Universal Orlando reveals 2023 Mardi Gras concert lineup
Universal Orlando's annual Mardi Gras event returns on Feb. 4, complete with a slate of concerts on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida.
The initial lineup announced Tuesday includes:
Feb. 4: Patti LaBelle
Feb. 10: JVKE
Feb. 11: Goo Goo Dolls
Feb. 18: Maren Morris
Feb. 19: Willow
Feb. 25: 3 Doors Down
March 4: Sean Paul
March 5: Lauren Daigle
Some of the acts are familiar with theme park concerts. Sean Paul performed at Universal's Mardi Gras in 2018 and 2019, while 3 Doors Down was part of the concert lineup at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio last summer.
The event's nightly parade will also be back, this time themed to what Universal called the "mythical realms of Mardi Gras" in a press release. Universal has changed how guests can ride on the parade floats, now requiring a $85 dining package called Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience in order to snag a reserved spot.
The themed, limited-time Tribute Store will return as well, but is being moved to space once occupied by the Williams of Hollywood prop shop and The Dark Room photo shop in the Universal Studios Florida's Hollywood section.
Outside of the park, Universal CityWalk will offer a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights at Pat O'Brien's. The Red Coconut Club will get a seasonal overlay as the "Cursed Coconut Club," though Universal did not share details or dates for that offering.
Mardi Gras returned in full force last year after the 2020 event was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 event offered more food booths but no concerts or parades.
The 2023 edition of Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras runs from Feb. 4 to April 16. The festivities are included with the price of regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Mardi GrasOrlando theme parksUniversal Orlando
Super Nintendo World soft opens at Universal Hollywood
News roundup: E.T. Adventure settlement / Cedar Point sexual assaults / Runaway Railway virtual queue
John has covered sports, politics, government and health care for a variety of news outlets, including the Illinois Radio Network and Rivet News Radio, as well as freelance work for the Florida Radio Network and contributing to the Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast. He is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago. You can find him in the theme parks every chance he gets.
Six Flags Great America sets April 22 opening date for 2023 season