We May Have Found an Unfortunate Side Effect of the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts may be the most unique of the park’s trademark festivals, but in some ways, it may be too unique for its own good.

Festival of the Arts

First held in 2017, the Festival of the Arts takes place in late January and early February each year — the 2026 edition runs from January 16th through February 23rd — and features amazing artwork, unique entertainment, and some really cool eats! We love the Festival of the Arts thanks to the unique vibes it brings to EPCOT. In fact, we might love it just a bit too much.

During the Festival of the Arts run, EPCOT is practically bursting at the seams with vibrant displays of artistic talents, including:

• Appearances from artists and Imagineers who will have their work on hand to sell and sign.
• Food Studios throughout the park – including international flavors spread through World Showcase – that serve exclusive “colorful fare that paints an exquisite picture of gastronomical perfection.”
• The Disney on Broadway Concert Series, which features Broadway performers performing selections from Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Newsies, and other shows at the America Gardens theater three times a day.
• The America Gardens Theater will also feature the Animation Academy, twice daily show where you can learn to draw Disney characters from a real Disney animator.
• A paint-by-numbers mural.
• Visual art performances.
• Artistic photo ops.
• Musical performances
• A Disney Lorcana card game collection quest.

Figment Fantasy Cake ©Disney

Suffice to say, there is. A LOT for fans of Disney art (GUILTY) to love. So what’s the issue? The fest is short. As noted above, 2026’s Festival of the Arts is running from January 16th to February 23rd — a scant 39 days.

Darren Wilson with his Nightmare Before Christmas piece in 2025

That not only makes it hard for many guests to make it to the fest, but it also means that the art installations that bring so much life to the park disappear quickly, leaving things feeling somewhat empty. Of course, EPCOT has its other festivals — the 2026 Flower and Garden Festival launches March 4th and lasts all the way until June 1st.

Nate Baranowski making chalk magic in 2025

The Festival of the Arts is one of EPCOT’s most unique events of the year, bringing a splash of color and whimsy to the park. However, the festival’s short length leaves the park feeling just a bit empty when it finishes. Stay tuned to DFB for more takes on Disney’s biggest events.

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