Experience all of the fun and excitement of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration without leaving Florida during Universal Orlando’s annual Mardi Gras event! Beginning Feb. 11 through April 14 guests to Universal Studios can party ‘Nawlins style right on the streets of the popular Orlando theme park enjoying all of the food, fun and music of 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.

For an authentic Mardi Gras experience head over to Universal Studios’ French Quarter and enjoy live music from bands direct from New Orleans. Every night the French Quarter will feature New Orleans most popular bands performing blues, Zydeco and more. Musicians include Daddy Mac Blues Band, John Lisi & Delta Funk, Gravy, Soul Project, Rockin Jake and more! If all of this authentic New Orleans music is making you yearn for an authentic New Orleans meal the French Quarter will also be serving up Spicy Jambalaya, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Shrimp Gumbo and more!

After you sing, dance and eat your way through the Big Easy make sure you check out the Mardi Gras parade. Winding its way through the streets of Universal Studios, this year’s parade offers the wonder and whimsy of Planet Earth, the “Blue Planet.” Guests will be taken on a journey across the globe with such floats as Jester, King and Queen, Bayous & Swamps, Coral Reef and more to explore the beauty and diversity of our world. And of course, just like in The Big Easy float-riders will toss handfuls of Mardi Gras beads to screaming parade-watchers. You can catch the parade on Saturdays and select nights beginning Feb. 11 through March 30 at 7:30 and March 31, April 7 & 14 at 8:30 p.m.

And if you think Mardi Gras is just for adults, think again! Kids can enjoy all of the excitement of the annual event in the Little Jesters Viewing Area where they’ll get their own private parade experience. Kids can also watch a live stage show starring their favorite characters and get their own beads at the KidZone Krewe Mardi Pardi!

To experience the Big Easy’s biggest party look for the Universal Orlando tickets.