EPCOT Festival of the Arts – Everything You Need to Know!
Festival of the Arts is an annual event that celebrates the visual, culinary, and performing arts throughout EPCOT. We were fortunate to experience this festival during our last trip to Walt Disney World, and we absolutely loved it!
In 2025, EPCOT Festival of the Arts takes place from January 17th to February 24th. Festival attendees will enjoy live artist demonstrations, musical performances, and art-inspired cuisine at the various food studios.
This festival offers several unique experiences to visitors, so we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to get the most out of the fest!
Visual Arts
Festival Markets
The Festival Markets located throughout EPCOT display incredible Disney-inspired art pieces made by talented visiting artists.
Oftentimes, you will even witness an artist working on their next creation.
Having the opportunity to speak with these artists while perusing their collections is truly special. Especially when you find the perfect piece to bring home with you!
Chalk Art Galleries
Another fun way to enjoy the visual arts is at the Festival Chalk Art Galleries. These galleries are located on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza.
Because these works are temporary, you will constantly find new chalk pieces popping up. You can even watch these artists as they work on their newest creations!
The interactive pieces guests can step into are some of my favorites in the galleries. During our visit, we got to ride a roller coaster with Yzma and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove!
Chalk Full of Characters
Located throughout World Showcase, keep your eyes open for delightful chalk drawings of popular Disney characters. These charming illustrations are tucked away in hidden corners throughout the pavilions and are so fun to discover!
Performing Arts
Disney On Broadway Concert Series
This live concert series features a rotating cast of Disney On Broadway stars performing popular songs from their Broadway roles. During our visit, we were treated to a performance by Caissie Levy (Frozen) and Jelani Remy (The Lion King) that was truly unforgettable.
For a more in-depth look at these productions, head to CommuniCore Hall for Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway.
This walkthrough exhibit displays costumes, props, and set designs from beloved Disney On Broadway musicals. There are also fun photo ops that put you right in the show!
Visual Art in Performance
Head over to CommuniCore Plaza to catch a visiting artist paint a popular Disney character in a matter of minutes! It’s incredible to see how quickly and accurately these artists can capture a character’s likeness.
You can catch these performances Thursday through Sunday during the festival.
Musical Performances
CommuniCore Plaza is also home to live musical performances throughout the day. We loved listening to visiting harpist, Victor Espinola, who gave a truly captivating performance on stage.
Culinary Arts
EPCOT Festival of the Arts Food Studios
In all honesty, I was most looking forward to sampling all the food at EPCOT Festival of the Arts. And it did not disappoint!
The Festival of the Arts Food Studios feature a variety of food and beverages crafted with artistic flair. Check out our Food Reviews from EPCOT Festival of the Arts to see which dishes were the best of the fest!
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
If you’re up for a challenge, embark on a vibrant quest during the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. Earn stamps by purchasing five qualifying technicolor dishes, then turn in your Festival Passport to receive a special completer treat!
Artful Photo Ops and Magic Shots
Artful Photo Ops
Step into a work of art with EPCOT Festival of the Arts Artful Photo Ops! These artistic backdrops are inspired by classic works of art as well as enchanting scenes from Disney films.
The following step-in frames are available throughout World Showcase:
- “Moana” (Near Journey of Water)
- Teatime with Penguins (Bridge to World Showcase)
- Forest Scene from “Sleeping Beauty” (Bridge to World Showcase)
- “Luncheon of the Boating Party” (International Gateway)
- “Washington Crossing the Delaware” (The American Adventure)
- “Mona Lisa” and “The Scream” (Between Italy and Germany)
Magic Shots
EPCOT Festival of the Arts also features unique Magic Shots available throughout the park. These digitally enhanced photos are available through Disney’s PhotoPass service. Many of the festival’s Magic Shots feature the lovable dragon, Figment. Others include special props such as a paintbrush, canvas, and special lighting.
You won’t know what the Magic Shots are until you see the photos! We love going through them at the end of the day to discover the magical elements added by the photographers.
All PhotoPass Photos are included with the purchase of Memory Maker. Curious to learn more about Disney’s PhotoPass and Memory Maker? Then check out our full guide HERE!
Scavenger Hunt – Figment’s Brush with the Masters
No EPCOT festival would be complete without a scavenger hunt! For EPCOT Festival of the Arts, guests can search around World Showcase to find Figment hiding in famous works of art.
To get started, you can purchase the scavenger hunt map and stickers for $10. As you find Figment in each World Showcase Pavilion, add the corresponding stickers to your map. After you’ve located all the Figments, you can turn in your map for a prize!
Create Your Own Art
Expression Section – A Paint by Numbers Mural
Guests can contribute to the creation of a larger-than-life mural at the Expression Section. Here, cast members distribute paint, brushes, and assigned numbers for each participant to fill in on the mural. Once finished, participants will receive a bookmark with a copy of the completed design!
Kids Chalk Art
This experience allows kids (and the young at heart!) to create their very own chalk-art masterpieces! You will find the designated areas at the bridge to World Showcase Plaza. This is a fantastic opportunity to foster artistic creativity while letting the kiddos burn some energy.
Animation Academy
Over at the America Gardens theater, featured artists teach guests how to draw beloved Disney characters. Paper, pencil, and a clipboard are provided for participants while instructions are given on stage and over projector.
It’s a wonderful way to learn from real Disney animators while crafting your own piece of art to bring home.
Here is my daughter’s drawing of Mushu she created on a past visit!
I hope this article is helpful in planning your visit to EPCOT Festival of the Arts. There are numerous opportunities to appreciate the arts at this festival. Whether you wish to explore the visual, performing, or culinary arts (or create your own art!), there is so much to look forward to at EPCOT Festival of the Arts!
Looking for other Vacation Planning Tips and Tricks? Check out our Walt Disney World Planning Guide and our Tips to Score the BEST Disney Dining Reservations!
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