The good times are about to roll again this year as Universal Orlando Resort celebrates Mardi Gras 2018 on select nights Feb. 3 through April 7.

With thirteen nights of great food, a high energy parade and concerts from some of today’s hottest acts – it’s a family-friendly event included with park admission.

The festive Mardi Gras parade features a lineup of twelve hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years. And come hungry for some traditional New Orleans eats like shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard among the authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.

Here’s a look at this year’s headliners –

Tips for Celebrating Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

• Mel’s Diner is at the beginning and the end of the parade route – find a place to watch there and you can see the parade twice!
• Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area – If you’ve got little ones, don’t miss this special area where kids get their own parade experience. With extra beads and extra attention from the street performers, I loved watching the kids excitement about the parade.
• Rides and attractions within the park close at the beginning of the parade, so plan accordingly!
• The fun doesn’t end once the park closes. Show your paid admission to Mardi Gras and receive free general admission to five unique clubs and bars at Universal CityWalk. (Ages 21 and up.)

While many people often ask if Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is considered kid-friendly – I say a big, fat ‘YES!’. It is a great experience for families and little ones will love collecting beads from parade goers. (Just think of them as free souvenirs!)

What Mardi Gras concert would you like to see this year?