1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Orlando

Universal Studios

Mardi Gras

By , About.com Guide

Universal StudiosUniversal Studios
Universal Orlando is unleashing the biggest Mardi Gras celebration this side of the bayou with the most powerful and diverse concert series in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards, this year’s Mardi Gras line-up features 13 of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop and more.

Experience a Mardi Gras concert series like no other, with performances by Billboard Chart-topper Ne-Yo, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, country music-duo Montgomery Gentry and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly. Other headliners include the hit artists behind classics such as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Too Legit to Quit,” and “Y.M.C.A.” – Pat Benatar, MC Hammer and The Village People, respectively. In addition, New Orleans bands will showcase their authentic bayou music in the “French Quarter,” a replica of New Orleans’ famed district.

The event kicks off on February 7 and runs every Saturday night through April 18, 2009 with additional dates on Sunday February 15 and Friday, March 27. Guests will enjoy hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, Cajun cuisine and an elaborate parade featuring floats designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc, who designs floats for the New Orleans parade.

This year’s parade theme is “Stories,” giving guests a glimpse into the world of literature. Themed floats featuring iconic characters and settings from the pages of the most popular and beloved books featuring genres such as Mystery, Romance and Horror will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout the event.

Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of a variety of offers to get the most out of their Mardi Gras experience.

More information:

Concert Lineup
Florida Resident Special Pricing
Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras

Explore Orlando

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

On the National Mall in Washington, DC

Take a look at the capital's best sight-seeing spot. More >

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Orlando

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.