This spring, Florida residents can experience all the spirit and excitement of The Big Easy at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 – a family-friendly version of the famous New Orleans street party that features an authentic celebration throughout Universal Studios Florida.

On select nights February 9 through April 20, 2013, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration offers unparalleled theme park entertainment coupled with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, a sea of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans musicians, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists.

Mardi Gras 2013 will be highlighted by a concert series featuring 14 nights of performances by top-name artists, including chart-topping rock band Matchbox Twenty. Originally from Orlando, the four-time Grammy-nominated pop rock band has sold millions of albums worldwide and amassed loyal fans everywhere with hits such as “3 a.m.,” “Push,” “If You’re Gone,” and “She’s So Mean” from their new studio album which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. Matchbox Twenty will perform at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration on March 16, 2013.

2013 Mardi Gras Concert Lineup (view as image gallery)

Feb. 9: Lifehouse

Feb. 16:  Steve Miller Band

Feb. 17: Boys Like Girls

Feb. 23: Trey Songz

Mar. 2: Demi Lovato

Mar. 9: Montgomery Gentry

Mar. 15: Sean Kingston

Mar. 16: Matchbox Twenty

Mar. 22: Austin Mahone

Mar. 23: Phillip Phillips

Mar. 30: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

Apr. 6: Kool & the Gang

Apr. 13: Pitbull

Apr. 20: All-American Rejects

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade makes its way through Universal Studios.  The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. Guests can also enjoy the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands that travel straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers.  Inspired by the delicious dishes found in New Orleans, guests can also enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more.

Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of the following special offer:

• Save over $30 off gate prices on multi-day tickets
• Online only.  Blockout dates apply.

To learn details about vacation packages available to Florida residents, call 1-877-801-9720. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.