Epcot's Festival of the Arts is an annual festival that takes place at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Much like the classic Food and Wine Festival that happens in the fall, this event follows a similar format. The Festival of the Arts features several unique offerings from food to entertainment. This festival brings together the visual, culinary, and performing arts. Just as with the other festivals at Epcot, there is no extra cost to see the festival, only standard park admission. This year Epcot's International Festival of the Arts is set for January 17 – February 24, 2025.
The Festival of the Arts is included with Epcot admission. Disney announced that for the seventh year, the festival would be back but this time better than ever. So come with me and take a look at the offerings of Epcot's Festival of the Arts in 2025.
This festival is unique due to its wide offering of live art and entertainment. It does hold the traditional selection of food booths all around the world showcase but we love that it is more than just that. If you are a fan of any of the Disney artists this is also a great opportunity to meet them as many show up for signings during the course of the festival.
When is Epcot's Festival of the Arts
This year it will be held from January 17 - February 24, 2025. Lasting for just a short 40 days (less than last year!). The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights, and opportunities for you to embrace your inner artist.
The great news is this is when the cooler season happens here in Florida. So you don't have to worry about sweating it out as much as you do at the Food and Wine Festival (which now that it starts in August).
Best Dates to Visit Festival of the Arts 2025
Of course, when planning a trip to Disney World we always want to know when the best time to visit is. We always recommend with Epcot festivals to skip the first weekend. This is because it's always packed with locals and people that have to be there to do it first. And trust me, we go the first weekend every year and it's so busy the booth lines take forever and the walkways are jammed packed. The second week and weekend of the festival are always much calmer and a more enjoyable experience.
We also expect Epcot to have lighter crowds from January 22th - 31st and then February 1st - 11th.
Guidemap for 2025 Epcot Festival of the Arts
Having the festival park map is always a help when planning a trip! Make sure to pick up the Times Guide and the 36-page Epcot International Festival of the Arts Festival Passport. The Festival Passport is not only loaded with all the information, pictures, and stickers that you will need, but it also makes a great souvenir for your visit!
Best Hotel to Stay at for the Festival of the Arts
Given this entire festival takes place at Epcot of course our top recommendations are for the Epcot resorts. These resorts are a top pick because they are within walking distance of Epcot. However, I would note the farthest out and the longest walk will be from the Swan, Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve. The Epcot resorts include:
- Boardwalk Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Beach Club Resort
- Swan & Dolphin Resort
- Marriott Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
The Disney Skyliner addition to Walt Disney World this also easily connects in a few more hotels here are Skyliner resorts that would also make for speedy trips to Epcot.
- Art of Animation
- Pop Century Resort
- Caribbean Resort
- Disney Riviera Resort (DVC)
Tickets for Festival of the Arts, What's Included
You may be wondering if there is a separate ticket for Epcot's Festival of the Arts. The good news is there is no separate ticket to buy for Epcot's Festival of the Arts. The Festival of the Arts is included in your standard Epcot ticket.
You will need to pay for the food separately, so all the food booths we cover below are an additional cost. Each item has its own pricing and will range from $3.00 - $12.00. If spending extra cash isn't in the cards for you don't worry the festival has plenty of free options. You can paint by number, enjoy photo ops, Disney artist meet and greets, and even a series of Disney Broadway Concerts.
Festival of the Arts Food Booths
In total this year will feature 16 Food Studios featuring some returning favorites and soon-to-be hits taking the foodie stage for the first time, like the brand-new The Craftsman’s Courtyard. For some added fun, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport to try out the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a returning food stroll featuring some true culinary masterpieces. As you travel throughout the Festival, collect stamps by purchasing five of these decadent dishes to redeem a special prize from Deco Delights to enjoy.
The Artist's Table (American Adventure Pavilion)
Treat your senses to artistically elevated comfort foods—like dumplings, hummingbird cake and more. Pair your dish with beer or a glass of wine.
Cuisine Classique (Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet) – NEW!
Enjoy carefully crafted classics, like beef Wellington and roasted mussels—as well as a flavorful beer or cocktail.
The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Disney Traders)
Indulge your appetite when you order steak or pork belly sandwiches from the grill.
Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with sleek desserts inspired by the art deco era— from the gilded glamour of the roaring 1920’s to the bright pastels of Miami Beach.
The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)
Rediscover your favorite dishes fragmented and presented in a playful way—like a BLT and key lime pie.
El Artista Hambriento (Mexico Pavilion)
A fiesta of flavor awaits! Delight in classic Mexican fare—from savory carne asada to chilled lobster with chipotle aïoli.
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic
Sweeten your day with colorful treats, like rainbow cake or a sugar cookie with a fun twist. You’ll also find a variety of beers and hard ciders.
Goshiki (Japan Pavilion)
Celebrate the Japanese culinary arts with delectable dishes featuring “the 5 colors” of Japanese cuisine. Highlights include sushi donuts, daifuku mochi and sake.
Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)
Savor stunning dishes artfully composed with the finest ingredients that have been farmed and foraged from the land. Enjoy wild mushroom risotto, roasted bone marrow and more.
L'Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France Pavilion)
Discover delicious French treats and baked goods, from savory to sweet—including salmon served hot or cold and warm brie in a bread bowl. Pair your dish with a French wine or frozen martini.
L'Arte di Mangiare (Italy Pavilion)
Indulge in Baroque cuisine, prepared with rich color and dramatic flavor. This food studio serves up fried mozzarella, pasta and more.
The Painted Panda (China Pavilion)
Enjoy decorative cuisine inspired by magnificent Chinese art, like General Tso’s chicken shumai or the char siu pork bun. Plus, sip bubble tea, Chinese-inspired cocktails and other refreshing beverages.
Pastoral Palate (Germany Pavilion)
Help yourself to hearty dishes inspired by the rustic settings where Bavarian Folk Art is painted. Indulge in a red wine-braised beef short rib and black forest cake.
Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)
Delight in mouthwatering masterpieces inspired by the most captivating pop art of the 20th century. Highlights include tomato soup with grilled cheese.
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco Pavilion)
Take your taste buds on a Moroccan adventure as you enjoy delectable dishes like grilled kebabs, stoned-baked Moroccan bread and more. Pair your dish with hard cider or the chai tea mint mimosa.
Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between the Morocco & France Pavilions)
Feast on authentic Colombian cuisine inspired by the Disney animated film Encanto—like an empanada with chorizo or mango cheesecake.
Additional Locations
Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops—each offering special menu items in addition to the regular menu.
- Refreshment Port (near Canada): Serving poutine, the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and refreshing beverages
- Refreshment Outpost: Serving delicious beers from breweries in Louisiana, Florida and New York
- Funnel Cake: Serving a specialty funnel cake
- Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company (all 4 in-park locations): Serving a unique art-inspired beverage at each location
- Swirled Showcase: Serving soft-serve ice cream in a dish or waffle cone
Check back later for additional details—including full menus for each food studio.
Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
If you’re up for a delicious challenge, don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. Your handy Festival Passport will show where to make your picturesque purchases and receive stamps in your passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring your passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at your leisure – so you can enjoy a new treat every time you visit throughout the festival.
Entertainment During the Festival of the Arts at Epcot
The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will return to America Gardens Theatre this year. It is previously headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes:
- DISNEY ON BROADWAY: Get swept away by the songs you love during DISNEY ON BROADWAY performances at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Sit back and sing along with show-stopping numbers from legendary Disney musicals. Every 2 weeks, we’ll welcome different pairs of DISNEY ON BROADWAY stars to perform some of the songs they helped make famous, plus other sensational tunes.
- Art Defying Gravity (7-day offering): Enjoy the spectacle of thrilling strength acts defying gravity and imagination at World Showplace.
- Epcot Pianist (7-day offering): Tap your toes to a variety of show tunes performed by a talented entertainer at World Showplace.
- JAMMitors (7-day offering): Listen to the soothing sounds produced this fun group of musicians at the Mill Stage in the Canada Pavilion.
- Visual Art in Performance (4-day offering, Thursday – Sunday): Behold a high-energy, on-stage performance by a guest visual artist painting favorite Disney characters within World Showplace. In just minutes, colorful Disney images magically appear before your eyes.
- Chalk Art – Future World East: Discover the work of imaginative chalk artists, then help create a chalk art masterpiece!
2025 Disney on BROADWAY Schedule
Get swept away by the songs you love during DISNEY ON BROADWAY performances at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Sit back and sing along with show-stopping numbers from legendary Disney musicals.
Concerts run from January 17 through February 24, 2025. And the shows start at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. All shows happen in the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT.
- Patti Murin (Frozen) and John Riddle (Frozen): Jan. 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 28
- Caissie Levy (Frozen) and Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29 and 30
- Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 31, February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 11
- Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King): February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13
- Michael James Scott (Aladdin) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King):
February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23 and 24 - Rodney Ingram (Aladdin) and Kara Lindsay (Newsies):
February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24
Broadway Show Dining Package
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Le Cellier
- Spice Road Table
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com.
Festival of the Arts Photo Opportunities
What would it be without a few photo moments when visiting Disney World? So are you ready for your close-up? Cross the Delaware with George Washington, scream along with Edvard Munch and flash your best Mona Lisa smile at immersive photo stops that let you “step into” some of the most-admired artwork from around the world. You will find these photo ops located throughout World Showcase in Epcot.
Take stylish selfies and snap fantastic photos of friends and family. Or, let our experienced Disney PhotoPass Photographers capture the moment for you, so you can get everyone in the picture!
Step into iconic artwork from around the world at these unique art installations around World Showcase:
- International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- The American Adventure Pavilion: Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze
- Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
- Bridge to World Showcase: Mary Poppins
- Bridge to World Showcase: Sleeping Beauty
- Near Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: Moana
Figment's Brush with the Master Scavenger Hunt
For $9.99 you can take fun in a scavenger hunt at Epcot with Figment. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion. This means you just need to look for the Figment-themed picture frame.
Every time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on your map. Once your journey is complete, return your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!
The Art Exhibits throughout the Festival
Chalk Art, Chalk Full of Character
As you walk through Epcot, you'll see amazing photo ops, art on display, and exhibits to enjoy. Back in World Showcase, expect to see artists scattered around. The highlight last year was the chalk art like the one pictured above.
Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon you to become part of the painting.
Expression Section: A Paint-by-Number Mural
Head over to the walkway by the Seas and the Land Pavillion and watch creativity come alive! Here you can take part in painting a giant mural and yes it's free! The murals fill up fast and are changing throughout the festival. At the beginning of each new piece, it's always fun to try to guess what the painting will end up being.
Where: World Nature
When: Daily 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Animation Academy
Head over to America Gardens Theatre and learn how to draw a Disney character from an animation artist. You will get paper, a pencil, and a lapboard so you can follow along and make a masterpiece of your own.
Shows happen daily at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM
Artist Meet and Greet Schedule
Throughout the festival, you will have a chance to meet some of your favorite Disney artists. Here is a look at the 2025 artist schedule.
- Greg McCullough, who will do a live painting inspired by the festival logo
- Ann Shen and Ashley Taylor, who collaborated on vibrant companion pieces—an image of Anna and one of Elsa—for this year’s event
- Josey Tsao, an artist and illustrator presenting delightful Disney artwork, including a Moana-themed design
- Darren Wilson, a Disney Cast Member and artist whose collection includes a piece that celebrates Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Larissa Brown, an artist who creates magical moments with bold, expressive colors
- Rob Kaz, an oil painter whose work was chosen for this year’s festival poster
And many, many more!
View the schedule for artist appearances.
Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars
If you want to step up your artistic side a mix of workshops and seminars are available during the Festival of the Arts. Some are complimentary, and some cost extra. I recommend the free "Animation Academy" at the American Gardens Theatre, where you get to draw a Disney character and take the drawing home with you! Don't worry, you will get step-by-step instructions from a Disney artist. Get the complete schedule, details, and pricing info on the Disney World site.
This is before the class shot. We were given the Minnie Mouse coffee mug turned floral arrangement holder, a collection of flowers plus all the supplies we needed to put it together.
In 2019, we signed up for a floral arrangement class. Here is a look at the results! I was mostly just shocked by how many goodies we got for just a $39 class fee!
How to Accomplish the Festival of the Arts at Epcot
Since this festival takes place when Florida actually sees mild weather it makes touring Epcot a whole lot easier. You can easily fit the entire festival into an afternoon and evening. This leaves you to spend the morning touring Future World at Epcot or sleep in and arrive late.
It is important to note that the construction in Future World has shifted walkways and places where past shows have been located. I recommend that you use the times' guide and map to catch some of the entertainment at the Showcase Plaza Stage, my favorite is the Visual Art in Performance. You will see a Disney painting being "performed" before your eyes and completed in just 20 minutes! They also have "Art Defying Gravity" performances where you won't believe the strength of these artists. The "EPCOT Living Statues" are now located on the walkway just before Mission Space.
Don't miss out on "Artful Photo Ops" where you can get your picture taken at interactive spots in Mexico, Italy, America, France, and the United Kingdom.
Warning: Last year this event was popular with locals so watch out for weekend nights. So if that is the only time you can attend you might want to consider a dining package for the reserved show seating.
Merchandise for Epcot Festival of the Arts
One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.
There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items. I’ll be first in line for the Figment Spirit Jersey.
And I have a feeling that the paintbrush cup and Figment plush will be making their way into my reusable shopping bag, too!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
