USA TODAY US Edition

LaBelle, other top artists to play Universal for Mardi Gras series

- Eve Chen

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

Patti LaBelle will kick off Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras concert series on Feb. 4.

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

The concerts are part of Universal’s 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 Mardi Gras festivitie­s should know.

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.

How do the concerts work?

The concerts are held at Music Plaza stage, an outdoor amphitheat­er with a big lawn at Universal Studios Florida. It’s near 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 to watch the shows.

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 familyfrie­ndly parade with floats crafted by some of the same artisans who design floats for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This year’s parade has a “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” theme.

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 will also offer some Mardi Gras food and drinks, as will CityWalk and select Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

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.

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 25% off 5-night, 5-day vacation packages, as well as discounts for Florida residents and military personnel.

 ?? PROVIDED BY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ?? Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebratio­n includes concerts that are covered by park admission.
PROVIDED BY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebratio­n includes concerts that are covered by park admission.

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