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If there is one Walt Disney World festival that can convince me to make my way around EPCOT one bite at a time, it’s the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. And now we finally have the dates for the 2026 festival!
The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival returns August 27 through November 21, 2026, bringing back one of the most popular times of year to visit EPCOT. From global food and drinks to live entertainment, scavenger hunts and plenty of Disney fun, there will be a lot to squeeze into your park day.
Disney has shared an early look at what guests can expect this year, although some menus and marketplace details are still to come.
Here’s what we know so far.
When Is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival in 2026?
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 27 through November 21, 2026.
The festival has been a Walt Disney World favorite since 1996, and it’s easy to see why. EPCOT’s World Showcase already gives you the chance to experience food and culture from around the world, but the Food & Wine Festival takes that experience to another level.
For nearly three months, guests can enjoy specialty food and drinks, entertainment, activities and festival-exclusive experiences throughout the park.
And if you’re planning a fall Disney World vacation, this is definitely something I would put on your radar.
Global Marketplaces Return to EPCOT
One of my favorite things about the Food & Wine Festival is that you don’t have to commit to a traditional sit-down meal to try something new.
The Global Marketplaces scattered throughout EPCOT make it possible to snack your way around the park while sampling dishes inspired by different countries and cuisines.
Disney hasn’t released the complete 2026 menus yet, but we already know a few returning dishes.
Some of the announced favorites include:
- Street Corn-style Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy, featuring chicken dumplings, tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija, lime crema and cilantro
- Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer at Australia, served with sweet-and-sour vegetables and coconut-chile sauce
- Kirschwasser Torte at The Alps, featuring cherry-brandy buttercream, fondant, sugared almonds and cherry compote
And this is only the beginning.
Disney has indicated that additional marketplace menus and opening dates will be announced as we get closer to the festival. Some Global Marketplaces will also open in phases, so if you’re visiting early in the festival, be sure to check which booths are operating during your trip.
Emile’s Fromage Montage Is Back
Calling all cheese lovers!
Emile’s Fromage Montage is returning for the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
If you haven’t done this before, it’s essentially a delicious little food challenge. Guests can purchase qualifying cheese-inspired dishes from participating Global Marketplaces and collect stamps in their festival passport.
Once you complete the challenge, you can redeem your completed passport for a special festival treat.
Honestly, this is one of those EPCOT activities that can be just as much fun as the food itself. It gives you a reason to explore different booths and try something you might otherwise have walked right past.
Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt Returns
Remy is also making his return to EPCOT!
Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak is a scavenger hunt that takes guests throughout World Showcase.
The idea is pretty simple: Remy has hidden throughout EPCOT, and you get to search for him while exploring the different pavilions.
You can purchase the themed scavenger hunt map and stickers and mark off each location as you find Remy.
Once you’ve found them all, you can turn in your completed map for a special keepsake.
This is a particularly fun option for families because it gives kids something to look for while you’re making your way around World Showcase. And let’s be honest, anything that gives the kids a mission while you’re stopping for food is a win in my book!
Eat to the Beat Concert Series Returns
Food and music go together pretty well, and EPCOT knows it.
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will once again take over the America Gardens Theatre during the 2026 Food & Wine Festival.
The concert series features a variety of musical performers, with multiple shows typically scheduled throughout the day.
The best part? Concerts are included with your EPCOT park admission.
Seating is first come, first served, so you’ll want to plan accordingly if there is a particular performer you really want to see.
There are also Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, which combine a meal with guaranteed seating for the concert. For anyone who doesn’t want to spend part of their day waiting in line for a good seat, this can be a great option.
Disney has already announced the 2026 entertainment lineup, so if you’re planning a trip around a specific performer, this is something you’ll want to check before finalizing your EPCOT day.
New “Cheers to Cheese!” Experience Coming to CommuniCore Hall
Here’s one of the new additions I’m particularly excited about.
Beginning September 18, 2026, CommuniCore Hall will debut a new interactive experience called “Cheers to Cheese!”
And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like!
The experience will celebrate one of the world’s most beloved foods while taking guests through fun facts and the history of cheese.
Because apparently EPCOT decided that eating cheese wasn’t enough. Now we can learn about it too!
If you’re visiting after September 18, this is another experience to add to your EPCOT list.
New and Returning Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots
Don’t forget about the pictures!
Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout EPCOT will have special Food & Wine Festival Magic Shots available, including both new and returning options.
The 2026 offerings include a new Waiter Mickey Mouse Magic Shot throughout World Showcase, with locations in Mexico, China, Italy, Japan and France.
Returning Magic Shots include:
- Giant Empanada
- Leaning Tower of Cheeza
- Swedish Chef
- Chef Figment
These are such a fun way to bring a little extra Disney magic into your festival photos.
And if you’re already planning to take a lot of pictures during your vacation, this is another reason to consider whether Memory Maker makes sense for your trip.
There’s More to EPCOT Than Food & Wine
As tempting as it is to spend the entire day eating and drinking your way around World Showcase, don’t forget that EPCOT has plenty of other things to do.
You can still ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, meet Disney characters, shop, explore the different pavilions and enjoy entertainment throughout the park.
And if you’re visiting with kids, don’t overlook ¡Celebración Encanto! at CommuniCore Plaza.
I always recommend leaving some breathing room in your EPCOT itinerary. It’s incredibly easy to look at the festival booths and think, “We’ll just stop here for one thing,” only to realize an hour later that you’ve barely moved!
When Should You Visit the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival?
With the 2026 festival running from late August through November, you have plenty of opportunities to experience it.
If you’re visiting in August or September, you’ll get the early part of the festival, but remember that some marketplaces and experiences may open in phases.
October brings all of the fall excitement to Walt Disney World, while November gives you the chance to experience the festival as the holiday season begins creeping into the parks.
There really isn’t a bad time to visit if Food & Wine is on your Disney must-do list.
Start Planning Your 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Trip
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival officially has its dates, and I am already looking forward to seeing everything Disney has in store.
August 27 through November 21, 2026 gives us plenty of time to enjoy the Global Marketplaces, Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Hide & Squeak, Eat to the Beat concerts, special PhotoPass Magic Shots and the new “Cheers to Cheese!” experience.
And we aren’t done yet.
Disney is still releasing additional menus, marketplace details and other festival information, so there will be plenty more to look forward to as opening day gets closer.
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation during the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, bookmark this post and check back. I’ll be keeping an eye on the latest updates as more delicious details are announced.
Now excuse me while I start deciding which festival booth, I’m visiting first!
