Universal Studios Orlando Announces 2016 Mardi Gras Concert Series Lineup
Even though the new year just started, Mardi Gras season is already about to begin down in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. For those that can’t make it to the “Big Easy” for all the fun, there are other options. Universal Studios Orlando has revealed the lineup for their 2016 Mardi Gras concert series and it’s a real good one for everyone this year.
On Tuesday, Universal Studios Orlando revealed all of their concerts for the two-and-half month party taking place four states away from New Orleans. Yes, all the big parades, floats, and partying is taking place in Louisiana, but everyone deserves to enjoy some of it.
There is something for lovers of all types of music whether you enjoy rock or easy listening or R&B. Not only are newer acts performing, but going back to different decades and that includes the iconic Diana Ross.
- February 6 – Hunter Hayes
- February 13 – Diana Ross
- February 14 – Barenaked Ladies
- February 20 – Nate Ruess
- February 27 – Fall Out Boy
- March 5 – Kool & the Gang
- March 12 – The Fray
- March 13 – Adam Lambert
- March 19 – Shawn Mendes
- March 20 – 3 Doors Down
- March 26 – REO Speedwagon
- April 2 – T-Pain
- April 9 – Jessie J
- April 16 – Yandel
Unlike some of the concerts that Walt Disney World puts on during their different festivals at Epcot, these concerts will be just one night each. The Epcot concerts usually happen for two or three nights in a row.
In addition to the concerts, there will also be a special Mardi Gras parade at Universal Studios Florida that will bring a lot of New Orleans to Orlando. The official website for Mardi Gras 2016 at Universal details the fun that is to come.
“Gather the family and catch beads by the handful as our dazzling parade winds its way through the park with incredible floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, street performers and dancers. It’s fun and excitement for all ages.”
Many of the floats in the parade will highlight different cultures from around the world. Some of them include themes based around Fourth of July, Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, and Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
The French Quarter Courtyard will bring about some of the best Cajun and Creole food known to man. Jambalaya, gumbo, red beans & rice, and beignets are just some of the amazing dishes you can try so you’ll feel like you are right down on Bourbon Street.
For those that may not want to head to the big concerts, there are other musical options for you to enjoy. There will also be the sounds of authentic zydeco bands straight from New Orleans on each event night so you can dance in the street if you’d like.
Yes, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando would be awesome enough on its own with the food, the zydeco music, and the parade, but that is far from it. the concert series is bringing such incredibly big acts to Orlando and giving party-goers the chance to get so much more for their money.
The Mardi Gras concerts, parade, and the French Quarter music are all included with your Universal Studios admission or Annual Pass. That’s right, the only thing that will cost you extra is the food, but that’s to be expected.
Universal Studios Orlando is bringing New Orleans to Central Florida, and in an incredibly entertaining way. Mardi Gras 2016 will have the food, the parade, and the hit music that everyone wants.
[Image by Manny Hernandez/Getty Images]
