Epcot International Festival of the Arts | Magic in the Planning

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2026: January 16 – February 23

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The Epcot International Festival of the Arts has rapidly gained popularity and is now a beloved event for many. Offering a multitude of engaging activities, it stands out among other Epcot festivals. Alongside the delectable artistic culinary delights, attendees can participate in art workshops, seize photo opportunities throughout the park, witness captivating performance art, and explore noteworthy galleries showcasing stunning artwork available for purchase.

 


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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2026? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year!


 

What You Need to Know About All Epcot Festivals

Epcot International Festival of the Arts | Magic in the PlanningAll Epcot Festivals feature food and beverage booths throughout the park. You will find temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent booths throughout Epcot that feature exclusive menu items for each festival. Menus are released shortly before each festival and typically offer unique food and drink options that aren’t available at any other time of the year.

Typically, there is a feature show at America Gardens Theatre for each of the festivals, and each show typically has an associated dining package that guarantees admission. (But due to popularity, arriving early may still be your best bet at getting a good seat!)

Every festival offers unique entertainment, activities, and even merchandise throughout the park. Some activities are free, while others do require an additional fee. One activity to take note of is a paid scavenger hunt. Maps can be purchased (usually for less than $10), and guests then search the park for items. Your completed map can be exchanged for a small treat or item.

 

Festival Tips and Tricks

Spaceship Earth in Epcot | magicintheplanning.comEpcot festivals are quite popular with the locals, which means that evenings and weekends will be busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit Epcot during the week and make the most of your daytime hours. You may also want to avoid the first and last weekends of the event as these tend to be more crowded.

Also, keep in mind that some guests may engage in a bit more alcohol consumption, especially during the Food & Wine Festival, as many of the booths offer unique drinks and wine tastings. For some, this may not be a big deal, but for families traveling with younger children, it may be something you want to consider.

 

Basic Festival Overview

According to Disney, this festival celebrates the “creation of art and cuisine.” It also boasts some of the best activities of all the Epcot festivals. All forms of art are on display, including culinary arts, performance art, and visual art.

 

2026 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Menu

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is packed with colorful, creative bites that are just as fun to look at as they are to eat. In World Celebration, you’ll find standouts like the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Soft Shell Crab Slider, and the gorgeous (and delicious) Enchanted Rose dessert. Figment fans can grab playful treats like the rainbow Popcorn Chicken and Waffles or the eye-catching Figment Fantasy Cake, while other booths serve up deconstructed favorites with an artsy twist.

Over in World Showcase, the flavors travel the globe—from Mexico’s Chile Relleno Taco and inventive margaritas to France’s warm brie in a bread bowl and chocolate-orange éclair. Italy, Germany, Japan, and Canada all bring something special to the table, whether it’s hearty short ribs, crispy mozzarella, sushi-inspired creations, or rich mushroom risotto. Add in colorful DOLE Whip creations, creative cocktails, and plenty of craft beer and cider, and you’ve got a festival menu that truly turns food into art.

 

Disney on Broadway Concert Series

The Disney on Broadway concert series is a major attraction at the Festival of the Arts. It takes place at the American Garden Theatre, situated in the World Showcase’s American Adventure pavilion. Each artist pair presents a unique set list featuring songs from their Broadway shows, as well as some additional Disney musical numbers.

Not all shows are the same. Some artists play popular songs from famous shows, while others perform lesser-known numbers. If you’re at Epcot when different performers are playing (they change every few days), it’s worth catching multiple shows.

During this time of the year, the smaller crowds make it much easier to secure a seat for concerts compared to the popular Candlelight Processional during the holidays. If you don’t really mind where you sit, you can usually just walk up and get a spot right before the show starts. But if you want to be up close, it’s best to line up 30-45 minutes early or go for one of the dining packages for an even better view.

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series will typically run daily at 5:30, 6:45, & 8:00 PM at the American Garden Theatre. While no announcements have been made yet concerning the lineup for 2026, here’s a look at last year’s schedule:

January

  • Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Isabelle McCalla (Aladdin): January 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27
  • Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid) and Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29
  • Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 30
  • Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): January 31

February

  • Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): February 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10
  • Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): February 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12
  • Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Ainsley Melham (Aladdin): February 13, 15, 16, 19
  • Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast) and James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin): February 14, 17, 18, 20, 21
  • Grand Finale Performance – Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Ainsley Melham (Aladdin), Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast), James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin), and Kyra Belle Johnson (Beauty and the Beast North American Tour): February 22 and 23

 

Disney on Broadway Dining Packages

Rose & Crown Dining Room in Epcot | magicintheplanning.com

If you want a guaranteed seat without having to arrive too early, you can purchase a Dining Package. Dining Packages give you priority seating at one of the concerts, although for most concerts, they are not necessary. The seats for these packages are located in the very first few rows of the theater. And unless you want the very front-row center, there isn’t any need to line up early.

A meal at participating restaurants includes the following: an entrée and dessert OR one full buffet/family-style meal (where applicable), as well as a non-alcoholic beverage. The exception to this is Spice Road Table, which includes 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, and a nonalcoholic beverage. If using the Disney Dining Plan, most of the restaurants use 1 Table-Service meal credit. Le Cellier Steakhouse uses 2 Table-Service credits, and Regal Eagle Smokehouse isn’t eligible on the dining plan.

  • Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion) – Adult: $66 | Child: $35
  • Chefs de France (France Pavilion) – Adult: $81 | Child: $33
  • Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas) – Adult: $73 | Child: $29
  • Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion) – Adult: $66 (B) $79 (L/D) | Child: $40 (B) $49 (L/D)
  • La Crêperie de Paris (France Pavilion) – Adult: $56 | Child: $30
  • La Hacienda de San Angel – (Mexico Pavilion) – Adult: $82 | Child: $37
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion) – Adult: $99 | Child: $39
  • Nine Dragons Restaurant (China Pavilion) – Adult: $60 | Child: $23
  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (American Adventure Pavilion) – Adult: $36 | Child: $21 (same-day packages only)
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion) – Adult: $61 | Child: $26
  • Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Japan Pavilion) – Adult: $89 | Child: $45
  • Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion) – Adult: $56 | Child: $21
  • Teppan Edo (Japan Pavilion) – Adult: $89 | Child: $45
  • Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy Pavilion) – Adult: $77 | Child: $29
  • Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion) – Adult: $65 | Child: $28

*Prices listed above do not include tax or gratuity. Child prices are for those ages 3-9. B = Breakfast, L/D = Lunch and Dinner

**Regal Eagle Smokehouse does offer same-day dining packages, but they are subject to availability. It’s also important to note that Dining Packages are only offered Friday through Monday. Guests who participate will be able to enter America Gardens Theatre via a separate queue and will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is guaranteed for those who purchased a dining package. 

 

Additional Festival of the Arts Festivities

Food Studios

There will be a variety of “Food Studios” featuring a wide variety of artistic food and drink options. And while all of the Epcot festivals feature food booths, special attention to detail and presentation is a big part of the Festival of the Arts.

Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine

Just like the Cookie Stroll at the Festival of the Holidays, the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine gives you a foodie reward. Try 5 delicious and vibrant dishes (and collect 5 stamps in your festival passport) to win. And the best part? You don’t have to do it all in one day. As long as you finish before the festival ends, you’ll score the prize!

Visual Art in Performance

Watch as a talented artist paints beloved Disney characters and scenes right in front of you. Featured artists have included Trevor Carlton and Stephen Fishwick. This experience typically takes place in World Showcase Plaza, Thursday through Sunday, throughout the festival.

Art Defying Gravity

Experience awe-inspiring showcases of strength, grace, acrobatics, and agility. Performances take place in World Showcase Plaza, Saturday through Wednesday, throughout the festival.

Musical Performances

Experience daily harmonious musical performances in World Showcase Plaza. Featured musicians include Nicholas Marks on guitar, Victor Espinola on harp, Don Black on saxophone, and Dominic Gaudious on didgeridoo.

Animation Academy

Learn how to draw a Disney Character during this session led by an animator! This experience has taken place in America Gardens Theatre at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM daily. Classes are fast-paced and may not be ideal for small children. They are also quite popular, so be sure to arrive about 30 minutes earlier than your desired session.

Paint-By-Number Mural

Found in World Nature on the walkway from the Imagination! pavilion toward Test Track, guests are able to add to the mural from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Photo Opportunities

There are numerous photo opportunities throughout Epcot, including fun life-sized paintings and PhotoPass Magic Shots. Find these step-in frames around EPCOT.

Kids Chalk Art

Kids will be able to leave their own chalk artwork from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at “Kids’ Chalk Art” located at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza.

Chalk Art Galleries

Located along the bridge to World Showcase Plaza, watch chalk artists at work.

Figment’s Brush with the Masters

This Figment-themed scavenger hunt takes guests on a tour of World Showcase while teaching all about art. Every time you find the Figment-themed picture frame, you add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on your map. Once completed, you simply return your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful surprise. (Purchase your map and stickers for $9.99 plus tax at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler.)

Merchandise

The 2026 Festival of the Arts features uniquely designed limited-time merchandise.

 

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts! Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to start planning your next Walt Disney World Vacation!

 

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