Do you have an upcoming trip to EPCOT planned? If so, you're very likely to visit during one of the park's unique and exciting festivals: International Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival and International Festival of the Holidays. These festivals have it all: one-of-a-kind themed experiences, drool-worthy eats, limited merch and so much more. Hop along as we bring you the ultimate guide to EPCOT festivals.
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FAQs
- Are the EPCOT festivals included with general park admission? Yes! Access to the festivals is included with the price of your Disney ticket. (Dining and merch costs are separate.)
- How busy do the EPCOT festivals get? The festivals can get crowded, especially at the start of the event. Don't fret, though — we have tons of tips for managing crowds!
- Where do I buy a reloadable Festival Gift Card wristlet? You can find a Festival Gift Card wristlet from Creations Shop and Port of Entry.
- When are the EPCOT festivals? Generally, Festival of the Arts kicks off in January and February, Flower and Garden comes next between March and June, Food and Wine Festival hoppens in the fall and Festival of the Holidays finishes out the rest of the year.
- Is an EPCOT festival worth visiting? Yes! Each festival offers live shows, unique experiences and plenty of food to try!
What Are the EPCOT Festivals? Your Helpful Overview to These Unique Experiences!
EPCOT hosts four fun and uniquely themed festivals throughout the year that cover just about every month of the year: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January to February), EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March to June), EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (late August to late November) and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (late November to December).
Today, it feels like the festivals are what EPCOT's best known for. But did you know that wasn’t always the case? Though EPCOT opened in 1982, the first festival —the International Flower & Garden Festival — didn't debut until April 1994. The festival was a huge hit, prompting the park to introduce Holidays Around the World later in 1994 (which turned into Festival of the Holidays in 2016) and International Food & Wine Festival in 1996. Festival of the Arts is the "newest" festival, which debuted in 2017.
Froggy fun fact: A smaller celebration known as the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival was routinely held at Disney Springs starting in 1981, before becoming the Food & Wine Festival we know today!
Before we dive into the specifics of each festival, one question we commonly get asked is whether or not it costs anything extra to attend the EPCOT festivals. The good news: The four festivals are included with the cost of your park ticket (minus any extra fees for food and merch, etc.). So whether you're visiting as an Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club member or with a standard day ticket (pssst, Undercover Tourist can save you some green), you can enjoy everything each festival has to offer.
Each festival is heavily themed and offers unique experiences, ranging from the Disney on Broadway Concert Series during Festival of the Arts to candlelight processionals narrated by celebrities during the Christmas season. Let's get into those details!
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The International Festival of the Arts is the first festival of the year, typically running from mid-January through the end of February. In 2026, the festival ran for a total of 39 days from Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, making it one of EPCOT’s shorter festivals. That said, there is PLENTY to do for the whole froggy family!
Browse amazing, one-of-a-kind artwork as you walk throughout World Showcase. Many artists, including Disney Legends (Paige O’Hara and Tony Baxter made appearances in 2026), hold signings, so you can make your shopping experience even more personal. While you're in the World Showcase, be sure to stop by the Food Studios for creative culinary dishes. There are always returning favorites (like the Sushi Donut in Japan) and new items to try, such as the Chili Relleno Taco in Mexico (soooo good!).
In addition to food and artwork, the International Festival of the Arts offers live performances at the CommuniCore Plaza Stage, a tadpole-friendly scavenger hunt with Figment, a paint-by-number mural and chalk art. Seeing these artists create these masterpieces in real time is truly amazing!
Are you a fan of musicals? Stop by the America Gardens Theatre for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series! Talented Broadway performers take the stage and sing a medley of fan-favorite Disney songs, including those that have only ever been heard on Broadway!
This is just the beginning of all the magic and wonder there is to discover at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! Check out our colorful guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to learn more. And while you're there, make sure you visit Figment — the park's (and festival’s) favorite purple mascot!
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Watch magic bloom at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
Since its debut, this festival has been extended just because it's always so popular! This year, the festival runs from March 4 to June 1, 2026. Disney Imagineers and talented horticulturists bring the magic of Disney to life with stunning topiaries and floral displays throughout the park that you need to get a selfie in front of (trust us!).
This year, some topiaries are making their first appearances in a long time, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Mike Wazowski, Sulley and Stitch.
Like the other festivals, Flower & Garden has plenty of outdoor kitchens for you to try. This year, we were so hoppy to see the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob return at Beach Grub, and are so excited for the new creations they've introduced, such as the French Toast at BRUNCHCOT. You can check out the full menus in our menu guide, including a downloadable version you can use in the parks!
At this festival, there's no shortage of fun for the whole family. Start the morning with a ride on Frozen Ever After before lunch in Italy! Do the tadpoles need to burn off some energy? The Camp Get Out 'N' Play Garden and Playalong Bay have just what they need. Cap your night with the Garden Rocks Concert Series — this year featuring iconic bands such as Simple Plan, The Commodores and 98 Degrees (lineup is always subject to change).
Check out our blossoming guide to EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival for the full topiary lineup and more deets about this fun festival!
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is probably the most popular festival of them all, typically running from late August through mid-to-late November. The festival ran from Aug. 28 to Nov. 22 last year, and we will update our Food and Wine guide when the new dates are announced.
The main star of this festival is, of course, the food. The Global Marketplaces take you on a culinary adventure across six continents, and trust us when we say — you're going to want to try it all! I mean, 35 global marketplaces are a lot, but hey, we’re always up for a challenge! Last year saw the debut of Gyozas of the Galaxy, which served out-of-this-world dumplings (the French Onion soup ones? Soooo good!) and the return of the Brew-Wing Lab and the iconic Pickle Milkshake.
Dates, entertainment and menus for this year’s event have not been announced yet. However, we anticipate the return of a lot of frog favorites such as Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt, and of course, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series! Last year, Joey Fatone & friends, Smash Mouth, Hanson, New Found Glory and a bunch of other icons performed at the American Gardens Theatre. We can’t wait to see who’s performing this year!
Want more details on what to expect? Check out our EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival guide.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Immediately following Halloween, Walt Disney World transforms for the holiday season. However, EPCOT waits a bit longer — until after the Food & Wine Festival ends. But when it does, you’ll be so immersed in the spirit of holiday Disney magic!
Like the Festival of the Arts, the Festival of the Holidays is a relatively short festival, usually only lasting about a month. Last year, it ran for 33 days, beginning on Nov. 28 and ending on Dec. 30. The big highlight of the event is the Candlelight Processional. Throughout the festival, celebrity narrators retell the biblical tale of Christmas, accompanied by a live orchestra. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event that hits you right in your feels, especially if you visit closer to Christmas.
And speaking of heartfelt performances, the Voices of Liberty perform holiday classics throughout the season. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
Along with the Candlelight Processional, EPCOT offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the history of Christmas across different cultures. Listen to holiday storytellers throughout the World Showcase, including La Befana in Italy, Père Noël in France and Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. Plus, check out Las Posadas in Mexico, nightly projections on Spaceship Earth and meet the Big Guy himself — Santa Claus — at CommuniCore Hall.
Wait! I can’t believe I didn’t tell you about the food yet! The Holiday Kitchens are a feast for your taste buds, including the famous Holiday Cookie Stroll. Collect stamps when you purchase five cookies from the Cookie Stroll locations and redeem them for a sweet prize.
Check out our guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays for more info on what to expect, including glimmering ride overlays and where to find characters in their holiday best!
Similarities and Differences Between the EPCOT Festivals
If you’re visiting EPCOT, expect the festivals to have a ton of similarities. They each feature live entertainment, usually have a scavenger hunt for the tadpoles and all have food kitchens (though they go by different names depending on the season).
That being said, there are some differences to keep in mind to help you prepare:
Length of Festival
The length of each festival varies, with both the Festival of the Arts and the Festival of the Holidays lasting around 30 days. In 2025, Festival of the Holidays lasted 33 days, and in 2026, Festival of the Arts lasted only 39 days. In contrast, in 2025, the Flower & Garden Festival was 89 days, and the Food & Wine Festival was 87 days.
Though the dates for the end-of-year festivals haven’t been released yet, having a general timeline can help you plan ahead.
Weather
The EPCOT festivals span all four seasons, and though Florida is typically warm year-round, the state still experiences weather changes. During this year's Festival of the Arts season, Florida experienced record-low cold temperatures, with the Orlando area reaching 24 degrees Farheinehit. We were bundled up during this event, with a warm jacket, scarf, hat and gloves — certainly not the kind of clothing you’d normally think to pack when visiting the Sunshine State!
January is usually the coldest month in Florida, so expect to layer up if you’re visiting for the Festival of the Arts. Temps begin to rise in February. By the time the Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom, expect the temps to be in the high 80s. The Food and Wine Festival usually experiences the highest temperatures, with average temperatures in the low 90s, before cooling off again in the mid-70s toward the end of the year. That being said, visiting during the winter season requires a bit more strategic packing as it’s usually hotter in the day and cooler at night, reaching about 60 degrees.
Crowd Levels
One of the biggest differences between the EPCOT festivals is the level of the crowds. Because it starts in late summer, the Food and Wine Festival is often considered the busiest event, especially on weekends when locals visit. However, because it lasts as long as it does, the crowd levels are manageable, especially on weekdays.
Flower & Garden Festival can be just as busy as it gets to spring break and Easter, but again, the long duration helps with crowd control dramatically.
While the Festival of the Holidays is busy because it’s the holiday travel season, the Festival of the Arts surprises people with how busy it can actually get. Depending on the year, it may coincide with the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which can cause congestion at park opening due to road closures and increased crowds as runners celebrate their victories in the parks later in the day.
But don’t fret! Even with crowds, there are plenty of hoppin’ ways to have a frogtastic day in your park and maximize your time. Stay ahead with our Crowd Calendar and check out our Disney World Spring Break post for more insider tips.
Dining at the EPCOT Festivals
Cost and Saving Money With the Disney Dining Plan
While the EPCOT festivals are included in the price of admission, your ticket does not include food. And with so much to enjoy at each festival (I will rave about the pickle milkshake EVERY CHANCE I GET), you’re going to want to budget ahead of time.
I have a bunch of tips below, but before we get to that, I want to let you in on a little secret: Did you know that most of the festival items count as snack credits if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan?
Here's how it works: If you book a four-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each member of your party ages 3 and up would receive four table-service meals, four quick-service meals and four snack or nonalcoholic beverages for the duration of your stay.
This can save you a ton of money, especially when you split the small bites from the booths. Each festival booth offers small plates that are easy to share between two people. The snack credits are usually only applicable to food and nonalcoholic drink items.
Disney Dining Packages
As mentioned above, each of the festivals offers elite entertainment, but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes, we have no trouble finding a seat. However, other times, we’re standing off in another pavilion listening to the band (ahem, The Beach Boys). To guarantee a seat at a show, we recommend buying a Disney Dining Package.
Each package is priced per person and includes a table-service meal at participating restaurants and guaranteed seating for one of the shows on the same day. All of the concerts and candlelight processionals have three time slots, so you can either have dinner then a show or a show then dinner (whatever works best for you!).
Prices vary based on the restaurant. And while the participating restaurants can change, they usually include:
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Chefs de France
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- La Crêperie de Paris
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
- Spice Road Table (2 small plates, shared tagine and shared dessert platter)
- Teppan Edo
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Using a Disney Dining Plan Toward a Dining Package
One of our favorite ways to maximize the Disney Dining Plan is to use a table-service credit toward an EPCOT Festival Dining Package. Mind blown, right? It depends on the restaurant, but most participating restaurants accept 1 table-service credit for a dining package. However, there are usually some exceptions, such as Regal Eagle Smokehouse (not eligible) and Le Cellier (2 table-service credits). Garden Grill (lunch or dinner) is one of our favorite recommendations for getting the best value. For only 1 table-service credit, you get a buffet meal, characters AND reserved seating! How can you beat that?
Tips for Visiting the EPCOT Festivals
With the general overview out of the way, here are our top tips for visiting the EPCOT festivals:
- Use our Crowd Calendar to plan your visit; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays typically see the lowest crowds.
- Get your rides out of the way first, then visit the World Showcase in the afternoon and evening.
- Grab your Festival Passport for menu items, photo ops and more.
- Purchase and use a MagicBand+ (if you're a Disney Resort hotel guest) to pay for food throughout the World Showcase, as it will assist with speedier checkouts OR opt for a reloadable Festival Gift Card wristlet from Creations Shop and Port of Entry.
- Share dishes with other members in your party to save money and experience all the flavors.
- Bring a poncho or umbrella if visiting during the Flower & Garden Festival and Food & Wine Festival; these tend to fall in the middle of Florida’s rainy season.
- Start in the middle or back of World Showcase to avoid crowds at the initial booths at opening.
- Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, especially if drinking around the world.
- Don't overlook the concert series!
- Check the My Disney Experience app for live performances, shows and experiences.
There you have it! Our ultimate guide to the EPCOT festivals! Have you been to one of the festivals yet? If not, which one are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments, and have a hoppin’ great time when you go!
Related: How to Navigate EPCOT's World Showcase with Kids
Hoppy planning!
