Credit: Universal Orlando ResortUniversal Orlando Resort has officially revealed the entertainment lineup for Mardi Gras 2026, confirming that its signature springtime celebration will once again bring weeks of live music, international food, and park-wide festivities to Universal Studios Florida. The annual event, known as Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, is scheduled to run from February 7 through April 4, 2026.
The centerpiece of the announcement is the concert series, which will feature 11 live performances spread across select nights during the event. Universal’s 2026 lineup will appeal to a wide audience, blending pop, electronic, alternative, reggae, Latin, and country influences rather than focusing on a single genre.
One of the most high-profile performances will see Joey Fatone of *NSYNC take the stage alongside AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys on February 21. The pairing leans into early-2000s pop nostalgia, a direction that has proven popular with recent Mardi Gras crowds.
The lineup also includes major DJ-driven acts such as Kaskade, RuPaul, and Grammy-winning producer Zedd, continuing Universal’s push to incorporate dance and electronic music into the event.
Beyond pop and EDM, the concert series includes established bands like Portugal. The Man, Barenaked Ladies, and The All-American Rejects. Solo artists round out the schedule, with performances planned from Latin music legend Ivy Queen, reggae favorite Shaggy, and country artist Tyler Hubbard, formerly of Florida Georgia Line.
The range of artists is designed to encourage repeat visits, with different weekends offering distinctly different musical experiences.
While the concerts draw significant attention, Universal Mardi Gras remains a much broader celebration. The nightly Mardi Gras parade will return with 12 hand-crafted floats inspired by the culture, music, and cuisine of New Orleans. High-energy street performers, live musicians, and bead tossing are expected to once again transform the streets of Universal Studios Florida into a moving festival atmosphere each evening.
Food continues to be a major focus of the event. For 2026, Universal will offer more than 40 dishes inspired by 12 different countries, available at themed kiosks throughout the park.
The menu blends returning favorites with new options, featuring Cajun-inspired comfort food, French crepes, Austrian schnitzel, Chinese-style mala beef skewers, and the popular New Orleans-style beignets that have become a staple of the celebration. Many guests sample different offerings over multiple visits, making the food program a central part of the Mardi Gras experience.
The celebration extends beyond the theme park gates as well. Select on-site hotels will feature limited-time Mardi Gras-themed menu items, while Universal CityWalk will host additional entertainment on select nights. Venues such as Pat O’Brien’s are expected to offer special drink options and after-party atmospheres, complete with live musicians and DJs that carry the Mardi Gras energy into the evening.
Universal has also confirmed the return of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida. The store will debut new theming and exclusive merchandise created specifically for the 2026 event, giving guests the chance to take home souvenirs tied directly to the season rather than standard park merchandise.
Overall, the Mardi Gras 2026 announcement reinforces Universal Orlando’s commitment to the formula that has steadily grown the event’s popularity. By combining recognizable music acts, an expansive international food lineup, and a nightly parade included with regular park admission, Universal continues to position Mardi Gras as one of its most accessible and crowd-pleasing seasonal offerings.