Trying to decide when to plan your Disney World trip can feel overwhelming—especially when EPCOT has so many festivals. Each EPCOT festival has a totally different vibe, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in how your trip feels.

EPCOT hosts four festivals throughout the year, and while they all add extra magic, they are not one-size-fits-all. Let’s break them down so you can figure out which EPCOT festival actually fits your style best.

Each EPCOT festival has a totally different vibe

What All EPCOT Festivals Have in Common

Before diving into each festival, it helps to know what stays the same across all four.

No matter which festival you visit, you can expect:

Food booths throughout World Showcase and parts of the front of the park (the number varies by festival)
A concert series included with your EPCOT park ticket
A themed scavenger hunt you can choose to purchase
A food challenge where completing certain items earns a small prize
Extra entertainment included with regular park admission

So no matter when you go, an EPCOT festival adds value to your day—without needing a special ticket.

Now let’s talk about what actually makes each festival different.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

January 16 – February 23, 2026

Festival of the Arts kicks off the year and is also one of the shortest EPCOT festivals. It celebrates culinary, visual, and performance arts, and it has such a fun, creative feel. Figment usually takes center stage here, which is always a win.

One of my favorite parts of this festival is the Disney artists. They set up booths all around EPCOT selling their artwork, and many offer signing times. You’ll also see chalk art of Disney characters throughout World Showcase, which makes the park feel extra special.

This festival also features Broadway-style performances in the American Gardens Theatre—something you don’t get during the other festivals.

Honest opinion? This is my favorite festival overall, but it’s my second least favorite for food. The dishes are beautiful, but they don’t always taste as good as they look. That said, crowds are usually lighter, and the cooler winter weather makes walking EPCOT so enjoyable.

Best for:
If you love art, lighter crowds, cooler weather, and a calmer EPCOT experience, Festival of the Arts is a fantastic choice.

Epcot festivals — EPCOT Festival of the Arts

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

March 4 – June 1, 2026

Flower & Garden is when EPCOT truly comes alive for spring. The park is filled with character topiaries, colorful flowers, and gorgeous gardens, and it honestly feels like spring exploded in the best way possible.

This festival has my second favorite food lineup. The menus are lighter, fresher, and focus on seasonal ingredients. Early in the festival, the weather is usually beautiful. Toward the end, it can start to feel pretty hot.

Crowds are the tricky part here. Flower & Garden overlaps with spring break and Easter, which can get very busy. Timing matters a lot with this festival.

You’ll also find the Garden Rocks concert series, featuring a mix of classic and modern artists.

Best for:
If you love flowers, outdoor strolling, spring vibes, and lighter food—and can avoid peak spring break weeks—this is a beautiful time to visit.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Late August – Mid November (2026 dates TBD)

Food & Wine is the most popular EPCOT festival—and it’s easy to see why.

This festival has the best food of all four, hands down. There are tons of booths with a huge variety of options, and food lovers absolutely thrive here.

The biggest downside is the weather. Early in the festival, it’s hot and humid. Later in the season—especially October and early November—the weather becomes absolutely gorgeous.

Crowds can be heavier, especially on weekends, since locals love Food & Wine just as much as visitors. It also overlaps with fall break and Halloween season.

Food & Wine features the Eat to the Beat concert series, which brings in some really fun throwback artists.

Best for:
If food is your top priority and you don’t mind heat—or can plan for later in the festival—Food & Wine is hard to beat.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Thanksgiving Weekend – Early January

Festival of the Holidays has a completely different feel than the other festivals.

I’ll be honest—this is my least favorite festival for food. It’s very cookie-heavy, and while there are some good bites, food isn’t the main reason to come.

But what is worth planning around is the Candlelight Processional. Celebrity narrators, a live orchestra, and a full choir telling the Christmas story—it’s one of the most beautiful things Disney does all year.

You’ll also find holiday storytellers throughout World Showcase, sharing traditions from different cultures. It’s meaningful, unique, and very EPCOT.

Best for:
If you love Christmas, holiday traditions, and seasonal entertainment, Festival of the Holidays is absolutely worth planning around.

How to Choose the Right EPCOT Festival

Choosing the right EPCOT festival comes down to what matters most to you:

Want lower crowds and cooler weather? → Festival of the Arts
Love flowers and spring vibes? → Flower & Garden
Food is your top priority? → Food & Wine
Dreaming of holiday magic? → Festival of the Holidays

There’s no wrong choice—just the one that fits your family best.

Want Help Planning the Perfect EPCOT Trip?

EPCOT festivals can completely shape your Disney World vacation—but timing, strategy, and planning make all the difference.

That’s exactly why I created the Less Stress More Magic Disney World Planning Guide. It helps first-timers and returning families:

Choose the best time to visit
Plan EPCOT days that don’t feel overwhelming
Understand festival crowds, food, and pacing
Build a trip that actually feels like a vacation

If you want an easier, calmer way to plan your Disney World trip, my planning guide is the perfect place to start.

Which EPCOT Festival Is Right for You? A Simple Breakdown of All 4