When is Mardi Gras 2023 at Universal? Dates and lineup announced

Publish date: 2024-05-03

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2023 celebrations will last much longer than one day, here’s what you need to know about dates, prices, and festivities at the Orlando resort.

Mardi Gras 2023 will fall on Tuesday, February 21. The centuries-long New Orleans tradition is always celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday as it is the first day of Lent. The name means ‘fat Tuesday’ in French as it connotes the final day Christians can eat indulgent foods before Lent begins.

The festival is celebrated in New Orleans in the form of colorful parades and carnivals, but many other cities and locations in the US hold their own Mardi Gras blowouts.

Here is everything you need to know about Universal Orlando’s 2023 Mardi Gras.

Universal’s Mardi Gras dates 2023

Universal is famous for its annual Mardi Gras celebration. This year, the festivities will begin on Saturday, February 4, and continue until Sunday, April 16, 2023.

A big part of the Mardi Gras events is the celebrity performances and this year the lineup will certainly not disappoint as it features some huge names.

On the opening night, February 4, R&B legend Patti LaBelle will kick things off. On Friday, February 10,  JVKE will perform, followed by the Grammy Award winners Goo Goo Dolls on February 11.

The following weekend there will be performances from Marren Morris and WILLOW. On Saturday, February 25, 3 Doors Down will take the stage before the final weekend of performances on March 4 and 5, where there will be performances from Sean Paul and Lauren Daigle, respectively.

The concerts are held at Music Plaza stage, an outdoor amphitheater at Universal Studios, near the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rides.

How much are tickets for Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras?

Fortunately for those hoping to attend, tickets for Universal’s Mardi Gras are included with general admission to the amusement park.

One-park tickets start at $109 a day for guests aged 10 and over, while park-to-park tickets start at $164 for one day. Park-to-park tickets are required for guests who want to experience the Hogwarts Express, which connects both sides of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

There are also deals available if you choose to stay for longer. For instance, the 2-park, 2-Day deal starts from $221.99 and grants you two extra nights at the resort for free.

Other Mardi Gras 2023 festivities

As well as the concert dates, there will be other Mardi Gras festivities throughout the carnival period.

This year the theme is Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras and the park will be decorated accordingly. There will be frequent parades with colorful floats reportedly crafted by some of the same artisans who design floats for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

You will also be able to buy themed food and drink inspired by carnival celebrations from all over the world.

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