Festivals have become a staple at EPCOT. I actually don’t think there is any longer a time during the year where there isn’t an ongoing festival. But, I’m not sure anyone is complaining! The EPCOT festivals are amazing and it’s hard to choose which one is the best. Seems every time a new one starts, that one is my very favorite! 

2022 is kicking off the year with the newest of all the festivals, the ever-so-popular EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! This year’s festival runs from January 14th through February 21st. While it began in 2016, it has grown immensely over the last few years and has become very popular with fans. This festival is all about immersing yourself in the visual, culinary and performing arts at Walt Disney World!\

Think of the Festival of the Arts as a scaled down version of the International Flower & Garden Festival (which is a scaled down version of the International Food & Wine Festival). It’s small enough to enjoy every bit of it, but it packs a mighty punch. Tour the World Showcase promenade visiting with local artists, while sampling some of the globe’s finest culinary cuisine. Test your artist skills by joining one of the many workshops & seminars held throughout the duration of the festival. And while some of these have been on pause since the beginning of COVID, we are seeing many return little by little, to the delight of fans. 

For all things Festival of the Arts, visit here and start planning today!

Soon after the Festival of the Arts ends, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins. Running this year from March 2nd through July 4th, this is one of the prettiest festivals, and happens during one of the very best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World! It’s also the longest running festival at the park. It began in 1993!

And this year, we welcome back the Garden Rocks Concert Series, which has been on hiatus due to the pandemic. This is a real crowd pleaser, with a great lineup! We are happy to have it back.

During this festival, the crowds are a little bit lighter than you generally find during the Fall festival and you can’t beat the beautiful weather (mid-70s to mid-80s and lower humidity (typically)), topiaries, flowers, butterflies, and food. Spring is in the air as the bright colors of the flowers and plants adorn the World Showcase for all to enjoy. Grab a drink and a snack and walk the promenade taking in all the beauty. This is definitely one of the much more relaxed festivals. Although it’s busy, it’s still quieter compared to its sister festival, The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which kicks off just weeks after this one! 

For everything you need to know about the Flower & Garden Festival, visit here.

And speaking of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival… this is one of the busiest festivals and by far the most popular. The crowds are immense, I’m not going to lie. When you visit this one, you will definitely need to pack your patience, especially on weekends. 

The festival usually begins just a week or two after the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival ends, they are literally right on top of each other – at least that is how it’s been the last couple of years. I suspect this year will be no different, although festival dates have not yet officially been announced. Food & Drink, as its namesake, are the centerpiece of this festival. Visit the festival and take part in world-class workshops and seminars, while enjoying tons of live entertainment – find yourself singing and dancing your way through the promenade. 

2022 festival dates have not been announced. Check back here for more details at a later date.

And finally, to cap off the year and kick off the holidays, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays takes place in late November and December. This incredible festival includes fan favorites like the Holiday Kitchens, Festival Cookie Stroll and the ever-stunning Candlelight Processional – where a celebrity narrates the Christmas story with the help of a full orchestra and massed choir. It is truly one of the most inspiring and beautiful productions at Walt Disney World. Hands down. You don’t want to miss it! 

While dates have not yet been released for the festival, stay tuned here for all the details. More to come later in the year!

Which seasonal festival is your favorite? Do you plan to visit one (or more) in 2022? There’s no better time to start planning! Click here for your FREE quote and start your countdown to visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth!