Mardi Gras will return to Universal Studios with performances by Demi Lovato, Pitbull and others

It’s almost time for the parade, music and food of New Orleans at Universal Studios once again. It’s the biggest celebration this side of the bayou, Mardi Gras will be taking place on select nights from Feb. 9 to April 20, 2013.

This year’s talent lineup features a wide variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Check out the complete headliners line-up below:

Saturday, Feb. 9: Lifehouse
Saturday, Feb. 16: Steve Miller Band
Sunday, Feb. 17: Boys Like Girls
Saturday, Feb. 23: Trey Songz
Saturday, March 2: Demi Lovato
Saturday, March 9: Montgomery Gentry
Friday, March 15: Sean Kingston
Saturday, March 16: Matchbox Twenty
Friday, March 22: Austin Mahone
Saturday, March 23: Phillip Phillips
Saturday, March 30: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Saturday, April 6: Kool and the Gang
Saturday, April 13: Pitbull
Saturday, April 20: The All-American Rejects

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through streets of Universal Studios.

This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s 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 continues at Universal Orlando’s very own French Quarter Courtyard. Guests can enjoy the sounds of authentic New Orleans bands that travel straight from The Big Easy to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music (Check out the line-up below). And the smells of authentic Cajun cuisine will fill the French Quarter as guests taste an array of New Orleans fare, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more.

Saturday, Feb. 9: John Lisi & Delta Funk!
Saturday, Feb. 16: The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Sunday, Feb. 17: The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Saturday, Feb. 23: Colin Lake
Saturday, March 2: Beth McKee
Saturday, March 9: Gravy
Friday, March 15: Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 16: Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 22: The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 23: The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 30: Big Al & the Heavyweights
Saturday, April 6: Mississippi Rail Company
Saturday, April 13: The Rockin’ Jake Band
Saturday, April 20: Daddy Mack Blues Band

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.