producer behind the chart-topping song, “Clarity” – Zedd, and platinum-selling rock band The All-American Rejects. See below for the complete list of performers.

DATE HEADLINER
February 7 Kaskade
February 14 Portugal. The Man
February 15 Ivy Queen
February 21 Joey Fatone & AJ McLean
February 28 RuPaul (DJ SET)
March 7 Shaggy
March 13 Tyler Hubbard
March 14 Bebe Rexha
March 15 Zedd
March 21 Barenaked Ladies
March 28 The All-American Rejects

CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS DURING THE STUNNING MARDI GRAS PARADE  

All of the electrifying energy of New Orleans will make its way to the streets of Universal Studios Florida during this year’s Mardi Gras parade, featuring a collection of twelve beautifully hand-crafted floats designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of New Orleans – from its food, music and beads to the bayou. The dazzling array of floats will wind the streets of the park, accompanied by high-energy street performers, colourful beads flying through the air and energetic live music filling every corner.

SAVOR CARNAVAL DELIGHTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This year’s Mardi Gras menu will bring the flavors of Carnaval to life with an exciting mix of international cuisine and classic New Orleans favorites. The celebration will feature dishes from twelve different countries – inviting guests to take their taste buds on a journey around the world without ever leaving Universal Studios Florida. A sampling of this year’s eats includes Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese, a Ham, Brie and Apple Crepe, Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel, Pinchos de Lechon, along with fan-favorites like the New Orleans-inspired Beignets and the Cat 5 drink, and so much more. Guests can savor these culinary delights at kiosks across the park, as well as select restaurants.

Guests can taste more and save more at Mardi Gras with the purchase of a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, allowing them to relish in the delectable flavors of Mardi Gras and enjoy more for less by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders are eligible for special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available for purchase at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida and can be redeemed at any food & beverage location at all four Universal Orlando theme parks, and Universal CityWalk.

ALL-NEW MARDI GRAS TRIBUTE STORE
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store will also return this year to the Hollywood section of the theme park, featuring a brand-new theme and an exciting selection of merchandise that’s not to be missed. Additional details will be shared soon.

KEEP THE GOOD TIMES ROLLING AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS
The best way for guests to enjoy Universal Mardi Gras and keep the party going is by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s eleven magnificently-themed hotels, where they can indulge in delectable Mardi Gras food and beverage offerings unique to each hotel, from Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel to Korean Cajun Jambalaya at Bar 17 Bistro in Universal Aventura Hotel to Voodoo Street Fries at the Pier 8 Market in Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, and much more. Hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive benefits during their visit, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.

And on select nights, guests can experience extra Mardi Gras excitement at Universal CityWalk with entertainment offerings that include patio guitarists, DJs, stilt walkers and exclusive drink offerings during the Mardi Gras After Party in Pat O’Brien’s, and the transformation of the Red Coconut Club into the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning, weeklong vacation destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to four exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and the all-new Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.

Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

How to get to Universal Orlando Resort

The most affordable way to fly from London to Orlando is with Norse Atlantic Airways, with tickets starting from £159 one-way. See www.flynorse.com

Seven nights at Universal Terra Luna Resort, including Universal Orlando All Parks Tickets, costs from £1,094 per person, based on two adults sharing a standard room. The price is based on March 2026 arrivals, not including flights.  A Universal Orlando All Parks ticket includes 14 days unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe and Universal Volcano Bay. Book at AttractionTickets.com or call 0800 223 0324.

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