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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
It’s almost time to wear your best purple and gold, and join me at Universal Studios Florida for Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras celebration.
Florida’s biggest party is back for more nights than ever before starting Feb. 3 – April 7. This gives you even more chances to dance along with dazzling festival krewes, see stunning float designs during the nightly parade, taste mouthwatering Cajun-style bites and catch live performances by your favorite acts on select nights – all for the price of regular park admission.
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
This year, you can sing along to the hits of GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, Macklemore; international superstar and recording artist, Sean Paul; and Billboard“Hot 100” pop group, Fifth Harmony, as they take the stage in the Music Plaza at Universal Studios.
Check out the full lineup for Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras celebration:
- Feb. 3: Sean Paul
- Feb. 10: The Beach Boys
- Feb. 17: Kelsea Ballerini
- Feb. 18: Andy Grammer
- Feb. 24: Macklemore
- March 3: 311
- March 4: Phillip Phillips
- March 10: To Be Announced
- March 11: Fitz and the Tantrums
- March 17: Foreigner
- March 18: Fifth Harmony
- March 24: To Be Announced
- March 25: BUSH
Joining these chart-topping artists are some of New Orleans’ most talented brass bands, bringing sounds of the Bayou to The French Quarter Courtyard:
- Feb. 3 – Feb. 20: Free Agents Brass Band
- Feb. 21 – March 6: Naughty Professor Brass Band
- March 7 – March 20: New Breed Brass Band
- March 21 – March 31: Young Pinstripe Brass Band
- April 1 – April 7: Dirty Bourbon River Show
And that’s not all. This year, the parade is getting a new celestial feel. The nightly constellation-themed parade will feature dancers, colorful stilt performers and 12 handcrafted floats. Sure to keep the good times rolling, this year’s parade floats includes six new designs themed for ethereal creatures:
Taurus
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Virgo the Maiden
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Scorpius
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Andromeda
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Orion the Hunter
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Orphiuchus
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
And, of course, no Mardi Gras would be complete without beads – A LOT of beads!
Whether you choose to start a bead-catching competition with family and friends, or relax and enjoy a mouthwatering shrimp po’boy while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street, the opportunities to celebrate Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras are endless.
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras festivities are included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual Pass.* And this year, Florida Residents can get three months free with a purchase of an Annual Pass – click here for details. That’s 15 months to experience all of the new and exciting experiences at Universal Orlando.
Grab your tickets today and get ready for Mardi Gras!
*Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
