Get ready for beads, bands, parades, parties, and perhaps even some Gumbo thrown in--and you don't even have to go to New Orleans!

Universal Orlando is gearing up for its fifteenth annual Mardi Gras celebration. The party takes place every Saturday between February 6th and April 17, plus Sunday February 14 and April 9.

Part of the excitement will include an authentic "French Quarter Courtyard," where guests will feel like they've arrived on Bourbon Street, which is ground zero for the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. A grand parade will wind through the streets of Universal Studios with parade floats just like the original Mardi Gras New Orleans celebration--with float riders throwing out Mardi Gras beads and doubloons to eager spectators. There's even a Mardi Gras King and Queen.

Plenty of entertainment will be included in the festivities as well. Musical acts scheduled to appear include:
• KC and the Sunshine Band
• Heart
• Kool and the Gang
• Blondie
• Dierks Bentley
• Akon
• Aretha Franklin
• Miranda Lambert
• Beach Boys
• Three Doors Down
• Sheryl Crow
• Flo Rida
• Chicago
•

All Mardi Gras festivities are included in Universal Studios admission.

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