Universal Orlando Resort is clearly betting big on Mardi Gras 2026, and the newly announced details suggest this year’s celebration will be one of the most ambitious yet. Running from February 7 through April 4, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will once again transform Universal Studios Florida into a nearly two-month-long festival centered on live music, international cuisine, and immersive entertainment.
What stands out immediately about the 2026 event is how much emphasis Universal is placing on variety. Rather than leaning too heavily into one genre or audience, the resort has built a lineup designed to appeal across generations, musical tastes, and trip styles—whether guests are planning a single-day visit or returning multiple times throughout the season.
The concert series plays a major role in that strategy. Universal has confirmed 11 live performances across select nights, featuring a wide-ranging mix of pop, alternative, dance, reggae, Latin, and country artists. The headliners include a joint appearance by Joey Fatone of *NSYNC and AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, a pairing that taps into early-2000s pop nostalgia while still feeling current. On the opposite end of the spectrum, electronic and DJ-driven performances from artists like Kaskade, RuPaul, and Zedd bring a club-style energy that has become increasingly popular at Universal’s seasonal events.
Live bands and solo performers add even more depth to the schedule. Acts such as Portugal. The Man, Barenaked Ladies, and The All-American Rejects give the lineup a strong alternative and rock presence, while artists like Ivy Queen, Shaggy, and Tyler Hubbard ensure that Latin, reggae, and country fans are equally represented. The result is a concert slate that encourages repeat visits, with no two weekends feeling exactly the same.
Food is the other major pillar of Mardi Gras 2026, and Universal appears to be expanding that side of the event as well. Guests will be able to sample more than 40 dishes inspired by 12 different countries, served at themed kiosks spread throughout the park. From Cajun-inspired comfort foods to European classics and bold Asian flavors, the menu is designed to feel exploratory rather than repetitive. Fan favorites like New Orleans-style beignets will return, alongside newer items that give frequent visitors something fresh to try.
Beyond food and music, the event’s visual spectacle remains intact. The nightly Mardi Gras parade will once again feature 12 hand-crafted floats inspired by New Orleans culture, food, and music. Street performers, live musicians, and the traditional bead toss help turn the park into a moving celebration rather than a static show.
Universal is also extending Mardi Gras beyond the park gates. Select on-site hotels will offer limited-time menu items themed to the event, while CityWalk locations are expected to host additional entertainment and specialty drinks on select nights. The Mardi Gras Tribute Store will return with exclusive merchandise and updated theming, giving guests another reason to linger.
Taken together, Mardi Gras 2026 feels less like a seasonal add-on and more like a cornerstone of Universal Orlando’s annual calendar. By expanding both the concert lineup and food offerings, Universal is reinforcing Mardi Gras as a destination-worthy event rather than a single-night experience.
