Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2027 runs February 6 through March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida. The 50-day event is included with park admission and features a nightly parade, New Orleans and international food kiosks, and concerts on select nights. The 2027 concert lineup has not been announced yet, so now is the time to lock in hotels while choices are wide open.
By the Pixie Vacations advisor team — 1,000+ verified client reviews averaging 5.0 stars, hosts of the 15-year MouseChat family travel podcast. Last updated: November 2026.
What are the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2027 dates?
Universal announced February 6 – March 27, 2027, and the celebration ends the day before Easter (March 28, 2027), as it did in 2026. That makes it a week shorter than last year. According to Attractions Magazine, here is how the length has changed:
- 2024: Feb. 3 – Apr. 7 (65 days)
- 2025: Feb. 1 – Mar. 30 (58 days)
- 2026: Feb. 7 – Apr. 4 (57 days)
- 2027: Feb. 6 – Mar. 27 (50 days)
A shorter window means the same number of guests chasing fewer weekends. In our experience helping families plan this season, the best hotels and room types go first for the mid-to-late February weekends and spring-break weeks, so booking early gives you the most choice. (That is our planning advice, not an official crowd forecast.)
What is included with Mardi Gras admission?
Per Laughing Place’s report on the announcement, the event includes:
- The nighttime parade with floats, street performers, dancers and stilt-walkers tossing beads.
- Live New Orleans bands performing daily around the park.
- Food kiosks inspired by New Orleans, Brazil, Belgium and other carnival traditions. Menus have not been released.
- Concerts on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage, with admission included in your park ticket.
When will the 2027 concert lineup be announced?
Universal has not said. For comparison, the 2026 lineup was announced on January 13, 2026, about three weeks before that season opened, as reported by ClickOrlando. If a specific artist matters to you, plan to be flexible: choose a hotel with free cancellation, then fine-tune your travel dates once the schedule is out.
How should you plan a Mardi Gras trip?
- Pick your priority. Parade and food only? A weekday is calmer. Chasing a concert? Expect a busier weekend night.
- Choose your hotel level. On-site stays put you minutes from Universal Studios Florida with perks like Early Park Admission (see our Universal Orlando hotel guide).
- Decide on tickets. Mardi Gras is based at Universal Studios Florida, but most families add Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. Our ticket math calculator helps compare options.
- Compare current offers. Package terms change, so check our Universal hotel deals page before you book.
- Remember Volcano Bay. The water park is scheduled to reopen on or before April 1, 2027, so it may not be open for your Mardi Gras dates; see our Volcano Bay closure guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando included with park admission?
Yes. The parade, live music, concerts and food kiosk access are included with a Universal Studios Florida ticket; food and drinks are purchased separately.
Where does Mardi Gras take place?
At Universal Studios Florida. Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe are open on their regular schedules.
Is Mardi Gras good for young kids?
Many families enjoy the daytime parks and the parade; the loud music and beads suit some children better than others. The parade is a nighttime event, so plan a rest break at your hotel first.
How is 2027 different from 2026?
It starts one day earlier (February 6) and ends a week sooner (March 27 instead of April 4), for 50 days instead of 57.
Should I book now or wait for the concert lineup?
If you book with a flexible or refundable rate, you can reserve your hotel now and adjust dates once the lineup is out. We can help you set that up.
Get a free Mardi Gras trip plan
A Pixie Vacations advisor will compare hotels, tickets and current promotions for your dates at no extra cost to you. Request your free quote or call 678-815-1584. For the latest news first, read our Universal Orlando news for November 2026, browse the Universal Orlando blog, or see PixieVacations.com.
Sources: Attractions Magazine; Laughing Place; ClickOrlando. Event details can change; confirm with Universal before you travel.
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