Epcot’s Festival of the Arts is an annual festival that takes place at Epcot. 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 the food to the entertainment. This is a festival that 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. This year Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is set for Jan. 8 – Feb. 22, 2021.
The Festival of the Arts is included with Epcot admission. Disney announced that for the fourth 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 2021.
This year will mark the first time we have had the Festival of the Arts with the new social distancing measures. I would expect to see similar measures as we have had with the last two festivals.
This festival is largely unique with 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 January 8 – February 22, 2021. Lasting for 45 days (even longer than last year!) the event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights, and opportunities for you to embrace your own inner artists.
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 (now that it starts in August).
Guidemap for 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts
Having the festival park map is always a help when planning a trip! Here is a look at the 2020 map. You can find booth locations, photo opportunities, art demos, and more! 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 of you visit!
Festival of the Arts Food Booths
Twelve festival Food Studios plus additional food and beverage locations will take culinary arts to the next level with scrumptious, imaginative dishes. Each dish is artistically sculpted and ready for camera closeups. Here is a look a some of the dishes from the 2020 food booths. If you want to look at everything read our list of the 2020 Menus for Epcot’s Festival of the Arts.
The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure)
Treat your taste buds to savory plates like beef Wellington and pan-seared scallops. Here, you’ll also find the artist palette jumbo chocolate-chip cookie along with assorted beer and wine.
Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
Refresh your spirit with beverages from Florida Orange Groves Winery or an orange cream shake served in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup.
Cuisine Classique (Germany)
Prepare to be amazed with these hearty braised bites and traditional Old World delights—like red wine-braised short rib, coq au vin and opera cake. Pair your dish with a glass of wine or beer.
Decadent Delights (Promenade Refreshments)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with raspberry or lemon soft-serve ice cream. Plus, discover a variety of refreshing beers.
The Deconstructed Dish (Showcase Plaza)
Discover delicious dishes that dazzle! Enjoy a deconstructed take on favorite foods like the Reuben, BLT and strawberry cheesecake. Or, sip on chai tea shake that showcases favorite breakfast flavors.
El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)
Embark on a culinary journey south of the border and sample Mexican-inspired cuisine like pork belly pastor, chile Rellenos, and chocolate tacos.
Goshiki (Japan)
Stop by this food studio for popular items like sushi donuts and vegetable gyoza. Plus, sip on sake or try the pink snow—a refreshing beverage featuring sake, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and Calpico.
Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
Discover Guest-favorite dishes, like charcuterie, Remy’s ratatouille, the lemon blood-orange tart and a jumbo chocolate-chip cookie. Plus, sip on a coffee cocktail or tasty microbrew.
Painter’s Palate (World Showplace)
Sample this palatable assortment of delicacies—like prime steak tartare, salt-roasted beet tartare and a tantalizing pistachio cake with cherry mousse and Morello cherries.
L’Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France)
Discover delightful French treats and baked goods, from savory to sweet—including warm brie in a bread bowl, a black winter truffle croissant and a trio of house-made macarons. Pair your dish with a French wine or frozen martini.
L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)
Get a taste of Italy, with a twist! This food studio serves up arancini, lobster ravioli and cream-filled Italian donuts—along with Italian beer, wine and cocktails.
Masterpiece Kitchen (Canada)
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine. Highlights include wild mushroom risotto, the salmon and cream gâteau and a luscious panna cotta. Plus, discover wines to complement each culinary creation.
Mosaic Canteen (Morocco)
Savor the bold flavors of Morocco in delectable dishes like harissa-roasted rack of lamb and a Mediterranean flatbread with Za’atar pesto.
The Painted Panda (China)
Treat your senses to Chinese dishes, like pork and water chestnut meatballs or the Sichuan red hot mala shrimp. Plus, enjoy bubble tea, draft beer and a variety of Chinese-inspired cocktails.
Pop Eats (Showcase Plaza)
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats! Highlights include the colorful almond frangipane cake and the ever-popular Pop’t Art—a modern-designed sugar cookie with strawberry filling. Plus, choose from savory dishes, like shrimp ceviche or tomato soup with grilled cheese.
Vibrante & Vívido – NEW! (Between Morocco & France)
Enjoy bright, fresh flavors in dishes both savory and sweet—like a passion fruit mousse or a chilled seafood cocktail. Pair your food with an island-inspired smoothie, piña colada or daiquiri.
Additional Locations
Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops.
- Refreshment Port: Serving lobster poutine, traditional poutine, chicken breast nuggets, refreshing beverages and more
- Refreshment Outpost: Serving plant-based bratwurst, warm brown-sugar-stuffed pretzels, frozen slushies, beers and more
- Funnel Cake: Serving a red velvet funnel cake topped with cream cheese icing and pixie dust
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (all in-park locations): Serving a unique, art-inspired latte paired with a doughnut at each location
Entertainment During the Festival of the Arts at Epcot
The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will NOT return to America Gardens Theatre this year. It was previously headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes:
- Voices of Liberty – The Disney Songbook: New for 2021, Voices of Liberty will take to the stage at America Gardens Theatre with a brand-new showcase—the Disney Songbook. From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Let It Go,” the Voices of Liberty will perform favorite Disney songs and celebrate the artistry of Disney composers and lyricists.
- 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!
The Art Exhibits throughout the Festival
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.
Head over to the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase Plaza 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.
Epcot Festival of the Arts Seminars
If you want to step up your artistic side a mix of workshops and seminars available during 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 the look at the results! I was mostly just shocked 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.
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!
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