SeaWorld San Diego Brings Mardi Gras Back With Parades, Jazz, and Cajun Food

SeaWorld San Diego is throwing its family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration on select dates from late January through late February, and if you’ve never experienced it, this is the closest you’ll get to New Orleans without leaving Southern California.

There are all-new additions this year – a live DJ, Ukulele Jesters, fire dancing, a Royal Mardi Gras Parade, and a lineup of Cajun food and New Orleans-inspired drinks.

French Quarter Vibes in Mission Bay

The celebration turns parts of the park into a French Quarter-style atmosphere with colorful performers, toe-tapping jazz from the No Bad News band, and festive fun around every corner.

Wild Arctic Plaza gets a live DJ during the day and fire dancing at night, while the new Royal Mardi Gras Parade brings colorful floats, jesters, singers, and dancers along the route. SkyTower Lawn features live music and Mardi Gras performers showing off their costumes throughout the day.

Tunnel of Lights and Insta-Worthy Moments

There’s a Tunnel of Lights featuring over 5,000 colorful lights that respond to Mardi Gras music, and yes, dancing is highly encouraged. It’s the kind of thing that was basically designed for Instagram, but honestly, it sounds fun even if you’re not posting it.

Cajun Food That Goes Beyond the Usual Theme Park Fare

SeaWorld is bringing in jambalaya, po-boy sandwiches, gumbo, beignets, and more Cajun favorites. The drink lineup includes mint juleps, hurricanes, green apple frozen margaritas, Bourbon Street smash, and French 75s, plus hot chicory coffee to pair with those fresh beignets.

You can grab a 5-item food and beverage sampler starting at $40 or a 10-item sampler for $60. Pass Members get 12 samples for the price of 10, which is a solid deal if you’re planning to graze your way through the offerings.

Included with Park Admission

The best part? Mardi Gras is included with regular park admission and free for Pass Members. No separate ticket required, which makes it easy to check out even if you’re just there for the day.

If you’ve been thinking about an Annual Pass, this is one of those events that makes it feel worth it – especially with new attractions like Shark Encounter opening this spring and a full lineup of festivals throughout the year.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

It’s the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration in San Diego, so if you’ve got kids or just want to experience the spirit of New Orleans without dealing with Bourbon Street crowds, this hits the mark. High-energy parades, live jazz, fire dancing, and solid Cajun food – SeaWorld’s doing Mardi Gras right.

See you there!

New Orleans vibes, all-new entertainment, and beignets in Mission Bay – this is how San Diego does Mardi Gras.

📆 Select dates January 24 – February 22, 2026
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!