A Guide to EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2027 (From Someone Who Goes Every Year)
Thinking back to my first time at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts in 2022, I was about half way through my day when I made the decision that this was going to be my favorite time of year at EPCOT. The vibrant colors, cooler temperatures, hands-on experiences, and multitude of sweet treats made it so hard to resist going back year after year. Thankfully, I didn’t resist.
Since that first visit in 2022 (ended up being opening day of the festival and was crazy to say the least), I’ve been lucky enough to visit in 2023, 2025, 2026 and I am preparing to go back for year number 5 in January 2027. And with all that being said, I figured it would be kind of me to share an easy to follow guide to the festival for all of you already planning on being at the festival in January or February 2027; but also to try to entice some of you to book a winter getaway to experience this colorful festival.
Before I forget to mention it, the 2027 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 15 through March 1, making it a great option for anyone planning a Walt Disney World vacation early in the year.
What is there to do at the festival?
One of my favorite things about this festival is how much there is to see and do, even if you aren't planning to spend your entire day looking at artwork.
Creative Food and Drinks at the Festival Food Studios
Let's start with one of the biggest draws: the food!
During the festival, food studios throughout EPCOT offer creative dishes and drinks that are almost too pretty to eat. You'll find unique flavor combinations, colorful presentations, and festival-exclusive options that you won't typically see on a regular park day.
During my first visit in 2022, one of my favorite booths was Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina. Two of the items we enjoyed were the Passion Fruit-filled Mango Cheesecake and the Chorizo and Potato Empanada.
When I visited with my daughter in 2025, we took things a step further and tried something from nearly every food booth. It was such a fun way to experience the festival together!
Travel Specialist tip: Don't make too many dining reservations on your EPCOT day if sampling festival food is a priority. You'll want the flexibility to graze around World Showcase without feeling like you have to squeeze everything in between restaurant reservations. I recommend looking at the menus ahead of time and making a loose list of your must-try items.
Explore Artwork and Meet the Artists
The visual arts are what make this festival so distinctive. You'll find Disney-inspired artwork, galleries, artists displaying their work, and opportunities to purchase pieces to take home.
One of my favorite things to do is browse the artwork and imagine where I could put a new piece in my house. Sometimes it's a larger piece that catches my eye, and other times it's something as simple as a postcard. You don't have to purchase an expensive piece of art to bring home a special souvenir!
One of my favorite memories from my 2023 visit with my mom and sister was seeing my sister meet Joey Chou, one of her favorite artists. Then, in 2026, I had a pretty incredible moment of my own when I got to meet artist and Disney Imagineer, Tony Baxter!
Those are the kinds of experiences that make this festival special. You never know when you'll get the opportunity to meet an artist whose work you admire.
And I can't talk about festival merchandise without remembering the Figment popcorn bucket from 2022. I saw a line that was approximately two hours long and thought there was no way I was spending that much of my park day waiting for a popcorn bucket. Then, when I returned in 2023, we managed to get one with no line at all! Sometimes it's worth waiting, and sometimes a little patience pays off in unexpected ways.
Interactive Art Experiences
If you're looking for something hands-on, keep an eye out for the festival's interactive offerings.
In 2026, I finally got to participate in Animation Academy and draw Pascal! I'd wanted to try this experience for a while, so it was exciting to finally check it off my list.
Other festival favorites have included the Expression Section paint-by-number mural, where guests work together to create a larger piece of artwork, and Artful Photo Ops scattered throughout the park.
I especially love the step-in photo frames that make it look as though you're part of a famous painting. They're such a fun way to capture vacation photos, and I always enjoy seeing the chalk art along the walkways leading toward World Showcase.
These experiences are a great way to break up your day, especially if you're visiting with children or simply want to do something beyond the attractions.
Disney can change the available experiences from year to year, so check the official festival information before your visit to see what's planned for 2027.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
If you love musical theater, don't skip the Disney on Broadway Concert Series!
The performances bring Broadway talent to EPCOT's America Gardens Theatre, featuring songs from beloved Disney productions. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live entertainment while taking a break from walking around the park.
During my 2026 weekend trip with two friends, I was especially excited to see Sierra Boggess, who played Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway, and Jelani Remy, who played Simba in The Lion King. Getting to see performers with Broadway experience bring these familiar songs to life was such a highlight of my trip.
The concert series is a great reminder that the Festival of the Arts isn't just for families with young children. Whether you're visiting with friends, traveling as a couple, or planning a family vacation, there's plenty to enjoy.
Check Disney's official announcements for the 2027 performer lineup and schedule as details become available.
My Favorite Little Details at the International Festival of the Arts
Some of my favorite festival moments aren't necessarily the biggest attractions or the most popular food items. They're the little details that make walking around EPCOT feel special.
Here are a few things I always look forward to:
The step-in photo frames: Posing as part of famous paintings is such a fun way to capture unique vacation photos.
The chalk art: I love seeing the artwork created along the walkways leading to World Showcase. It's fun to stop and admire the details as you explore.
Spaceship Earth at night: I love watching Spaceship Earth light up while listening to the Muppets sing “Rainbow Connection.” It's one of those little moments that makes an EPCOT evening feel extra special.
Shopping for new artwork: Even if I leave with nothing more than a postcard, I love finding a little piece of Disney art to bring home.
During my 2026 visit, I also got to experience Disney Lorcana's card trading and scavenger hunt offerings. It was a fun addition for fans of the trading card game and another example of how the festival can offer something new, even for returning visitors.
For 2027, check Disney's official festival announcements to confirm which special activities and experiences will be available during your travel dates.
Tips for Planning Your Festival Visit
Dress for the weather: January and February can bring chilly temperatures, so check the forecast and dress in layers.
Leave room for spontaneity: Make a list of must-try foods, artists, and experiences, but leave time to explore.
Budget for extras: Festival food, artwork, and merchandise can add up quickly!
Enjoy the rest of EPCOT: Don’t spend your entire day at the festival booths. Make time for attractions, World Showcase, and nighttime entertainment, too.
Let Allonsy Travel Help You Plan a Walt Disney World in 2027
If the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts sounds like your kind of Disney experience, why not make it part of a 2027 Walt Disney World vacation?
With the festival running from January 15 through March 1, 2027, there are several weeks to choose from when planning your trip. Your ideal dates will depend on your schedule, budget, resort preferences, and what else you'd like to experience during your vacation. At Allonsy Travel, we help you sort through these details to pick the perfect dates and itinerary to fit your family.
And while the festival might be what gets you excited about visiting, there's a whole Walt Disney World vacation to plan around it!
Whether you want to spend your EPCOT day sampling festival food, meeting artists, enjoying Broadway performances, or simply wandering World Showcase and soaking up the atmosphere, we’ll help you prepare for the vacation you want.
Hey there! I’m Emma Hancock-Bontempo, your guide to a trip filled with magical moments! After traveling to Walt Disney World countless times growing up, I decided to put all this “Disney knowledge” to good use and help others plan their vacations to the most magical place on earth. After becoming a planner in 2022, I discovered a love for curating vacations for couples, families and groups of friends, all with different wants and needs. Now married and mother to a little girl, I’ve learned how to best set up my clients for success, because as Edna Mode says. “Luck favors the prepared”, and my clients are always prepared to a tee!
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