2026 Ultimate Guide to Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival

The 2026 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 4 through June 1, 2026, giving you a full 90 days to explore stunning topiaries, eat your way around the Outdoor Kitchens, catch free concerts, and enjoy some of the most beautiful gardens Walt Disney World has to offer. Whether this is your first Flower & Garden Festival or your tenth, this complete guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

What is the Flower and Garden Festival?

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The Flower & Garden Festival is EPCOT's longest-running seasonal event, and it's grown enormously since its 1994 debut as a modest 38-day horticultural showcase. Today it's a full-blown spring extravaganza featuring dozens of intricate Disney character topiaries, over 20 food kiosks called Outdoor Kitchens, a free concert series, family scavenger hunts, and more than 31 garden and floral displays spread across the park.

Think of it as EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival — just with a lot more flowers. And the great news? Festival admission is included with your regular EPCOT park ticket. No extra cost to enjoy the topiaries, concerts, gardens, or scavenger hunts (though some add-on activities cost a small fee).

2026 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Dates

That's 90 days of festival fun. Compared to earlier years when the festival stretched into July, the 2026 run is a tighter spring window — so plan accordingly. If you're hoping to catch a specific Garden Rocks performer or snag limited merchandise, don't wait too long.

Pro Tip: Pick up your free Festival Passport when you arrive. It lists all the gardens, Outdoor Kitchens, and has stamps for the Garden Graze activity.

Best Times to Visit the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival

Early Festival (Second Week of March)

The second week of the festival — around March 10–15 — is one of our top recommendations. Opening weekend brings enthusiastic crowds and content creators, but things calm slightly after that. The flowers are freshest and fully bloomed at this point, and you're ahead of the main spring break surge.

The Mid-Festival Sweet Spot

If early March doesn't work for you, aim for late April through mid-May. Once spring break crowds clear and before summer break begins, EPCOT hits a pleasant crowd lull. This is arguably the most comfortable time to graze through the Outdoor Kitchens without long waits.

Worst Times to Visit

Spring Break (Mid-March)

Central Florida spring break kicks off around March 13. Expect significantly larger crowds from mid-March through early April. If you have flexibility, avoid this window.

Easter Week

Easter 2026 falls on April 5. The week before and after this holiday draws major crowds as families plan vacations around the holiday. Plan ahead or plan around it.

Memorial Day Weekend

The unofficial start of summer (late May) brings increased traffic to Disney World. Lines at Outdoor Kitchens can get long, and park capacity tends to run high.

The Final Weekend (May 29–June 1)

The last few days of the festival can be busy as people try to squeeze in one more visit before it wraps up.

Map for 2021 Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Here is a look at the inside of the Flower and Garden Map at Epcot for 2026. Below is a look at the passport booklet where you will find all the menus for the festival booths.

Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival Offerings

2026 Topiaries: Over 60 Disney Characters in Full Bloom

One of the most beloved traditions of the Flower & Garden Festival is the incredible character topiaries created by Walt Disney World's horticulture team. In 2026, there are more than 60 topiaries spread throughout EPCOT's four neighborhoods and World Showcase.

Park Entrance / World Celebration

In a nod to Toy Story 5 releasing in theaters on June 19, 2026, Toy Story characters headline the park entrance this year:

• Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball — World Celebration Neighborhood Entrance (Lotso is back after a long absence!)
• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip 'n' Dale, and Pluto — World Celebration
• Mike Wazowski and Sulley — World Celebration, near Creations Shop
• Lightning McQueen and Mater — World Discovery, near Connections Café (returning after years away!)
• Figment — World Celebration Gardens
• Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa (Encanto) — near the Imagination! Pavilion
• Phineas and Ferb — CommuniCore Plaza
• Groot — World Discovery, near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Stitch — World Discovery, near Mission: SPACE (returning after a long absence!)
• Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy — Outside the Canada Pavilion
• Butterflies — Near Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Bridge

World Showcase Topiaries by Pavilion

• Mexico: Miguel and Dante (Coco), Three Caballeros, Tropical Rainforest Garden
• Norway: Anna and Elsa, Troll
• China: Pandas (mama and two cubs), Dragon (relocated from Japan)
• Germany: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Italy: Lady and the Tramp
• American Adventure: Princess Tiana ⭐ NEW for 2026!
• Japan: Bonsai Collection, Kokedema Garden
• Morocco: Spice Garden
• France: Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere and Cogsworth
• United Kingdom: Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Tinker Bell's Fairy House Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Topiary Heritage Garden
• Canada: Geese
• Port of Entry / Near Disney Traders: Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua ⭐ Marquee display for 2026!
• Near Bambi's old location: Bambi, Flower, and Thumper (relocated near World Showcase Bridge)

New in 2026: The Moana characters greet guests near the Port of Entry as the festival's featured entrance display. Princess Tiana receives her own topiary at the American Adventure Pavilion for the first time.

Another picturesque spot is The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ, where you can view a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. And at Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF! Repellents in Future World East, you can unwind in refreshing spaces that show you just how easy it is to create an outdoor escape for family and friends.

Gardens & Floral Displays

Beyond the topiaries, there are more than 31 gardens and floral displays to explore across EPCOT. Highlights for 2026 include:

Floating Gardens — World Nature (petite plots drifting on the ponds near the World Showcase bridge)

Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth — Observe butterfly species up close near the Imagination! Pavilion in World Nature. Closes at dusk.

Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy — Follow your nose across the World Showcase Bridge.

Playalong Bay Presented by Smuckers — A whimsical seaside-inspired playground at Rosewalk Play Garden. Closes at dusk.

Camp Get Out 'N' Play Garden Presented by OFF!® Repellents — A camp-themed family garden in World Celebration.

Festival Exhibit at CommuniCore Hall — Step inside a larger-than-life garden display that transforms from day to night, complete with glowing fireflies.

Bamboo Garden — China Pavilion

Bonsai Collection — Japan Pavilion

English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® — United Kingdom Pavilion

Garden Italiano — Italy Pavilion

Desert Garden — Mexico Pavilion

Scavenger Hunts

Spike's Pollen-Nation Exploration

Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail around World Showcase! Here's how it works:

1. Purchase your scavenger hunt map and stickers at select merchandise locations for $11.99 plus tax.
2. Search for Spike throughout the park and add a sticker to your map each time you find him.
3. Take the completed map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler to receive a surprise.

Subject to availability. Maps and prizes available while supplies last.

Note: The price has increased from $9.99 in past years to $11.99 in 2026.

Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt

Set out on a delightful hunt for Disney-themed eggs. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at select merchandise locations for $9.99 plus tax.

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase your map and stickers at select merchandise locations for $9.99 plus tax.
2. Search high and low for hidden eggs, then add a sticker to your map when you find one.
3. At the end of your journey, take the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler and receive a surprise.

Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt is subject to availability. Maps and prizes are available while supplies last.

Garden Rocks Concerts

The beloved Garden Rocks Concert Series returns at America Gardens Theatre, with world-renowned artists performing every weekend and local Orlando talent taking the stage on weeknights. Concerts are held three times nightly — typically at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.

Best of all: concerts are FREE with EPCOT park admission. Seating is first-come, first-served unless you book a dining package.

Performers for Garden Rock Concerts

• March 5–7 — The Music of ABBA (NEW)
• March 8–9 — Simple Plan
• March 13–14 — Blue October
• March 15–16 — Billy Ocean (NEW)
• March 20–23 — THE ORCHESTRA starring former members of ELO & ELO Part II
• March 27–28 — Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• April 3–5 — 98 Degrees (NEW)
• April 10–12 — Sugar Ray
• April 17–19 — Rick Springfield
• April 24–26 — Information Society (NEW)
• May 1–3 — Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves (NEW)
• May 8–10 — FireHouse (NEW)
• May 15–17 — Iam Tongi, American Idol winner (NEW)
• May 22–23 — Jo Dee Messina
• May 24–25 — A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce
• May 29–31 / June 1 — We the Kingdom (check Disney's website for final dates)

All entertainment is subject to change without notice. Visit DisneyWorld.com for the most current schedule.

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

Want guaranteed seating for a Garden Rocks show? Book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, which includes a full meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant plus a reserved seat for one concert performance that same day.

Participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Spice Road Table.

Concert times are assigned at booking. Advance dining reservations are highly recommended. You may also be able to purchase same-day packages at Regal Eagle Smokehouse subject to availability.

Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

The Outdoor Kitchens are the food kiosks scattered throughout World Showcase and EPCOT's new neighborhood areas. They're open from approximately 11:30 AM–8:30 PM Tuesday–Thursday and 11:00 AM–9:00 PM Friday–Monday.

In 2026, there are more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens featuring over 75 new menu items alongside returning fan favorites. Here's a summary of what's available:

New for 2026

Lan Yuan (China Pavilion) — New name with dishes like the Sha Cha Beef Bao Bun.

Nectar Hosted by AdventHealth (Brand New!) — Near The Land Pavilion. Featuring a Tuna Poke Bowl and plant-based Coconut Panna Cotta.

Beach Grub — Succulent seafood dishes perfect for a seaside feast. Near the new Playalong Bay play area.

Yacht Grub — Dips, chips, cured meats, cheeses, and sparkling cocktails.

Returning Favorites (and What to Order)

• BRUNCHCOT — Avocado Toast with Marinated Toy Box Tomatoes, Shrimp and Grits with tasso ham gravy (new!), Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites.
• Florida Fresh — Florida Strawberry Shortcake, Grilled Street Corn, Blackened Fish Slider. Graze item: Grilled Street Corn.
• The Citrus Blossom (Odyssey Pavilion) — Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp, Citrus Baked Brie, Lemon Meringue Pie.
• EPCOT Farmer's Feast (March 4 – May 10 only) — Seasonal farm-fresh dishes with early and late bloom menus.
• Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion) — Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza, Taco Vampiro with Barbacoa Beef.
• Bauernmarkt: Farmer's Market (Germany Pavilion) — Potato Pancakes, Pretzel Bread with Black Forest Ham, Warm Cheese Strudel.
• Primavera Kitchen (Italy Pavilion) — Tortelloni Primavera, Budino alle Nocciole (chocolate-hazelnut pudding).
• Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure) — Blackened Shrimp Po' Boy (new!), Spicy Chicken Gumbo, Crawfish Pie, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.
• Hanami (Japan Pavilion) — Frushi, Hanami Sushi, Creamy Shrimp Udon.
• Fleur de Lys (France Pavilion) — Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Provençal Braised Beef, Caramelized Beignet.
• Northern Bloom (Canada Pavilion) — Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Bordelaise (a returning fan favorite!), Seared Scallops, Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake.
• Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ — Plant-based comfort food with Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib and Impossible Lumpia.
• The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board™ — Honey-brined Chicken and Waffles, Pollinator Flatbread, Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake.
• Pineapple Promenade — DOLE Whip (plant-based), Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (a fan favorite!).
• La Isla Fresca — Caribbean dishes including Braised Oxtail, Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer, Coconut Tres Leches.

Budget Tip: Ordering exclusively from Outdoor Kitchens adds up quickly — these festival bites are priced for snacking, not replacing a full meal. Consider a sit-down restaurant for lunch or dinner and use the kiosks for treats and sips.

Garden Graze Activity

Pick up a Festival Passport and collect stamps by purchasing select specially marked menu items from participating Outdoor Kitchens. Earn 5 stamps and bring your passport to Pineapple Promenade to redeem a festival-exclusive treat.

Special Flower and Garden Merchandise for 2026

2026 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Collections

The 2026 merchandise lineup features five themed collections:

• Orange Bird Collection — Apparel, accessories, garden décor, and more featuring the beloved Orange Bird character.
• Spike the Bee Collection — Apparel, accessories, and trading pins featuring the festival's mascot.
• Alice in Wonderland Collection — Floral designs inspired by Alice and friends.
• Annual Passholder Collection — Exclusive garden-themed souvenirs for Passholders.
• Orange Bird Vintage Collection — Nostalgic retro-style Orange Bird merchandise.

Mini Festival Gift Cards

Festival-exclusive Disney Gift Cards shaped like watering cans are available in two floral designs (Orange Bird and Spike the Bee). Cards can be activated with as little as $15 and are available at festival kiosks, Port of Entry, Creations Shop, World Traveler, and Gateway Gifts.

Festival merchandise is also available at shopDisney.com.

Festival Photo Opportunities

Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the festival, and there are several fun Magic Shot opportunities unique to 2026:

• NEW — Poppy Seed Prop & Giant Flower Magic Shot with gardener Mickey Mouse (near CommuniCore Hall)
• NEW — Honey Jar Prop & Spike the Bee Magic Shot (between Germany and Italy Pavilions, and in Japan Pavilion)
• NEW — Thumper Topiary Magic Shot (between Italy and Germany Pavilions)
• NEW — Orange Bird Vacation Magic Shot (near the central planter in World Celebration)
• Butterfly Magic Shot (World Showcase Bridge)
• Isabela Magic Shot (between Germany and Italy Pavilions)
• Orange Bird Magic Shot (all World Celebration PhotoPass locations)
• Fairy Wings Magic Shot (all World Showcase PhotoPass locations)
• Groot Topiary Magic Shot (near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind)

Consider purchasing Memory Maker in advance to save on photo downloads.

Tips for First-Timers

• The festival is free with park admission — no extra ticket required.
• Outdoor Kitchens open at 11:30 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on weekends — arrive early to beat the lunch rush at popular booths like BRUNCHCOT and The Honey Bee-stro.
• Grab a Festival Passport at the park entrance — it's free and maps out every garden, topiary, and Outdoor Kitchen.
• The Butterfly Landing closes at dusk — plan your visit in the afternoon.
• Garden Rocks concerts fill up fast on popular performer nights. Book a dining package if you want a guaranteed seat for headliners.
• Wear comfortable shoes — seeing all 60+ topiaries and 31+ gardens means a lot of walking.
• Download My Disney Experience before you go to check show times, restaurant reservations, and park hours in real time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Flower & Garden Festival included with EPCOT admission? Yes! Festival access, topiaries, gardens, Garden Rocks concerts, and the Butterfly Landing are all included with regular EPCOT admission. The Spike's Pollen-Nation Exploration scavenger hunt map costs $11.99 plus tax.

Do I need a park reservation for the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival? A park reservation may be required depending on your ticket type. Check the Disney World website when planning your trip.

Can I buy festival food on a Disney Dining Plan? Outdoor Kitchen purchases can typically be covered by dining plan snack credits or table service credits at participating restaurants. Confirm current dining plan details with Disney when booking.

When does the Garden Rocks concert series perform? Concerts run on select weekend dates throughout the festival at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at America Gardens Theatre. Local Orlando bands perform on weeknights.

Is the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival worth it? Absolutely. Even in years with reduced offerings, the Flower & Garden Festival is one of the most beautiful times to visit EPCOT. The combination of stunning topiaries, garden experiences, live music, and creative food make it a standout event.

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Final Thoughts

The 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. With a stunning Moana-themed entrance display, the long-awaited return of Stitch, Lotso, Lightning McQueen, and Sulley as topiaries, a brand-new Princess Tiana topiary, a brand-new Outdoor Kitchen in Nectar, and a solid Garden Rocks lineup — there's genuinely something for everyone.

Whether you're a foodie working your way through every booth, a photo enthusiast chasing every Magic Shot, or a family hunting for Spike the Bee, the Flower & Garden Festival delivers a magical spring experience that's hard to beat.

Tell us in the comments: which topiary are you most excited to see in 2026?