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.
The opening weekend of this event falls on a holiday weekend so expect the crowds to be out in full force. Also debuting with the start of the Festival of the Arts at Epcot are three new movies. We have “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” which includes an update to several scenes as well as narrators. In France, you can sing along to Beauty and the Beast and in Future World’s land pavilion you can watch an all-new film “Awesome Planet.”
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 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts
Having the festival park map is always a help when planning a trip! Here is a look at the 2019 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.
Pop’t Art
This was one of our surprising favorites from the festival. I wasn’t expecting much more than your grocery store pop tart. This, however, is a sugar cookie with strawberry jam and it was a good pick!
Sushi Donut
Entertainment During the Festival of the Arts at Epcot
The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:
Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White
- January 17
- January 20 through 21
- January 24
Heidi Blickenstaff and Gavin Lee
- January 18 through 19
- January 22 through 23
Kissy Simmons, Heidi Blickenstaff, Alton Fitzgerald White and Gavin Lee
Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey
- January 26
- January 28 through 29
- February 1 through 2
- February 5 through 6
Liana Hunt and Adam Jacobs
- January 27
- January 30 through 31
- February 3 through 4
- February 7 through 8
Kara Lindsay, Kevin Massey, Liana Hunt and Adam Jacobs
Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland
- February 10
- February 12 through 13
- February 18 through 19
- February 22 through 23
Syndee Winters and Michael James Scott
- February 11
- February 14 through 17
- February 20 through 21
Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Syndee Winters and Michael James Scott
All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. Packages are available to book starting Nov. 14, 2019, at participating Epcot restaurants; guests can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation. See Disney’s info here. But don’t worry if you don’t opt for the dining package, we recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before show times for either the second or third show of the night for best results. Also, week nights will usually be less busy than weekends.
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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