Your Guide to EPCOT’s 2025 International Festivals: Dates, Highlights & What to Expect
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Feb 11
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Updated July 8, 2025
🎉 EPCOT Festival Fun (Almost) All Year Long
EPCOT is the international festival capital of Walt Disney World—with four major events throughout the year that transform the park into a celebration of food, art, flowers, and global traditions. These festivals are so popular that EPCOT is almost always in festival mode—if you're visiting, there's a good chance something special will be happening!
Each festival brings its own flair, but many include fan favorites like:
Pop-up food and festive drink booths
Exclusive themed merchandise
Concert series at the American Gardens Theatre
Fun scavenger hunts for kids (and kids at heart!)
📅 Below are the confirmed and estimated dates for the 2025 EPCOT festivals. For more planning help, don’t miss our printable EPCOT Festival Maps (or save them as a JPG on your phone) to find food booths, concerts, and activities around the park.
📅 2025 EPCOT International Festivals Calendar
🎨 International Festival of the Arts: January 17–February 24, 2025
🌸 International Flower & Garden Festival: March 5–June 2, 2025
🍷 International Food & Wine Festival: August 28–November 22, 2025
🎄 International Festival of the Holidays: November 28–December 30, 2025
What Every EPCOT Festival Includes
Each of EPCOT’s festivals brings its own unique flair—but they also share some fun common elements that add a little extra magic to every visit. Whether you're visiting in the middle of winter or the heat of summer, here are a few things you can count on during any EPCOT International Festival:
Festival Passports
At every EPCOT festival, you can pick up a Festival Passport at the park entrance or most merchandise locations. This handy little booklet lists all the food booths, menus, activities, and special offerings for the current festival. It’s the perfect pocket guide to help you plan your day—and makes a cute keepsake, too!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Bring a pen or sticker sheet to mark your must-try items before you hit the booths!
Don’t want to carry the paper passport? You can also access the digital festival guide right in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. Just scroll down on the home screen until you see the current festival listed—then tap “Learn More” to view food booths, entertainment, and more on your phone.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Use the map feature in the app to find the nearest food booth or concert time without pulling out your printed passport in the Florida humidity!
Food Booths
🍴 Each festival features dozens of themed food booths around the park—think of them as pop-up restaurants with international flair! You’ll find snack-sized portions of both savory and sweet dishes, along with creative drinks, usually priced between $5–$10. Each booth has its own theme—like a specific country, seasonal ingredient, or culinary trend—and menus rotate every festival.
✨ Bonus tip: Many of these items count as snacks on the Disney Dining Plan, making them one of the best uses of a snack credit!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Booth lines are typically shortest early in the day and on weekdays—especially before 1 p.m.
Concert Series
🎶 Each EPCOT festival includes a live concert series at the America Gardens Theatre, featuring themed musical performances on most nights of the event. Best of all? These concerts are free with park admission!
🎤 From Broadway stars to retro rock bands, and the infamous Candlelight Processional - most of these shows are extremely popular—and guests often line up over an hour in advance to grab a seat.
🎟️ Want guaranteed seating? Book a Concert Dining Package to enjoy a prix fixe meal at one of EPCOT’s participating restaurants plus a reserved seat for that evening’s concert. Depending on the location, the meal may include:
An appetizer, entrée, and dessert
Or a full buffet with non-alcoholic beverages
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Dining packages often open 60 days out, and popular time slots go fast—especially for fan-favorite performers. Don’t wait to book if you’ve got your eye on someone special!
⏩ Jump to Your Favorite Festival
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
From late January through February you can experience the Festival of the Arts. This festival is the newest addition to the festivals at Epcot and has quickly become a fan favorite. (January 17–February 24, 2025)
Pop over to International Festival of the Arts Guide for 2025 for a deeper dive.
What to Eat:
Festival food booths serve up dishes that are literal works of art—some even look too pretty to eat! From colorful mousse domes to artistically plated savory bites, each item is carefully crafted to be both beautiful and delicious.
🎨 Many dishes are inspired by artistic movements or famous works of art, so you're not just tasting—you’re experiencing edible creativity.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The festival’s artistic flair often extends to how the food is served—some plates are shaped like palettes, and drinks might come with color-changing effects!
What to See:
This is EPCOT’s most visually stunning festival—and the art is truly everywhere you look!
🖌️ Sidewalk Chalk Masterpieces – Stroll along the walkway to World Showcase and watch artists create stunning 3D chalk art right before your eyes. It’s mind-blowing how detailed some of these pieces are—and they change throughout the festival, so no two visits are quite the same!
🎭 Live Art Demonstrations – At various spots throughout the park, artists take the stage (or easel!) to showcase their skills in real time—from watercolor and sculpture to performance art and animation.
🕵️♀️ Hidden Character Art – Keep your eyes peeled for semi-hidden Disney character portraits tucked into unexpected places around the park. It's a fun surprise for eagle-eyed guests!
What to do:
🎭 Take a drawing class at Animation Academy with a Disney animation artist and learn how to draw a Disney character.
🕵️♂️ Complete Figment’s Masterpiece Scavenger Hunt for a prize - Search for Figment featured in historical works of art around the World Showcase. When you finish you get a little prize.
📸 Special photo ops and themed booths found throughout the World Showcase.
🎨 Contribute to the giant paint-by-numbers mural Guests receive a little paint cup, paint brush, and coordinated numbered square to paint, Over time the mural is collectively filled in by the many guests who come by. This is a cute little fun and free activity.
✍️ Go on a hunt for the chalk characters that are added to locations all around the park
What to Buy:
🎨 Art Booths from Disney and Guest Artists – EPCOT turns into an open-air art market during the festival, with stalls set up throughout the park showcasing Disney-inspired artwork and creative pieces from invited guest artists. You’ll find everything from limited-edition prints and paintings to sculptures, home décor, and wearable art.
🖼️ While most pieces are Disney-themed—from classic characters and attractions to Star Wars and Pixar—you’ll also spot a few original or non-Disney works sprinkled in for variety. Many artists are on-site and available to sign your purchase!
🐉 Festival Merchandise – Figment is the festival’s unofficial mascot, so you’ll see him featured in playful merchandise like spirit jerseys, mugs, MagicBands, and collectible pins.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you see a print or piece you love, grab it early in the day—some designs sell out fast, especially signed or limited-edition artwork. (Learn from our mistakes!)
Did you know you can ship merchandise home directly from almost every store (and festival booth) on the Walt Disney World property for a fee? Super helpful if you find something you love that's too big for your luggage!
Concert at the America Gardens Theatre:
Disney on Broadway Concert Series. Broadway artists perform medleys of Disney Broadway hits! So much fin if you are a theatre geek, like us.
🎶 Concert Tip: You can reserve a guaranteed seat with a Broadway concert dining package at select EPCOT restaurants. [More on festival dining packages, can be found in our Dining and Dessert Packages Guide.]
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Every spring, EPCOT bursts into bloom during the International Flower & Garden Festival. (March 5 – June 2, 2025) The park transforms into a vibrant celebration of color, creativity, and natural beauty—with stunning character topiaries, elaborate floral displays, and garden-themed fun for all ages.
It’s the perfect mix of Disney magic and outdoor charm! Check out our more detailed post - 2025 International Flower & Garden Festival Guide
What to eat:
With nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens scattered around EPCOT, Flower & Garden is a foodie’s springtime dream! These festival-exclusive booths serve up fresh, garden-inspired bites and seasonal sips—many featuring locally sourced ingredients and floral flavors.
What to see:
🌿 Topiary Magic: Beautifully trimmed topiaries shaped like your favorite Disney characters pop up all around the park. From Mickey and Minnie to Anna and Elsa, they’re picture-perfect and full of charm!
🌺 Blooming Gardens Galore: EPCOT bursts to life with vibrant gardens and floral displays—each more detailed and extravagant than the last. It’s a stunning celebration of color and creativity!
🦋 Butterfly Landing: Step into a dreamy walkthrough garden filled with fluttering butterflies and blooming flowers. It’s a peaceful (and very photogenic) spot that’s perfect for families—and a favorite with little ones
What to do:
🌿 Gardening Experiences – From expert-led talks to themed displays, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn more about gardening, sustainability, and outdoor design throughout the park.
🐝 Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration – Join Spike the Bee on a springtime scavenger hunt through the gardens of EPCOT! For around $10, pick up a map and hunt for Spike among the flowers. Complete the map and redeem it for a fun little prize.
🥚 Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt – Available around Easter, this limited-time hunt invites guests to search for oversized character-themed eggs hidden around World Showcase. Another prize-worthy adventure!
🌱 Garden Graze – This food stroll lets you purchase select plant-based dishes at various booths and collect stamps in your Festival Passport. Complete the stroll and you’ll earn a sweet treat at the end!
👶 Themed Garden Play Areas – Little ones can explore specially designed garden-themed playgrounds that change each year. It’s the perfect break spot for families.
What to buy:
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features some of the most beloved merchandise of the year! Look for Figment-themed gardening gear, Minnie Mouse in her floral best, and the return of cult favorite Orange Bird—a must-have for longtime fans.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Orange Bird items are extremely popular and often sell out. If you’re eyeing a spirit jersey or sipper cup, head to Creations Shop early in the day!
Concert at the America Gardens Theatre:
Get ready to jam out to iconic hits! The Garden Rocks series features popular throwback bands like Kool & the Gang, Smash Mouth, and STARSHIP performing live on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
🎶 Expect packed crowds for the most popular acts—if you’ve got your heart set on a favorite band, be sure to arrive early to grab a good seat!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want guaranteed seating? Book a Festival Dining Package at select EPCOT restaurants for a reserved spot at the concert.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
As summer wraps up at the Disney Resort, EPCOT hosts its most iconic foodie event—the International Food & Wine Festival (August 28 – November 22, 2025)! This beloved festival lets you eat and sip your way around the world with dozens of global marketplaces, special tastings, and festival-exclusive entertainment.
It’s one of the most popular festivals of the year, so bring your appetite and a sense of adventure! Dive into even more details at our updated Food & Wine Festival Guide 2025
What to eat:
At the Food & Wine Festival, the food is the true star—with over 30 global marketplaces serving up bold bites and sweet sips from around the world. Many dishes are paired with wines, beers, or cocktails that perfectly complement the flavors.
🍤 From gourmet mac & cheese to melt-in-your-mouth pastries, there’s something for every palate—including plant-based, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options.
🍷 Want a sneak peek of what to expect? Festival Foodie Guide for 2024 - We'll be updating it for 2025 as soon as details are released.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t try to do it all in one go—share dishes with your group so you can taste more without getting too full (too fast).
What to see and do:
Food is the star of the festival, but be sure to check out these fun activities as well.
🧀 Emile’s Fromage Montage snack your way through EPCOT, sampling select cheesy dishes across the park and earning a prize for your efforts. 🧀🎉
🐭 Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: This adorable scavenger hunt has you spotting little chef Remy as he prepares ingredients across the World Showcase.
🎃 Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit : (Limited-Time Event: September 29 – October 31, 2025) Start your quest to spot all the Disney-themed pumpkins hidden around EPCOT!
What to buy:
Food & Wine Festival always brings out the foodie-themed merch magic! You’ll typically find collections featuring Remy and Figment—two festival fan favorites. In 2025, Minnie Mouse and Chef Mickey also join the party with new limited-edition items perfect for culinary collectors.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Festival merchandise can sell out quickly—especially anything with Figment. If you see something you love, grab it early in the day!
Concert at the America Gardens Theatre:
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: This high-energy concert series brings popular bands from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s to the EPCOT stage! Rock out to live performances of fan-favorite hits from artists you know and love.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want to skip the long line? Book an Eat to the Beat Dining Package to enjoy a delicious meal and guaranteed concert seating.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Festival of the Holidays - Of all the EPCOT International Festivals, Festival of the Holidays might just be the most magical. This heartwarming celebration spotlights holiday traditions from around the world with festive décor, seasonal bites, and cultural entertainment in each World Showcase pavilion.
Dive into our detailed post Festival of the Holidays Guide
What to eat:
The pop-up holiday kitchens at each country offer traditional food and sweets from different regions around the World Showcase. It is impossible to dive into all the fun holiday samplings in one trip, but we love trying!
Want a preview? Head to our Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide for all the fun eats, deserts, and sips for. 2024. We'll update if for 2025 as soon as the details are released.
What to see:
🎄Christmas time is truly one of the most magical times to visit Walt Disney World—and EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays makes it even more special. During this event, the entire World Showcase transforms into a festive wonderland, with each pavilion beautifully decorated to reflect its own holiday traditions and culture.
✨ From twinkling lights to sweet treats and joyful performances, it’s a celebration of global holiday spirit that’s not to be missed!
What to do:
🗣️ Holiday Storytellers – In each World Showcase pavilion, a cultural representative shares that country’s holiday traditions through engaging storytelling. You’ll meet different versions of Santa Claus and other festive figures from around the globe—each one is a delight to watch!
🧊 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition – Join Olaf as he explores holiday customs around the world in this charming scavenger hunt. Look for him in each pavilion and earn a prize once you complete your map (available for purchase, around $10).
🍪 Holiday Cookie Stroll – Who doesn’t love cookies at Christmas? Grab a festival cookie stroll card and collect stamps as you purchase delicious holiday cookies around the park. After you’ve collected enough, you’ll receive a special sweet surprise!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Bring resealable bags if you want to save some of your cookies for later—they’re surprisingly big!
What to buy:
🎄 Festival Merchandise – EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays offers limited-edition merch you won’t find any other time of year. Look for festive apparel, home décor, ornaments, and more—often featuring Mickey and friends in their holiday best.
🎁 Global Holiday Decorations – Just like the famous Christmas Markets in Europe, many World Showcase pavilions feature pop-up booths selling traditional holiday decorations and crafts from that region. It’s a fun way to bring a little international holiday magic home with you!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Some of the handmade decorations (especially glass or wooden ornaments) are fragile—ask for extra padding if you're traveling home with them!
📦 Remember you can ship merchandise home directly from almost every store (and festival booth) on the Walt Disney World property for a fee - you can even ship them home all at once from any Disney Resort Hotel gift shop, as long as you have hung on to those receipts! Sucha great option if you are worried about breaking those special items!
Concert at the America Gardens Theatre:
One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World, the Candlelight Processional is a 40-minute musical retelling of the Christmas story. A celebrity narrator is joined by a full 50-piece orchestra and massed choir to bring the story to life in a moving and unforgettable performance.
🌟 Past narrators have included Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Gad, Brendan Fraser, Angela Bassett, and other stars from stage and screen.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is one of EPCOT’s most popular events of the year. For guaranteed seating, consider booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select EPCOT restaurants.
💡 Plan Your Festival Day Like a Pro
No matter when you're visiting, EPCOT’s festivals bring added magic to the park! With delicious eats, unique entertainment, and activities for all ages, they’re one of our favorite parts of any Disney trip.
🧭 Be sure to check out:
🎟️ Want to learn more about concert dining packages, scavenger hunts, or what concerts or the best merch? Each guide covers all the festival-specific details.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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