It’s time to dust off your festival passports! Disney has officially released the dates and initial details for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. As one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic annual events, this year promises a 12-week celebration of global flavors and entertainment.
If you are planning your autumn park days, here are the essential dates and confirmed details to include in your itinerary.
1. The Official Festival Calendar
- Start Date: August 27, 2026
- End Date: November 21, 2026
- Duration: 87 days of culinary exploration.
- Note on Logistics: While the festival kicks off in late August, Disney has confirmed that select Global Marketplaces will have a phased opening. If there is a specific booth you are traveling for, be sure to check the individual marketplace operating dates as we get closer to August.
2. Confirmed Menu Sneak Peeks
While the full “Foodie Guide” is typically released closer to the start date, Disney has confirmed the return of three fan-favorite dishes for 2026:
- Gyozas of the Galaxy: Street Corn-style Dumplings (Chicken dumplings with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, and lime crema).
- Australia: Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer (Served with sweet-and-sour vegetables and a coconut-chili sauce).
- The Alps: Kirschwasser Torte (Chocolate cake with cherry-brandy buttercream, fondant, sugared almonds, and cherry compote).
3. Festival Activities & Scavenger Hunts
- Emile’s Fromage Montage: This popular “Cheese Crawl” returns for 2026. Guests who purchase five specific cheese-inspired dishes and collect stamps in their Festival Passport will earn a festival-exclusive treat (typically a specialty cheesecake or soft-serve) at Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: This family-friendly scavenger hunt will be active throughout the entire festival. Maps and stickers can be purchased at locations like Port of Entry or World Traveler; once you find all the hidden Remys, you can redeem your map for a festival keepsake.
4. Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The America Gardens Theatre will once again host nightly live performances.
- Showtimes: Typically 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.
- Dining Packages: Though exact booking dates haven’t been released, Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will return, allowing guests to secure guaranteed seating for the concerts by dining at select EPCOT restaurants (such as Le Cellier or Rose & Crown) earlier in the day.
5. Tips & Tricks
- The “Sweet Spot” for Weather: If you want the festival atmosphere without the peak Florida heat, aim for your visit to fall between late October and the festival’s end on November 21.
- Crowd Alert: The opening weekend (August 27–30) and the final week in November are historically the busiest times for the festival.
- Park Admission: Remember that a valid theme park reservation (if applicable to your ticket type) and admission to EPCOT are required. The festival offerings are included with your park ticket, though food and beverages are a separate cost.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83