Universal Studios Florida is getting ready for another major celebration in 2027, and guests will have plenty of opportunities to experience it.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the dates for Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, confirming the popular seasonal event will return early next year.
The celebration will run from February 6 through March 27, 2027.
That puts Mardi Gras inside Universal Studios Florida for nearly two months, bringing back a combination of food, live entertainment, a parade, and one tradition guests probably won't have trouble spotting: lots and lots of beads.
Universal hasn't revealed everything planned for 2027, but the first announcement provides a good idea of what visitors can expect.
Universal Sets Mardi Gras Dates for 2027
Guests hoping to experience Universal Mardi Gras now have their official vacation window.
The festivities begin February 6 before continuing through most of March and wrapping up March 27.
During that period, Universal Studios Florida will offer more than its regular attraction lineup.
Universal has confirmed that the Mardi Gras parade will return as part of the event. Guests can expect floats, performers, and beads to once again become a major part of the park's atmosphere.
The parade has become one of the defining pieces of Universal's Mardi Gras celebration, particularly as crowds gather along the route hoping to leave with their own collection of beads.
But that's only one part of what Universal has planned.
International Food and Music Return
Universal Mardi Gras has increasingly become an event guests can experience through food as much as entertainment.
The resort has confirmed food from around the world will once again be available for purchase in 2027.
That international component separates the event from a celebration focused exclusively on New Orleans. Universal's International Flavors of Carnaval concept allows the festival to draw inspiration from celebrations and cuisines found around the world.
Universal hasn't announced the actual 2027 menu yet.
That means we'll have to wait to see which countries and dishes are represented when the festival returns in February.
Live music will also be part of the festivities.
A complete entertainment lineup has not been released, leaving Universal with another major announcement it can make as the event gets closer.
For some guests, those future details could determine which Mardi Gras dates they choose to attend.
Universal Orlando's 2027 Calendar Continues to Grow
The announcement gives guests another reason to consider visiting Universal Orlando during the first few months of 2027.
With Epic Universe now operating alongside Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, visitors already have considerably more to fit into a Universal vacation.
Mardi Gras adds another layer to those plans.
Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida between February 6 and March 27 won't simply have the park's normal attractions waiting for them. They'll also arrive during one of Universal's biggest seasonal celebrations.
There are still several details to watch.
Universal hasn't released its complete food offerings, full entertainment schedule, or every parade detail for 2027. More announcements will likely provide a clearer picture of what has changed and what remains familiar.
For now, however, the dates are official.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns February 6 through March 27, 2027, bringing weeks of beads, food, music, and parade festivities back to Universal Studios Florida.
