Universal Announces 2-Month Long Mardi Gras for 2026 With More Information Still to Come

Universal Orlando’s popular Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will return in 2026, running daily from February 7th to April 4th at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can now plan their spring trips around the event, which is included with regular park admission.

What to Expect and What’s Yet Unannounced

We don’t have all the specifics for the 2026 event yet – like the bands playing, the parade floats, or the food vendors. However, based on what happened in previous years, we can make some good guesses about what to expect.

  • A nightly parade featuring floats, performers, bead‑tossing, and music.

  • A variety of food and drinks representing flavors from different countries, all connected by the theme of international cuisine.

  • Concerts on select nights, held after the parade at the Music Plaza Stage inside the park.

  • Since 2022, guests have been able to enjoy a unique experience called “Float Ride & Dine,” which includes a reserved seat on a parade float and a multi-course meal.

Universal has typically announced its events in two stages: they first share the dates, and then reveal the concert lineup and details about what to expect later. We saw this with the 2025 event – the dates were announced in November 2024, followed by the concert lineup in January 2025.

Considerations for Visitors

  • Now that the dates for 2026 are available, guests and travel agents can start looking at and booking hotels for their trips.

  • Visiting between February and April can be busy due to spring break in Florida. If you go early in February, you might find fewer crowds than if you visit during the busier weeks in March.

  • This event is covered with general admission, so please check that your tickets or annual pass are valid for the event dates and don’t have any restrictions.

  • As a huge fan of live events, I’m already looking forward to 2026, but it looks like details are still being finalized. If you’re like me and have specific bands you want to see or food you’re hoping to try, it’s best to keep an eye on Universal’s official website for updates. They’ll be releasing the concert lineup, parade route, and food vendor list soon, and you won’t want to miss it!

  • If you’re planning to stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel or book a travel package, you might start seeing information about the event. It’s a good idea to book early to get the best prices and availability.

The event took place from February 1st to March 30th in 2025. The 2026 event is planned to run for a similar length of time, but will extend into early April. This change could be to offer more value to attendees, increase opportunities for people to visit, or better coordinate with the resort’s overall operations.

Conclusion

Universal Orlando has now announced the dates for its 2026 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, making it easier for visitors to plan their trips around this beloved annual event.

The event will run from February 7th to April 4th, 2026, giving guests plenty of time to make travel plans. Although details about performers and food options are still to come, announcing the dates is an important first step. Keep checking back with Universal Orlando for more updates as the event gets closer.

Read More

2025-10-22 18:57