The Festivals of EPCOT: A Year-Round Celebration of Food, Art, Music, and Culture
EPCOT at Walt Disney World isn’t just a theme park — it’s a celebration of human creativity, innovation, and connection. Throughout the year, EPCOT transforms again and again, hosting four major festivals that celebrate art, cuisine, nature, and culture from around the world.
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or simply want to experience something new on your next Disney vacation, timing your visit with one of these festivals adds a whole new layer of magic.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January–February)
Theme: Creativity in all forms — visual, culinary, and performing arts.
Each winter, EPCOT becomes a living gallery during the Festival of the Arts. You’ll find incredible Disney and pop culture artwork on display, live art demonstrations, and even chances to meet the artists themselves.
Highlights:
Disney on Broadway Concert Series: Enjoy nightly performances from Broadway stars who have played iconic Disney roles.
Artful Food Studios: Taste dishes that look like masterpieces — from colorful desserts to deconstructed classics.
Photo Ops & Interactive Art Walls: Step into famous paintings and create your own art moments around World Showcase.
Genie Tip: Visit early in the day for shorter lines at food studios and clearer lighting for photos of the art booths.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March–July)
Theme: Nature in bloom, outdoor beauty, and fresh flavors.
Spring at EPCOT is breathtaking thanks to Flower & Garden Festival. The park bursts with color — hundreds of thousands of blooms, themed gardens, and topiaries shaped like Disney characters.
Highlights:
Topiary Displays: Beloved Disney characters sculpted from flowers and greenery.
Outdoor Kitchens: Taste fresh and seasonal dishes inspired by global gardens.
Garden Rocks Concert Series: Live music from popular bands and tribute groups.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Scavenger hunts like Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration are perfect for families.
💡 Genie Tip: Evening strolls through World Showcase are especially beautiful — the gardens glow as the sun sets.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (July–November)
Theme: Culinary exploration from around the globe.
The Food & Wine Festival is EPCOT’s most famous event — a paradise for food lovers! You’ll find more than 25 global marketplaces serving small plates, craft drinks, and decadent desserts.
Highlights:
Global Marketplaces: Sample cuisine from nearly every corner of the world.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Nightly performances from well-known musical acts.
Culinary Demonstrations: Learn from Disney chefs and special guests.
Emile’s Fromage Montage: A fun cheese-themed food crawl with a special prize at the end.
Genie Tip: Weekdays are the best time to visit — weekends can get busy with locals coming for food and music.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Late November–December)
Theme: Holiday traditions from around the world.
End the year on a magical note with Festival of the Holidays, a celebration of global holiday customs, seasonal foods, and storytelling.
Highlights:
Candlelight Processional: A moving retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a full choir and orchestra.
Holiday Kitchens: Taste holiday favorites from around the world — from German stollen to American roast turkey.
Storytellers Around the World: Hear cultural holiday tales from each pavilion’s cast members.
Holiday Cookie Stroll: Collect stamps for sampling cookies and earn a sweet surprise.
💡 Genie Tip: This festival is the shortest of the four — plan ahead if you want to catch it before the year ends!
Why You Should Plan Around an EPCOT Festival
Each EPCOT festival adds exclusive entertainment, food, and atmosphere that you won’t experience any other time of year. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, planning your trip around a favorite festival can make your vacation feel even more special.
Plus, if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll be just a short walk or Skyliner ride away from EPCOT — especially if you stay at Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, or BoardWalk Inn.
Let Genie Travel Co. Plan Your Festival Adventure
From choosing the best dates to booking your resort, park tickets, and dining, the Travel Genies can help you make the most of your EPCOT festival visit. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on tasting, exploring, and celebrating!
Ready to experience your favorite EPCOT festival?
Reach out to a Genie Travel Co. vacation planner today — and we’ll help you craft a Disney trip that feels like a celebration all year long!