There’s just 21 days left until the start of Mardi Gras and Universal Orlando is getting the party started early with its own Mardi Gras party beginning Feb. 11 through April 14!

Experience the biggest Mardi Gras party in Florida as Universal Orlando turns its streets into the Big Easy offering up food, concerts, parades and of course beads from the famous Bourbon Street!

Every Saturday and on select nights until April 14 get into the spirit of Mardi Gras with one of fourteen live concerts by some of the biggest names in the music industry! Kick off the Mardi Gras celebration with The B-52s, Kelly Clarkson, Boyz II Men and Diana Ross. Then in March listen to the hits songs of the Goo Goo Dolls, Big Time Rush, J Cole, Hot Chelle Rae, B.o.B, Plain White T’s and Prince Royce. Cyndi Lauper and KC & The Sunshine Band will round out the Mardi Gras concerts as the festivities come to a close in April. All of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras concerts will take place in the French Quarter Courtyard.

After you take in the sounds of New Orleans, make sure you get a taste of the Big Easy with authentic dishes including Spicy Jambalaya, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Shrimp Gumbo, beignets and more all served at Universal’s French Quarter.

And perhaps the most exciting part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras festivities is the   parade. Filled with dazzling floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, entertaining street performers and dancers, the Mardi Gras parade winds its way through the streets of Universal making for one of the most spectacular sights of the whole Mardi Gras experience. And of course, just like in The Big Easy float-riders will toss handfuls of Mardi Gras beads and doubloons to screaming parade-goers.

Even kids can take part in the spirit of Mardi Gras with their own activities. Kids can experience their own private parade in the Little Jesters Viewing Area. They can even watch a live stage show starring their favorite characters and tons of beads at the KidZone Krewe Mardi Pardi! The Mardi Pardi is located in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone and is performed daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

Once you put the kids to bed, continue the party at Universal CityWalk where you can catch a drink, eat Cajun favorites or join a sing-along in the Piano Lounge at Pat O’Briens, the exact replica of the famed New Orleans bar.

To experience the spirit of Mardi Gras without traveling to New Orleans make sure you look for our discounted Universal Orlando tickets.