Walt Disney World has announced the upcoming schedule and initial details for the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
This annual event brings global cuisine, unique activities, and live music to EPCOT, turning the park into a celebration of food and culture.
What to Expect
At the festival, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food booths, interactive entertainment, and concerts.
This guide shares all the confirmed dates, menu highlights, and entertainment to help you plan your Disney World visit.
2026 Festival Dates and Schedule
Festival Duration
Starts
August 27
Ends
November 21
The 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival will start on August 27 and finish on November 21. This long run gives you plenty of chances to visit and take part in the festivities.
Seasonal Timing
The festival takes place just as summer ends and fall begins at Walt Disney World. This means you can enjoy both late summer sunshine and early fall activities during your visit.
Phased Openings
Not all Global Marketplaces will start on opening day. Disney has shared that some food booths will open later in the season. If you have your heart set on certain marketplaces, check for updates closer to your trip.
Featured Menu Items and Global Marketplaces
Global Culinary Highlights
The festival brings together food from many cultures and regions. Expect a wide range of dishes as chefs prepare creative global offerings throughout EPCOT.
Returning Dishes for 2026
While the full menu for 2026 is still being finalized, Disney has confirmed that three fan-favorite items will be making a comeback this year.
Street Corn Style Dumplings
At the Gyozas of the Galaxy booth, guests can enjoy Street Corn style Dumplings. This flavorful dish is made up of chicken dumplings served with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, and cilantro.
Grilled Bushberry Spiced Shrimp Skewer
The Australia marketplace features the Grilled Bushberry spiced Shrimp Skewer, which comes paired with sweet and sour vegetables and a coconut chili sauce.
Kirschwasser Torte
For those with a sweet tooth, The Alps booth brings back the Kirschwasser Torte. This dessert includes cherry brandy buttercream, fondant, sugared almonds, and cherry compote.
Family Activities and Interactive Challenges
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
The festival goes beyond food, offering plenty of interactive activities to keep everyone engaged.
Emile’s Fromage Montage
Emile’s Fromage Montage returns this year. This popular program highlights cheese-based dishes available at select marketplaces throughout EPCOT.
To participate, simply purchase the featured cheese dishes at the identified booths. Each dish earns you a stamp in your festival passport.
Once you collect all the required stamps, you can redeem them for a complimentary festival treat at a designated location. This adds a fun culinary challenge to your visit and is a great activity for cheese lovers.
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak
Visitors can also participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak. This scavenger hunt encourages families to search for Remy hidden throughout the World Showcase pavilions. You can purchase a themed map and sticker set to track your progress. After locating all the hidden figures, participants return their completed map for a festival keepsake.
Live Entertainment and Concerts
Live Music at the Festival
Music is a big part of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival experience. Guests can look forward to live concerts and a lively atmosphere throughout their visit.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will be held at the America Gardens Theatre, located in the American Adventure Pavilion. These shows feature popular musical acts performing live during the festival.
Upcoming Performer Lineup
While the full list of artists and performance dates has not yet been announced, Disney will release more details as the festival approaches. Be sure to check for updates to see which bands and performers will take the stage during your visit.
Planning Your Park Visit
Tips for Visiting the Festival
The 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival gives you plenty of ways to make the most of your time at Disney World. Planning ahead will help you get the best experience from the event.
Making the Most of Festival Dates
Mark the start and end dates on your calendar so you can visit when your favorite foods and concerts are available. Remember, some booths and activities may appear later in the season, so check Disney’s updates before you go.
Prioritizing Menus and Activities
Keep an eye on new menu releases and the final entertainment schedule. Deciding in advance which dishes and concerts matter most to your group will make it easier to enjoy everything on your list.
Check Back for More!
As more details are released, we’ll be sure to detail all of the food booths, music performances, and interactive activities you can experience on the DVC Shop blog. Be sure to check back as more details are announced to stay up-to-date!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
