EPCOT’s seasonal festivals are beloved annual events that celebrate art, food, culture, and the natural world. Each festival transforms EPCOT with unique attractions, entertainment, and delicious food offerings from around the globe, making it a dynamic park to visit year-round. Here’s a comprehensive overview of EPCOT’s seasonal festivals, including the International Festival of the Arts, the Flower & Garden Festival, and the renowned Food & Wine Festival. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or garden enthusiast, EPCOT’s festivals offer something special for everyone.
EPCOT Festivals: A Guide to Seasonal Celebrations
Each year, EPCOT hosts four main festivals, each with its own theme, activities, and culinary offerings. From hands-on art activities to global food markets and stunning gardens, EPCOT’s festivals provide a vibrant, ever-changing experience for guests.
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1. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the first festival of the year, typically running from mid-January through late February. This festival celebrates visual, culinary, and performing arts with hands-on activities, art displays, and interactive workshops.
What to Expect:
The Festival of the Arts showcases artwork from Disney artists and local creatives, with galleries and pop-up studios around World Showcase. Guests can meet artists, watch live art demonstrations, and even contribute to collaborative projects, such as the popular Paint-by-Number Mural. The festival also features Broadway-caliber performances during the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, where Disney stage actors perform iconic songs from Disney musicals.Food Highlights:
The festival’s food booths, known as “Food Studios,” are inspired by art and offer beautifully plated dishes that look as impressive as they taste. Each dish emphasizes creativity, with vibrant colors, edible garnishes, and intricate presentations that make each meal feel like a work of art.Must-Try Dishes: Popular items include the Deconstructed BLT, the Almond Frangipane Cake with layers of colorful icing, and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. Each Food Studio offers a unique menu inspired by culinary creativity.
Interactive Activities:
Paint-by-Number Mural: Guests can help create a mural by painting a small section of a large mosaic. This community project is fun for all ages and provides a colorful souvenir at the end.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters: A scavenger hunt for Figment fans where guests search for art-inspired Figment portraits hidden around the World Showcase. Participants can redeem their completed map for a prize.
Tips for Visiting:
Consider visiting during the weekday to avoid larger weekend crowds.
Disney on Broadway performances are popular, so arrive early to secure a seat or consider a dining package for reserved seating.
The Festival of the Arts is perfect for art lovers and families, as it combines art in all forms with hands-on activities and stunning performances. Whether you’re admiring the work of Disney artists or trying your hand at painting, this festival is a colorful way to start the year at EPCOT.
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2. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
The International Flower & Garden Festival is a celebration of spring and typically runs from early March through early July. Known for its stunning topiaries, vibrant floral displays, and focus on gardening, this festival brings EPCOT’s landscape to life with an array of colors and scents.
What to Expect:
The Flower & Garden Festival transforms EPCOT into a botanical wonderland, with character-inspired topiaries, butterfly gardens, and seasonal gardens that showcase the beauty of spring. Guests can stroll through displays that feature popular characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and others in lush topiary form. Each garden highlights different aspects of horticulture, from butterfly habitats to sustainable farming practices.Food Highlights:
Garden-inspired Outdoor Kitchens offer fresh, seasonal dishes that highlight fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Many of these kitchens focus on farm-to-table concepts and plant-based options.Must-Try Dishes: Fan favorites include the Violet Lemonade, the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob, and the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from the Honey Bee-stro. Each dish is inspired by seasonal ingredients and offers a fresh taste of spring.
Special Exhibits and Gardens:
Butterfly House: An enclosed butterfly garden where guests can observe butterflies up close and learn about their life cycle.
Topiary Displays: EPCOT’s famous topiaries are crafted with incredible attention to detail, featuring beloved characters and beautiful floral arrangements.
Garden Tours: Disney offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the festival’s gardens and horticulture. These tours, such as the Garden Rocks Concert Series, often require an additional fee.
Tips for Visiting:
Bring your camera to capture the vibrant gardens and unique topiary displays.
Arrive early to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures and capture photos before the afternoon crowds.
Take advantage of the various outdoor kitchens to sample fresh, seasonal flavors.
The Flower & Garden Festival is a must for anyone who loves gardening or simply wants to enjoy EPCOT in full bloom. The combination of colorful displays, delicious seasonal food, and educational gardens makes this festival a refreshing spring experience.
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3. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The International Food & Wine Festival is EPCOT’s most famous event, drawing food lovers from around the world. Running from mid-July through November, this festival transforms EPCOT into a global food market, with more than 30 booths featuring dishes and drinks inspired by countries and cultures worldwide.
What to Expect:
The Food & Wine Festival brings an incredible variety of global cuisine to EPCOT, with marketplaces around World Showcase that serve up small plates and drinks representing flavors from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and chef-led seminars are also part of the festival, giving guests a chance to learn from culinary experts.Food Highlights:
Must-Try Dishes: Each year, festival favorites include items like Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, Kalua Pork Sliders from Hawai’i, and Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese. Drinks like wine flights, craft beers, and international cocktails complement the diverse menu.
Special Experiences and Tastings:
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Held in the America Gardens Theatre, this concert series brings popular bands and artists to EPCOT, offering live music in the evenings.
Culinary Demonstrations: Guests can attend seminars with celebrity chefs and culinary experts, where they can learn cooking techniques and enjoy sample tastings.
Food & Wine Pairing Events: Disney offers unique pairing experiences, often requiring reservations, where guests can sample wines, beers, and spirits with expertly matched dishes.
Tips for Visiting:
The festival is very popular, so expect larger crowds on weekends. Visiting on a weekday can help you avoid long lines at food booths.
Use a festival passport (provided at the entrance) to keep track of the foods you’ve tried and plan your must-eats.
Consider sharing small plates with your group to taste more items without getting too full.
The Food & Wine Festival is a paradise for foodies and wine enthusiasts, offering a global dining experience with a Disney twist. With unique flavors, chef-led experiences, and live music, this festival is a highlight of EPCOT’s calendar and a must for any visitor looking to explore the world through food.
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4. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The International Festival of the Holidays runs from late November through the end of December, bringing festive decorations, cultural traditions, and holiday treats to EPCOT’s World Showcase. This event celebrates the holiday season by highlighting how different cultures observe this special time of year.
What to Expect:
Each pavilion in World Showcase showcases its own unique holiday traditions, with storytelling, decorations, and seasonal music. Santa Claus and other holiday figures make appearances around World Showcase, and the Candlelight Processional, a beloved EPCOT tradition, tells the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator and a choir.Food Highlights:
Holiday Kitchens around the World Showcase offer seasonal treats and festive drinks inspired by international holiday cuisines.Must-Try Dishes: Favorites include the Slow-Roasted Turkey from the American Holiday Table, Traditional Holiday Poutine from Canada, and the Chocolate Yule Log from France. These dishes capture the flavors of holiday celebrations worldwide.
Special Experiences and Entertainment:
Candlelight Processional: A retelling of the Christmas story, narrated by a celebrity with an accompanying choir and orchestra. This beautiful and moving performance takes place at the America Gardens Theatre.
Holiday Storytellers: Each pavilion features storytellers who share tales of holiday traditions from their respective countries, offering guests insight into cultural celebrations.
Tips for Visiting:
Candlelight Processional is popular, so arrive early for a seat or consider a dining package for reserved seating.
The festival can be busy, particularly in the evening. Plan to explore holiday kitchens and storytellers earlier in the day to avoid large crowds.
Don’t miss the holiday decorations and seasonal music, which add to the festive atmosphere around World Showcase.
The Festival of the Holidays is perfect for families and guests looking to experience the warmth of the holiday season through international traditions, food, and music. It’s a beautiful way to end the year and celebrate the diversity of holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts on EPCOT’s Festivals
EPCOT’s seasonal festivals offer something new and exciting each time of year, from culinary adventures and stunning gardens to immersive art and holiday magic. Each festival provides unique ways to explore EPCOT’s global themes, allowing you to experience different cultures, savor delicious foods, and create lasting memories with family and friends. By planning your visit around one of these festivals, you’ll find that there’s always something special happening at EPCOT. park.