On Feb. 6, Universal Orlando Resort will kick off its 15th year of Mardi Gras – the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans. Guests will experience the spirit of Bourbon St. in the heart of Universal Studios, with festivities including live concerts, authentic Cajun cuisine, a parade and tons of beads.

With a combined total of more than half a billion records sold worldwide, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup features an eclectic mix of 13 of the biggest names in music. From hip-hop to pop, country to rock, and R&B to disco, there will be something for everyone. Along with Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow and Chicago, Mardi Gras guests will enjoy live performances by headliners like “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, country sensation Dierks Bentley, hip-hop artist Akon, multi-platinum selling rock band 3 Doors Down and the number one selling American band of all time, Beach Boys.

In addition to seeing top-name talent perform on the main stage, guests can also visit Universal’s very own “French Quarter” – a replica of the New Orleans’ famed district – and groove to the authentic bayou sounds of bands directly from New Orleans.

To commemorate this special year, guests will enjoy a heritage-themed Mardi Gras parade featuring new colorful renditions of floats from past year’s events. Universal worked with New Orleans-based Blaine Kern Artists to incorporate new elements into some of the most memorable floats in the event’s history. The 12 vibrant floats will cruise the streets of Universal Studios during the festivities, filled with riders tossing beads by the handful to excited park guests.

Guests will also enjoy the aroma and taste of authentic Cajun cuisine – such as jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and king cake – along with hundreds of costumed characters and stilt walkers dancing and mingling in the streets. Party-goers can also enjoy the park’s most popular attractions, including the all-new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2010 Mardi Gras celebration runs every Saturday night from Feb. 6 through April 17, with additional dates on Sunday, Feb. 14 and Friday, April 9.

Headliners (Performances at The Music Plaza)
Saturday, Feb. 6 – KC and the Sunshine Band
Saturday, Feb. 13 – Heart
Sunday, Feb. 14 – Kool & the Gang
Saturday, Feb. 20 – Blondie
Saturday, Feb. 27 – Dierks Bentley
Saturday, March 6 – Akon
Saturday, March 13 – Aretha Franklin
Saturday, March 20 – Miranda Lambert
Saturday, March 27 – 3 Doors Down
Saturday, April 3 – Beach Boys
Friday, April 9 – Sheryl Crow
Saturday, April 10 – Flo Rida
Saturday, April 17 – Chicago

New Orleans Band (Performances in French Quarter)
Saturday, Feb. 6 – Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band
Saturday, Feb. 13 – Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sunday, Feb. 14 – Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Saturday, Feb. 20 – Mem Shannon & the Membership
Saturday, Feb. 27 – Chris Klein & The Boulevards
Saturday, March 6 – Honey Island Swamp Band
Saturday, March 13 – Big Red & The Zydeco Playmakers
Saturday, March 20 – Rockin’ Jake
Saturday, March 27 – Soul Project
Saturday, April 3 – JJ Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, April 9 – Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 10 – Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, April 17 – Daddy Mac Blues Band

All of the concerts and activities are included with park admission. Visit UniversalOrlando.com for special offers.