There is a little over a month left until the start of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans but you don’t have to wait until then to experience the excitement of the famed festivities. That’s because Universal Orlando is getting the party started early with its annual Mardi Gras celebration beginning Feb. 9!

The Orlando theme park announced earlier in the week that their Mardi Gras celebration would be just as festive as always with mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, authentic New Orleans musicians, parades, Mardi Gras beads and best of all - live concerts by some of the most sought after names in the music industry.
 
Every Saturday and on select nights until April 20 guests can get into the spirit of Mardi Gras with music ranging from Americana rock to R&B, Latin, pop and more. A few of the famous names guests can expect to see in concert include internationally renowned rapper Pitbull, 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato, season 11 winner of “American Idol” Phillip Phillips, country duo Montgomery Gentry, teen heartthrob Austin Mahone and alternative rock band Matchbox 20. Here is the complete lineup of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras concert artists:

Saturday, Feb. 9 -  Lifehouse
Saturday, Feb. 16 – Steve Miller Band
Saturday, Feb. 17 - Boys Like Girls
Saturday, Feb. 23 - Trey Songz
Saturday, March 2 - Demi Lovato
Saturday, March 9 - Montgomery Gentry
Friday, March 15 - Sean Kingston
Saturday, March 16 - Matchbox Twenty
Friday, March 22 - Austin Mahone
Saturday, March 23 - Phillip Phillips
Saturday, March 30 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Saturday, April 6 – TBD
Saturday, April 13 – Pitbull
Saturday, April 20 – TBD

For a more authentic New Orleans sound head to Universal Orlando’s French Quarter Courtyard and enjoy the soulful music of “Nawlins” own bands as they perform classic Big Easy music like Blues, Jazz and Zydeco. And to make sure you’re completely immersed in the New Orleans atmosphere make sure you grab a taste of the Big Easy’s Cajun cuisine like jambalya, gumbo, beignets and more.

The free concerts are just part of the Mardi Gras fun! Before you listen to Pitbull perform his hits don’t miss the Mardi Gras parade. Filled with dazzling floats, colorful costumes, and energetic street performers, this year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World” with new floats inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. And just like on Bourbon Street float-riders will toss handfuls of Mardi Gras beads out into the crowd!

To experience the excitement of Mardi Gras without traveling to New Orleans, look for discounted Universal Orlando tickets right here on Best of Orlando.

Orlando, FL – 01/09/13