If there’s one event at Walt Disney World that makes me wish I could be in two places at once, it’s the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The smells alone — warm spices drifting through World Showcase, something sizzling from a marketplace halfway around the world — are enough to make you forget every to-do list you’ve ever written.
And friends, I have some very good news: Disney just released the official dates and early details for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026, and it is shaping up to be a spectacular season. Whether this is your first time experiencing the festival or your tenth, there is so much to look forward to this fall.
Let me break it all down for you!
When Is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026?
Mark your calendars, people — the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026 runs from August 27 to November 21, 2026. That’s nearly three full months of food, music, and world-class entertainment right inside EPCOT!
This window is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. Summer’s heat is starting to soften, the crowds shift after Labor Day, and that magical feeling of fall creeping into the parks makes everything feel a little more special. If you’ve been on the fence about a fall Disney trip, the Food & Wine Festival is one of the best reasons to finally book it!
PRO TIP: If you’re planning around the festival, aim for mid-September through mid-October. The temperatures become more comfortable, the holiday season hasn’t kicked off yet, and EPCOT is at its most vibrant.
EPCOT Global Marketplaces: What’s Coming in 2026
The Global Marketplaces are the beating heart of the Food & Wine Festival. Little booths are stationed throughout EPCOT where you can sample dishes and drinks inspired by countries and regions from all over the world. Disney hasn’t released the full marketplace list just yet, but they did give us a sneak peek at three returning favorites, and honestly? I’m already drooling.
Returning Dishes to Watch For
- Street Corn-style Dumplings: Chicken Dumplings with Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Street Corn Salad, Cotija, Lime Crema, and Cilantro — from the Gyozas of the Galaxy marketplace
- Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer with Sweet-and-Sour Vegetables and Coconut-Chili Sauce — from the Australia marketplace
- Kirschwasser Torte with Cherry-Brandy Buttercream, Fondant, Sugared Almonds, and Cherry Compote — from The Alps marketplace
I cannot overstate how much I love the creativity that goes into these menus every year. The fact that you can go from dumplings to shrimp skewers to a German-inspired torte all in the span of an afternoon is exactly why this festival feels like a gift. It’s seriously the best!
Note that some Global Marketplaces will have phased openings throughout the festival season, so keep an eye out for full menu announcements as we get closer to August.
Emile’s Fromage Montage Is Back!
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! Emile’s Fromage Montage returns to the 2026 festival, inviting guests to stroll through EPCOT sampling cheese-inspired dishes at select Global Marketplaces.
The way it works: grab your festival passport, try eligible cheesy dishes, collect a stamp for each one, and when you’ve completed the full montage, you earn a special festival treat as your reward. It’s one of the most fun food strolls in the parks, and honestly, an excellent excuse to try things you might otherwise pass by.
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
If you’re bringing little ones (or if you’re just a kid at heart) Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt is an absolute must. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille, this interactive experience sends you on a mission through World Showcase, searching for Remy as he hides throughout the pavilions collecting ingredients.
You can purchase a themed map and sticker set at the start of the hunt, and, if you track down Remy in every location, a special keepsake is waiting for you! It turns an already magical walk around World Showcase into something with purpose and a little extra pixie dust.
From a planning standpoint, this is one of those activities I love to recommend for families with toddlers and young kids. It keeps little ones engaged, slows the pace down in the best way, and gives you a natural way to explore every pavilion without it feeling like a march.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns to the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion, and it is one of the most underrated experiences at Walt Disney World, full stop.
Live musical performances happen multiple times each day throughout the festival, featuring a curated lineup of artists across genres. The best part? Concerts are included with your EPCOT theme park admission — no extra ticket, no upcharge, just great music.
Seating is first-come, first-served. I’d recommend arriving early if there’s a specific artist or show time you’re set on. Disney will also offer concert series dining packages closer to the event, which include a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant and a guaranteed seat at the show. I’ll share more details on those when they’re announced!
The full artist lineup hasn’t been released yet — Disney is keeping that close for now — but I’ll update this post the moment it drops.
More to Love at EPCOT During the Festival
The Food & Wine Festival is the headliner, but EPCOT during this season is full of layered experiences. In between marketplace visits and concert stops, you can:
- Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for a galactic adventure
- Meet and greet beloved Disney characters throughout the park
- Shop for unique merchandise and festival-exclusive souvenirs
- Catch a spirited singalong with ¡Celebración Encanto! at CommuniCore Plaza
EPCOT has transformed into one of the most exciting parks at Walt Disney World, and the fall festival season is truly when it shines brightest. It’s one of my favorite times and favorite parks to visit! There is something for every age, every interest, and every level of Disney enthusiasm.
How to Plan Your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Trip
Here’s where having a travel agent in your corner makes all the difference. The Food & Wine Festival runs almost three months, but every week of the festival brings something a little different. There are new marketplace openings, concert lineups, and dining package availability to name a few variables. Knowing when to go, how to pace your day, and how to build a trip around the experience you actually want takes some strategy. That’s where I come in as your travel genie!
A few things I always walk my clients through:
- Which week to visit based on your family’s priorities (crowds, weather, specific concerts, etc.)
- How to combine a full day at EPCOT with the rest of your Walt Disney World itinerary
- Whether a dining package makes sense for your group and budget
- How to pace the Global Marketplace experience so you actually enjoy it instead of rushing through
Planning a Disney vacation is my favorite thing to do, and the fall season is especially magical. If you’re feeling inspired and you’re ready to start putting dates on the calendar, I’d love to help you put together a trip that’s everything you’re imagining.
Contact me here to start planning your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026 trip. My planning services are completely complimentary, and I’m here to make this as easy and joyful as possible!
Stay Tuned for More 2026 Festival Details
Disney has promised more announcements as the festival approaches — including the full Global Marketplace lineup, dining package details, and the complete Eat to the Beat Concert Series artist roster. I’ll be updating my content here and sharing all the news as it drops, so bookmark this post and come back often!
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has been one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved traditions since 1996. Thirty years in, it still manages to surprise and delight. 2026 is going to be no different! I’ll be right here, cheering you on and helping you plan every glorious bite of it.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Have questions about the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026 or Walt Disney World vacation planning? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here — my services are always complimentary!
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