Destinations & Experiences

Universal Orlando Books Headlining Acts for 2018 Mardi Gras Celebration

Orlando, FL

Macklemore, Sean Paul and Fifth Harmony are among the stars performing live at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2018 Mardi Gras celebration, the most authentic Mardi Gras event outside New Orleans, complete with Cajun-style cuisine, dazzling costumed performers and a stunning parade with countless beads.

From Feb. 3 through April 7, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2018 will offer more opportunities than ever before for guests to experience Florida’s Biggest Party.  On 13 select nights, fans can sing along to popular hits as some of the biggest names in music take the stage, including GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, Macklemore, international superstar and recording artist, Sean Paul and award-winning, multiplatinum chart-toppers, Fifth Harmony.  See below for the complete lineup.

The musical stars won’t be the only ones on display as a constellation-themed Mardi Gras parade will keep the good times rolling every night throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida with breathtakingly detailed floats, festive krewes of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads.  Six new celestial floats – including Taurus, Virgo and Serpentarius – complete a lineup of 12 intricately hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years.

Guests will also enjoy mouthwatering shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass.  Florida Residents can get three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a UPC code from select Coca-Cola products.  For more information on Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2018 Mardi Gras Headliners Lineup

Headliners (Performing in the Music Plaza)

  • Feb. 3:  Sean Paul
  • Feb. 10:  The Beach Boys
  • Feb. 17: Kelsea Ballerini
  • Feb. 18: Andy Grammer
  • Feb. 24: Macklemore
  • March 3: 311
  • March 4: Phillip Phillips
  • March 10: (to be announced)
  • March 11: Fitz and the Tantrums
  • March 17: Foreigner
  • March 18:  Fifth Harmony
  • March 24: (to be announced)
  • March 25: BUSH

New Orleans Bands (Performing in the French Quarter Courtyard)

  • Feb. 3 – Feb. 20: Free Agents Brass Band
  • Feb. 21 – March 6: Naughty Professor Brass Band
  • March 7 – March 20: New Breed Brass Band
  • March 21 – March 31: Young Pinstripe Brass Band
  • April 1 – April 7: Dirty Bourbon River Show