- Mar 13, 2024
- 8,718
- 36
The time has come! The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has officially begun, and, of course, we are in EPCOT to experience it all. We will be eating our way through the booths, admiring a variety of art, enjoying the entertainment, and more. And we are bringing you all along with us!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-41-15-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
We’re experiencing it ALL so we can share the must-dos with you. Come along with us to get a peek at this year’s Festival of the Arts. Let’s go!
We will be updating this post throughout the day, so stay tuned for more!
The 2026 Festival of the Arts runs from January 16th through February 23rd. It’s definitely on the shorter end when it comes to EPCOT Festivals, so don’t wait too long to visit! The Festival celebrates three artistic disciplines: Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-15-2026-4-49-47-PM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The Culinary Arts, in particular, are recognized by the presence of Food Studios. These standalone marketplace booths offer enhanced food options around the park, with a focus on unique presentation in keeping with the artistic Festival theme. You can also catch artists throughout the park and Broadway stars in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series.
It might be a chilly morning, but lots of people are excited for EPCOT! We were in EPCOT bright and early to be one of the first ones to experience the festival — and we definitely weren’t the only ones.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Rope-Drop-Crowds-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-8-37-01-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Rope Drop Crowds
Crowds can look bigger right around rope drop, but they become more manageable as people start to spread out. The first days of festivals are generally pretty crowded, too. Although today is a chilly day, so it might be a bit lighter of a crowd than normal, we will see!
After rope drop, quite a few people also headed to the Creations Shop to check out merchandise, but we could still maneuver around fairly easily. So, not too bad so far!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Crowds-Lines-General-Atmo-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-01-54-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Crowds at Creations Shop
Make sure you keep an eye out as you enter EPCOT from the front entrance — you’ll find signs and decor featuring the many colors of the rainbow, with a particular purple dragon playing a prominent role! This is an excellent spot for a photo op. Especially since it’s easy to forget to take photos throughout the day, knocking one out at the beginning is always a good idea!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-2-700x522.jpg
2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Throughout EPCOT, you will also be able to spot other Festival of the Arts signs!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-15-2026-4-36-51-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
When you first enter EPCOT, don’t forget to grab a Festival Passport! (Don’t worry, you can also find them throughout the park if you forget to grab one.) The Festival of the Arts has its very own Passport with all sorts of information about the event, including food booths, entertainment, and more.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Passport-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-43-35-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Passport
Here’s a closer look at this year’s Festival of the Arts Passport! We are loving all the colors!
You can get an in-depth look inside this year’s festival passport right here!
In addition to food and entertainment, there’s plenty of festival merchandise to browse. We spotted some NEW ears for the Festival of the Arts!
As well as some NEW Loungefly backpacks. Of course, Figment is back, and he is looking handsome on this Loungefly backpack.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Loungefly-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-18-08-AM-1-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Figment Loungefly
There is also this Figment Loungefly available!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Loungefly-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-00-01-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Loungefly Backpack
You can also snag this Corkcicle Water Bottle.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Corkcicle-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-03-43-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Corkcircle Water Bottle
We also spotted this fun Festival of the Arts Spirit Jersey!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Spirit-Jerseys-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-12-42-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Spirit Jersey
Disney on Broadway performers will be returning to the stage in 2026 with three daily shows. You will get to see stars from Broadway shows such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Check out a complete list of performers right here.
2025 Disney on Broadway Concert Series
These performances can be seen on the America Gardens Theater stage. CommuniCore Plaza will also host a variety of performances daily. You can check the My Disney Experience app for a list of performance times.
You can also celebrate the visual arts throughout EPCOT with a variety of exhibits, hands-on experiences, and demonstrations. We always love checking out the Walking Chalk Gallery and seeing what the chalk artists are working on. Make sure to check the Festival of the Arts passport for more information!
Chalk Art 2025
You can even meet artists during the festival! Some popular artists that will be appearing during this year’s festival include:
You can find a full schedule on the Walt Disney World website (search for “Featured Artists”)or the My Disney Experience app.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an EPCOT Festival without FOOD! We can expect more than 20 Food Studios around EPCOT that bring together flavor and art — and we’ll be bringing you our full reviews of them all!
A few permanent dining locations also serve up some festival eats! We started off our morning with a stop at Joffrey’s for the Pop Art Latte. It was artsy AND tasty, and we also wrote a full review!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Pop-Art-Latte-Joffreys-Coffee-and-Tea-Company-Booths-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-700x525.jpg
Pop Art Latte
We will be bringing you reviews of even more additional locations — so stay tuned!
Want to know how to handle the Festival like a PRO? Grab our Magical Guides Guide to the Festival of the Arts for tips, tricks, and advice. Stay tuned to this post, as we’ll be updating it throughout the festival!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-41-15-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
We’re experiencing it ALL so we can share the must-dos with you. Come along with us to get a peek at this year’s Festival of the Arts. Let’s go!
We will be updating this post throughout the day, so stay tuned for more!
Festival Dates
The 2026 Festival of the Arts runs from January 16th through February 23rd. It’s definitely on the shorter end when it comes to EPCOT Festivals, so don’t wait too long to visit! The Festival celebrates three artistic disciplines: Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-15-2026-4-49-47-PM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The Culinary Arts, in particular, are recognized by the presence of Food Studios. These standalone marketplace booths offer enhanced food options around the park, with a focus on unique presentation in keeping with the artistic Festival theme. You can also catch artists throughout the park and Broadway stars in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series.
Getting Started and Crowds
It might be a chilly morning, but lots of people are excited for EPCOT! We were in EPCOT bright and early to be one of the first ones to experience the festival — and we definitely weren’t the only ones.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Rope-Drop-Crowds-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-8-37-01-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Rope Drop Crowds
Crowds can look bigger right around rope drop, but they become more manageable as people start to spread out. The first days of festivals are generally pretty crowded, too. Although today is a chilly day, so it might be a bit lighter of a crowd than normal, we will see!
We are here EARLY and we are not the only ones who are excited!!
pic.twitter.com/1r4tiaCi9w
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) January 16, 2026
After rope drop, quite a few people also headed to the Creations Shop to check out merchandise, but we could still maneuver around fairly easily. So, not too bad so far!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Crowds-Lines-General-Atmo-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-01-54-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Crowds at Creations Shop
Signs and Decor
Make sure you keep an eye out as you enter EPCOT from the front entrance — you’ll find signs and decor featuring the many colors of the rainbow, with a particular purple dragon playing a prominent role! This is an excellent spot for a photo op. Especially since it’s easy to forget to take photos throughout the day, knocking one out at the beginning is always a good idea!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-2-700x522.jpg
2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Throughout EPCOT, you will also be able to spot other Festival of the Arts signs!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Signs-2026-Fesitval-of-the-Arts-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Photo-Jan-15-2026-4-36-51-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Festival Passport
When you first enter EPCOT, don’t forget to grab a Festival Passport! (Don’t worry, you can also find them throughout the park if you forget to grab one.) The Festival of the Arts has its very own Passport with all sorts of information about the event, including food booths, entertainment, and more.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Passport-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-43-35-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Passport
Here’s a closer look at this year’s Festival of the Arts Passport! We are loving all the colors!
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts has official kicked-off! Look how cute the 2026 passport is
pic.twitter.com/Yma9YRAJGV
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) January 16, 2026
You can get an in-depth look inside this year’s festival passport right here!
Festival Merchandise
In addition to food and entertainment, there’s plenty of festival merchandise to browse. We spotted some NEW ears for the Festival of the Arts!
SPOTTED: new ears for International Festival of the Arts
pic.twitter.com/9pERErz5V9
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) January 16, 2026
As well as some NEW Loungefly backpacks. Of course, Figment is back, and he is looking handsome on this Loungefly backpack.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Loungefly-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-18-08-AM-1-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Figment Loungefly
There is also this Figment Loungefly available!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Loungefly-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-00-01-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Loungefly Backpack
You can also snag this Corkcicle Water Bottle.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Corkcicle-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-03-43-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Corkcircle Water Bottle
We also spotted this fun Festival of the Arts Spirit Jersey!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Spirit-Jerseys-Merchandise-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-9-12-42-AM-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Spirit Jersey
Performing Arts
Disney on Broadway performers will be returning to the stage in 2026 with three daily shows. You will get to see stars from Broadway shows such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Check out a complete list of performers right here.
2025 Disney on Broadway Concert Series
These performances can be seen on the America Gardens Theater stage. CommuniCore Plaza will also host a variety of performances daily. You can check the My Disney Experience app for a list of performance times.
Visual Arts
You can also celebrate the visual arts throughout EPCOT with a variety of exhibits, hands-on experiences, and demonstrations. We always love checking out the Walking Chalk Gallery and seeing what the chalk artists are working on. Make sure to check the Festival of the Arts passport for more information!
Chalk Art 2025
You can even meet artists during the festival! Some popular artists that will be appearing during this year’s festival include:
- Jerrod Maruyama (January 16th through 21st)
- Joey Chou (January 21st through 29th)
- Stacey Aoyama (January 31st; February 1st through 5th)
- Will Gay (January 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st; February 1st)
- Jason Ratner (January 16th, 18th, 24th, 25th, and 31st; February 1st, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 21st, and 22nd)
- Ashley Taylor (January 16th to 20th)
- Dave Perillo (January 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, and 31st; February 1st to 5th)
You can find a full schedule on the Walt Disney World website (search for “Featured Artists”)or the My Disney Experience app.
Culinary Arts
Of course, it wouldn’t be an EPCOT Festival without FOOD! We can expect more than 20 Food Studios around EPCOT that bring together flavor and art — and we’ll be bringing you our full reviews of them all!
Additional Food Locations
A few permanent dining locations also serve up some festival eats! We started off our morning with a stop at Joffrey’s for the Pop Art Latte. It was artsy AND tasty, and we also wrote a full review!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Pop-Art-Latte-Joffreys-Coffee-and-Tea-Company-Booths-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-Photo-Jan-16-2026-700x525.jpg
Pop Art Latte
We will be bringing you reviews of even more additional locations — so stay tuned!
Want to know how to handle the Festival like a PRO? Grab our Magical Guides Guide to the Festival of the Arts for tips, tricks, and advice. Stay tuned to this post, as we’ll be updating it throughout the festival!
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS
OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Magical Guides-Festival-of-the-Arts-Guide-Cover.png
Magical Guides's guide to the Festival of the Arts details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with Magical Guides's Best of the Fest.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating this colorful festival at Disney World, including:
It includes all the must-have information for navigating this colorful festival at Disney World, including:
-
Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with Magical Guides's exclusive recommendations!
-
The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!)
-
All the details on special events, artist meet-n-greets, festival-exclusive merchandise, and more!
GET YOUR GUIDE NOW
MORE Festival of the Arts INFO!
Will you be checking out the Festival of the Arts this year? Tell us in the comments.
