If you’re looking for a reason to visit EPCOT early next year, look no further than the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Returning for its ninth year, this fan-favorite celebration of creativity will take over the park from January 16 through February 23, 2026, transforming EPCOT into a living, breathing canvas of visual, performing, and culinary arts.
As one of EPCOT’s newer festivals—first debuting in 2017—the Festival of the Arts has quickly become a highlight of the park’s seasonal lineup. It’s a feast for the senses, where food becomes art, Broadway tunes fill the air, and imagination takes center stage.
A Showcase of Art in Every Form
The festival celebrates art in three major ways—visual, performing, and culinary—and each corner of the park offers something different to discover. One moment, you might be admiring a live mural being painted by a Disney artist; the next, you’re stepping into a larger-than-life “artful photo op,” posing inside a classic painting come to life.
Guests can also join in on the fun with hands-on activities like the Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural, where visitors help bring a massive community masterpiece to life. For those feeling inspired, the Animation Academy at America Gardens Theatre offers a chance to learn to draw a beloved Disney character with guidance from a real artist.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Returns
One of the most popular parts of the festival is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, bringing the magic of Broadway right to EPCOT. Each week, the America Gardens Theatre hosts a rotating lineup of stars who have performed in beloved Disney musicals such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen.
These concerts are included with park admission and run several times daily. For those who want to guarantee great seats, Dining Packages will be available later this year, offering a meal at select EPCOT restaurants before the show. The full performer lineup will be revealed soon—but it’s safe to say, every show promises to be a showstopper.
Culinary Creations that Double as Art
The Food Studios around World Showcase are always a festival highlight, offering small plates and beverages that look just as stunning as they taste. Over 20 Food Studios will be featured in 2026, serving dishes that fuse flavor and artistry—from colorful deconstructed classics to desserts that belong in a gallery.
Be sure to check out the upcoming Disney Eats Foodie Guide, which will reveal all the delicious details before the festival begins.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters
No EPCOT festival would be complete without a little help from Figment, the park’s mascot of imagination. This year, the playful purple dragon returns for Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt, where he hides inside famous works of art around World Showcase.
Guests can purchase a scavenger hunt map from Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler, then search for Figment-themed paintings in each pavilion. Once you’ve spotted them all, you’ll earn a special keepsake prize—perfect for collectors or kids who love an adventure.
New for 2026: Disney Lorcana Comes to EPCOT
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game will be making its festival debut in 2026. Fans of this collectible game can look forward to special festival activities highlighting the intricate artwork behind each card.
See You at the Festival
Whether you’re a foodie, a Broadway enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to get creative, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is one of Walt Disney World’s most inspiring events of the year.
From hands-on fun and interactive exhibits to dazzling performances and artistic eats, this festival is a celebration of imagination in all its forms.
So grab your paintbrush—or your park ticket—and get ready to experience the world of art, Disney-style, when the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off this January.