Epcot International Festival of the Arts | Magic in the Planning

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2026

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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 2025? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year! (Our guide for visiting Disney World in 2026 is now available as well!)


 

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

  • Dates for 2026: TBA (festival was held January 17-February 24 in 2025)
  • Menu for 2025 (menu has yet to be announced for 2026)

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

Disney has yet to announce the menu for 2026, but we will keep you posted as announcements are made!

 

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

  • Patti Murin (Frozen) and John Riddle (Frozen): January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28
  • Caissie Levy (Frozen) and Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30
  • Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 31

February

  • Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11
  • Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King): February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13
  • Michael James Scott (Aladdin) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23
  • Rodney Ingram (Aladdin) and Kara Lindsay (Newsies): February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22
  • Special Final Performance – Rodney Ingram, Kara Lindsay, Michael James Scott & Kissy Simmons: February 24

 

Disney on Broadway Dining Packages

Rose & Crown Dining Room in Epcot | magicintheplanning.comIf 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 typically 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. We do not have confirmed locations or pricing yet for 2026, but here’s a look at what previous years had to offer:

  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion) – Adult: $66 (B) $78 (L/D) | Child: $42 (B) $50 (L/D)
  • Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion) – Adult: $60 | Child: $34
  • Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas) – Adult: $73 | Child: $29
  • Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion) – Adult: $58 (B) $73 (L/D) | Child: $37 (B) $47 (L/D)
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion) – Adult: $99 | Child: $39
  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (American Adventure Pavilion) – Adults: $36 (same-day packages only)
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion) – Adult: $61 | Child: $26
  • Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion) – Adult: $50 | Child: $21

*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

Being that we’re still pretty far out from the 2026 festival, festivities have yet to be announced. But here’s a look at what has been offered in previous years:

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. Previous years have included:

  • International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
  • The American Adventure: Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Leutze
  • Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
  • Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: The Scream – Edvard Munch
  • Mexico Pavilion: An Homage to Frida Kahlo
  • Bridge to World Showcase: Wish Storybook
  • Italy Pavilion Courtyard: Teatime with Penguins
  • Bridge to World Showcase: Forest Scene from Sleeping Beauty

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 will likely feature uniquely designed merchandise, as this has become a staple of every Epcot Festival throughout the year.

 

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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