EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2026: Dates, Menus, Tips & Must-See Experiences

• Lyn Prince
• Jan 4, 2025
• 3 min read

Updated: Jan 20

What is EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts?

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is one of the most creative and colorful festivals at Walt Disney World, blending visual, culinary, and performing arts into a uniquely EPCOT experience. If you’re planning a visit in early 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know — from official dates and new food offerings to entertainment, activities, and expert planning tips.

EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2026 Dates & Overview

📅 January 16 – February 23, 2026📍 Location: EPCOT – World Showcase & select Future World areas⏰ Length: 39 days

This fan-favorite festival celebrates art in all its forms — paintings, sculptures, Broadway music, animation, and beautifully plated dishes that look almost too good to eat. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is one of the best reasons to visit Disney World in the winter months, especially for guests planning their trip around seasonal events and lighter crowds.

Best for:

• Couples & adults

Couples & adults

• Disney foodies

Disney foodies

• Art lovers & photographers

Art lovers & photographers

• Festival-hopping EPCOT fans

Festival-hopping EPCOT fans

What’s New & Returning for 2026

While many beloved elements return each year, 2026 brings refreshed menus, updated merchandise, and expanded interactive offerings.

Highlights for 2026:

• 48+ food & beverage items, including brand-new dishes

48+ food & beverage items, including brand-new dishes

• Updated Figment-themed desserts & merch

Updated Figment-themed desserts & merch

• Rotating Broadway performers in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series

Rotating Broadway performers in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series

• Returning fan-favorite scavenger hunt and animation experiences

Returning fan-favorite scavenger hunt and animation experiences

2026 Food Studios & Must-Try Menu Items

Food Studios are scattered throughout World Showcase and are a major draw of the festival. Expect artistic plating, bold flavors, and smaller portions perfect for grazing.

Fan-Favorite & New Standouts:

• Figment’s Fantasy Cake – Strawberry-forward, playful, and Instagram-worthy

Figment’s Fantasy Cake – Strawberry-forward, playful, and Instagram-worthy

• Steakhouse Lobster Caesar Salad – A savory standout for seafood lovers

Steakhouse Lobster Caesar Salad – A savory standout for seafood lovers

• Sparkling Spectacle Gâteau – A visually stunning dessert with layered flavors

Sparkling Spectacle Gâteau – A visually stunning dessert with layered flavors

• Color-changing cocktails, sparkling wines, and non-alcoholic creative sips

Color-changing cocktails, sparkling wines, and non-alcoholic creative sips

💡 Pro Tip: Portions are smaller than full meals — plan to snack around the park and share dishes.

Disney on Broadway Concert Series

One of the biggest draws of the festival is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, featuring rotating stars from Broadway’s most beloved Disney productions.

What to Expect:

• Performers from shows like The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, and Wicked

Performers from shows like The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, and Wicked

• Multiple showtimes nightly at the America Gardens Theatre

Multiple showtimes nightly at the America Gardens Theatre

• Included with EPCOT park admission

Included with EPCOT park admission

Dining Packages may be available, offering reserved seating — ideal for busy weekends.

Interactive Art, Games & Family Fun

The Festival of the Arts isn’t just about watching — it’s about participating.

Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt

Search for Figment hidden within famous art recreations around World Showcase. Complete the hunt and receive a special prize.

Animation Academy

Learn to draw beloved Disney characters step-by-step with a Disney artist — fun for kids and adults alike.

Artful Photo Ops

Become part of the art with oversized murals and illusion-style photo backdrops throughout the park.

Festival of the Arts 2026 Merchandise

Festival-exclusive merchandise is a major hit every year, especially anything featuring Figment.

Expect to Find:

• Figment spirit jerseys & apparel

Figment spirit jerseys & apparel

• Loungefly backpacks

Loungefly backpacks

• Festival-branded prints & home décor

Festival-branded prints & home décor

• Limited-edition collectibles

Limited-edition collectibles

📍 Available in select EPCOT shops and festival kiosks.

Pair Your Festival Day with EPCOT Nighttime Magic

After a full day of art and food, end your evening with EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular:

Luminous: The Symphony of USA breathtaking fireworks and fountain show celebrating human connection, set over World Showcase Lagoon.

Planning Tips for Visiting in 2026

✔️ Arrive early for lower crowds and cooler temps

✔️ Grab the Festival Passport at the park entrance

✔️ Visit food studios before peak dinner hours

✔️ Check Broadway performer schedules in advance

✔️ Wear comfortable shoes — EPCOT festival days mean lots of walking

✔️ Weekdays are less crowded than weekends

Visiting during the Festival of the Arts is ideal for guests who want cooler weather, unique entertainment, and fewer crowds compared to peak holiday seasons.

⚠️ Note: EPCOT park reservations may still be required depending on your ticket type.

Extending Your Trip?

If you’re visiting late February, EPCOT will soon transition into the Flower & Garden Festival, making this a perfect time for festival-to-festival hopping.

Is the EPCOT Festival of the Arts Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you love:

• Creative food & drinks

Creative food & drinks

• Live Broadway-style performances

Live Broadway-style performances

• Interactive, low-stress festival vibes

Interactive, low-stress festival vibes

• A less crowded EPCOT experience