Universal Orlando Resort is already giving guests a reason to start looking ahead to 2027.
One of the resort’s biggest seasonal celebrations is officially returning, with Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval scheduled to take over Universal Studios Florida for nearly two months.
Universal has confirmed that the 2027 event will begin on February 6 and continue through March 27, 2027.
While the full lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, Universal has already confirmed several familiar parts of the celebration will return. Guests can expect the Mardi Gras parade, plenty of beads, live music, and food inspired by flavors from around the world.
For anyone considering an early 2027 Universal Orlando vacation, there is now another major set of dates to put on the calendar.
Mardi Gras Returns to Universal Studios Florida
Universal Mardi Gras has grown into one of Universal Studios Florida’s signature annual celebrations.
Rather than lasting for just a weekend or a handful of nights, the event stretches across several weeks. In 2027, guests will have from early February through late March to experience it.
The celebration combines several different experiences into one event.
The parade remains one of the biggest draws, with colorful floats traveling through Universal Studios Florida while performers interact with crowds and beads fly through the air.
Universal has already confirmed the parade will be part of the 2027 event, although specific details about next year’s floats have not been announced.
And yes, the beads are coming back too.
Catching handfuls of beads has become one of the traditions associated with Universal Mardi Gras, particularly for guests lining the parade route.
Food and Live Music Are Coming Back
Mardi Gras isn’t only about the parade.
Universal has also confirmed that international food will once again play a major role in the celebration.
The “International Flavors of Carnaval” portion of the event gives Universal an opportunity to go beyond traditional Mardi Gras food. Guests can typically find dishes influenced by different countries and celebrations from around the world.
Exactly what will be served in 2027 remains to be seen.
Universal has not released the complete food menu, so guests will need to wait for additional announcements before deciding which dishes they want to try.
Live music is also returning.
Universal’s initial announcement confirms music as part of the festivities, but it does not reveal a complete schedule or performer lineup.
Those details could become particularly important for guests choosing their vacation dates. Depending on who performs, some visitors may decide to plan their Universal Studios Florida day around a particular Mardi Gras night.
More 2027 Details Are Still Coming
For now, the biggest news is simply that Universal Mardi Gras is officially locked into the 2027 calendar.
The celebration begins February 6 and ends March 27, giving guests a sizable window to experience it.
There are still plenty of unanswered questions.
Universal hasn’t announced the complete food lineup, detailed parade information, or full live entertainment schedule. Those pieces should provide a better idea of exactly what the 2027 celebration will look like.
Still, guests now know the essentials.
The beads are returning. The parade is returning. International food and live music are returning.
And for nearly two months in early 2027, Universal Studios Florida will once again be celebrating Mardi Gras.
