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Universal Studios Florida kicks off Mardi Gras season with Patti LaBelle concert

Eve Chen, USA TODAY
·3 min read
Patti LaBelle performs at the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Patti LaBelle performs at the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans.

Universal Studios Florida guests can see a living legend perform live, without paying anything extra.

Patti LaBelle kicks off Universal Orlando Resort's Mardi Gras concert series on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Maren Morris, Goo Goo Dolls and Lauren Daigle are among the other award-winning artists in the 2023 lineup.

The concerts are part of Universal's months-long Mardi Gras celebration and are included with the price of regular park admission, so all guests have to do is find a spot to watch each show.

Here's what music lovers planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort during this year’s Mardi Gras festivities should know.

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Maren Morris performs on NBC's Today Show on July 28, 2022.
Maren Morris performs on NBC's Today Show on July 28, 2022.

Who's playing at Mardi Gras at Universal?

  • 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.

Lauren Daigle performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 7, 2022.
Lauren Daigle performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 7, 2022.

How do Universal Mardi Gras concerts work?

The concerts are held at Music Plaza stage, an outdoor amphitheater with a big lawn at Universal Studios Florida. It's right by Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Guests need a park ticket to enter and should plan to arrive early to get a spot for the shows.

John Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls performs at the Innings Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 20, 2022.
John Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls performs at the Innings Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 20, 2022.

What time are the concerts at Universal Mardi Gras?

Concerts begin at 8:30 pm. Music Plaza typically opens with the park, so guests can access it early.

What is Mardi Gras at Universal?

Universal's Mardi Gras is one of four big events at Universal Orlando Resort each year. The other three are the Rock the Universe Christian music festival, Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal Orlando.

In addition to concerts, the springtime event includes festive decorations, themed food and drinks and a family-friendly parade with floats crafted by some of the same artisans who design floats for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This year's parade has an all-new "Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras" theme with magical creatures like dragons and unicorns.

The main festivities are held at Universal Studios Florida, but for the first time, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay water park are also offering some Mardi Gras food and drinks, as will CityWalk and select Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Guests who want to load up on Carnaval-inspired treats from around the world can buy a food and beverage card with $10 in savings. 

Universal Orlando Resort is serving up flavors from Carnaval celebrations all around the world, like tostones and mofongo, as part of its Mardi Gras celebrations.
Universal Orlando Resort is serving up flavors from Carnaval celebrations all around the world, like tostones and mofongo, as part of its Mardi Gras celebrations.

How long is Mardi Gras going on at Universal?

Universal Orlando celebrates Mardi Gras from Feb. 4 through April 16.

Is Mardi Gras at Universal family-friendly?

Yes. The event is specifically designed with families in mind.

All ages are welcome at celebrations across the resort, including CityWalk, where Pat O'Briens will host a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights and the Red Coconut Club will turn into the Cursed Coconut Club for the season. Of course, only guests ages 21 and up can purchase alcohol.

Universal Orlando Resort's Mardi Gras celebration keeps the party going long after Fat Tuesday,
Universal Orlando Resort's Mardi Gras celebration keeps the party going long after Fat Tuesday,

How much does it cost to go to Universal Orlando?

One-park tickets start at $109 a day for guests ages 10 and up. Park-to-park tickets start at $164 for one day, for the same age group. Park-to-park tickets are required for guests who want to experience the Hogwarts Express, which connects both sides of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando Resort is currently offering five park days for the price of three, as well as discounts for Florida residents and military personnel.

Mardi Gras concerts are held at Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios Florida.
Mardi Gras concerts are held at Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios Florida.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Universal's Mardi Gras concert lineup: Patti LaBelle, Maren Morris