Top Florida Mardi Gras Events for 2022

Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras in French, is here and you should be getting ready to party! This popular phenomenon originated as a Christian holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. But… how did it arrive to the United States?

On March 1699, explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville and his men arrived to the south of New Orleans and when they realized it was the eve of the festivity, they named the location "Pointe du Mardi Gras". Four years later, the settlement celebrated the first Mardi Gras in the United States.

Now… You might think that New Orleans is the best place to celebrate Mardi Gras in the U.S., but if you want to get a little bit of it around Florida, keep reading because there is plenty of fun this Carnival season.

Universal Orlando Resort (Feb. 5–Apr. 24)

The parades, the beads, the colorful costumes, and the concerts are back at Universal Studios Florida with incredible performers including Khalid, Marshmello, Jason Derulo, Becky G, Gavin DeGraw and more. This year’s parade features six brand new floats along with six traditional favorite floats that you can ride and toss beads to the crowd while you make your way through the streets. And if that is not enough, every day and night you can enjoy lip-smacking foods from New Orleans as well as mouth-watering dishes inspired by tastes from around the world. It’s the loudest, wildest, spiciest blowout this side of the Bayou.

Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort

SeaWorld Orlando (Feb. 24 - Mar. 6)

Entertainers, bead captains, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to SeaWorld with a Pop-Up Parade at The Wild Arctic Plaza. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy classic Gulf Coast flavors as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival including beignets, po’ boys, and southern libations.

Photo credit: SeaWorld Orlando

Busch Gardens (Jan. 8 - Mar. 6)

The weekends (and select dates) at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are a Mardi Gras celebration with festival beads, strolling performers, and a classic Cajun cuisine feast like kings and queens. Tempt your taste buds with a signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya and gumbo, or specialty sweets like iconic beignets. Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens

Hollywood Mardi Gras (Feb. 27)

South Florida brings the party for all the family members to Downtown Hollywood from 1pm-7pm. Hollywood Boulevard takes live with music, delicious food & beverage, street vendors, children’s activities, a walking processional and most importantly, beads!

Take a look at the map below for directions.