By Kate Cohen
November 6, 2026
Any time of year is a great time for a trip to Walt Disney World.
But if you can coordinate your visit with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you're in for a real treat.
This celebration of all things artistic is the perfect excuse for a post-holiday Disney retreat. It's one of EPCOT's most popular seasonal events, appealing to families, couples, foodies, and Disney enthusiasts alike.
The event's combination of visual arts, performing arts, culinary creations, and interactive experiences makes it a must-do experience, especially during the cooler winter months.
The 2027 festival runs from January 15 through March 1, giving visitors an added week to experience everything there is to do, see, and taste.
Visiting from out of town? Book a stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel that offers a convenient and affordable home base close to the festival fun.
Here's our Ultimate Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2027.
Key Takeaways
- What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
- When is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
- Must-See Art Experiences
- Festival of the Arts Food Studios
- Live Entertainment and Performances
- Interactive Experiences for the Whole Family
- Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Where to Stay for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
- Frequently Asked Questions About the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
- Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista: Your Hotel for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
Every year, EPCOT hosts a series of themed festivals, including the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and of course, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
The arts-inspired annual EPCOT festival is the first of the calendar year, held after the holiday theme park rush when the crowds are often a bit lighter.
This particular event is a celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts, featuring exclusive entertainment, eye-catching food studios, and playful interactive exhibits.
Access to the festival is included in the cost of EPCOT admission, so you don't have to pay extra to experience the event's special offerings (except for select upgrades like VIP concert seating).
Food and beverages throughout the Disney festival of the arts are available for purchase at your discretion.
When is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts usually runs from mid-January through February, drawing guests from around the world at a time when crowds are typically lower following the holiday rush.
This mid-winter time frame is perfect for anyone hoping to avoid the intensely hot and humid Orlando summers.
Temperatures in Central Florida average a high of the mid- to low-70s with lows in the low- to mid-50s. Cold snaps aren't unusual at this time of year either, so packing warm layers is essential for staying comfortable during your trip.
If you're looking to avoid bigger crowds, try to schedule your day at EPCOT on a weekday – ideally Monday through Thursday. Over the weekends, the theme park typically fills up with locals and annual passholders.
Of course, it's still a Walt Disney World theme park, so crowds and lines are to be expected. Pack your patience and be kind to others, no matter what time of year you plan to visit.
Must-See Art Experiences
Some of the biggest highlights of the Festival of the Arts are the incredible opportunities to engage with art and artists from around the world.
Watch guest artists in action throughout EPCOT as they bring Disney characters to life using a variety of colorful mediums. Browse special galleries for limited-edition collectibles and Disney-inspired artwork to bring a piece of the festival home with you.
The chalk art galleries are always a big hit, transforming the sidewalks and streets into magnificent masterpieces that are as spectacular as they are fleeting. Inspired kids can even try their own hand at chalk art for a truly interactive experience.
Led by a professional Disney animator, Animation Academy offers kids and grownups alike the unique opportunity to learn to draw a beloved Disney character.
These and other Festival of the Arts exhibits are a true celebration of Disney artwork and the immense cultural value that the arts bring to our world.
Festival of the Arts Food Studios
Each of EPCOT's festivals has its own culinary footprint that aligns with the theme of the event.
For this particular festival, food truly becomes art. Every dish is plated and designed to look – and taste – like a miniature masterpiece.
Throughout EPCOT, 19 food studios pop up for the duration of the International Festival of the Arts. Each serves a specialty menu, often inspired by unique flavors from around the world.
You'll find savory specialties, sensational treats, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic signature beverages stationed throughout the park.
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine is a popular food stroll that encourages guests to try some of the festival's brightest dishes. Grab a complimentary festival passport upon arrival and purchase five of the designated colorful menu items included in the stroll, collecting a stamp for each.
Then, turn in your stamped passport for a complimentary festival treat.
It's easy to get swept up in the magical menus, especially when you're working up an appetite on rides and wandering through the World Showcase. Our recommendation is to start your day with a budget.
Once you have a set spending allowance in mind, be sure to check the festival menus ahead of time. Then, create a game plan so you can prioritize your must-try dishes at select Festival of the Arts food booths.
If you're more interested in tasting a variety of flavors rather than simply satisfying your appetite, bring a friend and share. While they're often not full restaurant portions, most dishes are big enough to split between a few bites.
Want to make sure you find the best food at EPCOT's Festival of the Arts? Check out social media accounts like Disney Food Blog for trusted reviews as soon as the festival begins in January.
Live Entertainment and Performances
Art comes in many forms well worth celebrating, including performing arts.
Every year, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts hosts the Disney on Broadway Concert Series starring popular performers from Disney's Broadway hits like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.
These scheduled performances showcase a mix of memorable melodies that audiences of all ages can enjoy together.
To ensure you get a great seat to the performance of your choice, consider booking a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, which includes a meal at select EPCOT dining establishments and guaranteed seats for the show.
While the concert series is the festival's headlining event, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy and appreciate live performances throughout the theme park. During the festival, you may stumble upon live musicians, living statues, daring acrobats, and other engaging street performers.
Interactive Experiences for Families
There's no doubt you'll find your own artistic inspiration while wandering around the festival.
Luckily, there are several family-friendly ways to participate in the event on a daily basis.
First, check out The Expression Section, a free and interactive paint-by-numbers mural that begins with a fresh canvas each day. Guests can stop by the Paint Distribution booth to choose a color and a sponge brush for their contribution to the mural.
When your square is complete, you'll receive a complimentary bookmark that shows the full image you've helped paint.
Another great interactive activity that kids will love is the Figment's Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt.
For around $12, you'll receive a game map and matching stickers. Then, keep your eye open for Figment, who is playfully hiding inside famous reimagined fine art pieces throughout EPCOT's World Showcase pavilions.
When you've found Figment in every location, you can turn in your completed map for a small keepsake reward.
Don't forget to keep your eye open for fun, festive photo ops throughout the theme park, too!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
While every day at a Walt Disney World theme park is its own adventure, there are certainly things you can do to ensure you have the best visit possible.
Our first tip: arrive early. Thanks to its later hours and multitude of food and drink options, EPCOT is a theme park that gets busier as the day goes on.
When you show up nice and early, you'll be able to take advantage of shorter attraction lines and lighter crowds, both of which contribute to a more enjoyable experience.
However, keep in mind that the Festival of the Arts food studios and a variety of festival-specific activities don't start until 11 a.m., so while you can get into the park several hours earlier, you won't be able to enjoy the festival until a bit later in the morning.
Our second tip: use the My Disney Experience app. You'll conveniently find wait times, show schedules, and dining information all in one easily accessible place on your phone.
Next up: plan your festival priorities ahead of time. If there's a specific dish you want to try or an activity you'd like to participate in, be sure to prioritize it on your itinerary. Then, build the rest of your day around those must-do experiences.
Our final, and possibly most important tip - wear comfortable shoes. EPCOT has a large footprint, so you can be sure you'll be doing a lot of walking during your visit. Trust us: future you will thank you for wearing the shoes with a little extra support.
Where to Stay for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
After a long day at the theme parks, there's nothing like returning to a clean, comfortable room for a good night's rest.
But you’ll also want to find something budget-friendly so you can spend your money on festival food and souvenirs, not resort fees.
Here's where Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista comes in.
As a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, you can literally rest assured that we meet Disney's rigorous standards for comfort, convenience, and cost.
Our complimentary scheduled theme park shuttle offers transportation to and from EPCOT every day, so you can save money on theme park parking fees, too.
Families love our kid-friendly amenities, including two seasonally heated pools, an arcade room, and a colorful splash pad.
Fuel up for your day at EPCOT with our hearty onsite breakfast buffet, where kids 5 and under dine for free with each paying adult. And, if you're hungry when you get back at the end of the day, Comfort Zone Bar & Grille is waiting for you with delicious food and a full bar.
And not only are we proud to be an affordable Disney-area hotel – we're also proud to deliver an incredible, welcoming experience with no resort fees, ever.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is an exciting event at Walt Disney World's EPCOT theme park celebrating the visual, performing, and culinary arts every winter. It features interactive art displays, innovative food and beverages, and exciting live performances, all exclusive to the festival.
Is the Festival of the Arts Included with EPCOT admission?
Yes, admission to the Festival of the Arts is included with the cost of an entry ticket to EPCOT.
What Food is Available During the Festival?
In addition to EPCOT's permanent restaurants, cafes, and eateries, 19 festival-specific food studios will be featured throughout the event. Their menus feature artistically crafted dishes showcasing flavors and ingredients from around the world, beautifully presented with precision and artistry.
Is the Festival of the Arts Good for Kids?
Absolutely! This family-friendly event features plenty of engaging, interactive activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt, a large paint-by-numbers mural, and all the kid-friendly attractions that call EPCOT home year-round.
How Much Time Should I Spend at the Festival?
It's easy to spend a full day at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. With so much to see, do, eat, and drink, you'll still never conquer the theme park in a single visit. And don't forget all the exciting EPCOT rides and attractions you'll want to try while you're there.
Where Should I Stay When Visiting the EPCOT Festival of the Arts?
Stay at a comfortable, budget-friendly Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel like Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista: Your Hotel for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is a wonderful event for the entire family to experience together. Taste, learn, create, and make memories as you celebrate the arts at EPCOT in 2027.
But first, book your stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista so you can spend more time thinking about which decadent festival dessert to try and less time figuring out the details of where to stay.
Experience the magic of convenience when you stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.