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Savor the Magic: 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Dates and Details Revealed!

Writer: Jess Saguid
Jess Saguid
Aug 19
3 min read

The iconic Spaceship Earth geodesic sphere lit up at night with purple, blue, and yellow patterns at Walt Disney World's EPCOT.

The most delicious time of the year is officially on the calendar! Disney Destinations has just dropped the highly anticipated details for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Running from August 27 through November 21, 2026, this legendary park-wide celebration offers the perfect way to transition from the summer sun into crisp fall festivities at Walt Disney World.

Whether you are a seasoned festival veteran or planning your very first culinary trip around the World Showcase, here is your first look at what is cooking for 2026.

A Sneak Peek at Global Marketplaces

While Disney’s culinary teams are still finalizing the complete lineup, they have shared a scrumptious preview of three fan-favorite dishes returning to the global marketplaces this year:

  • Street Corn-style Dumplings (Gyozas of the Galaxy): Chicken dumplings served with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, and fresh cilantro.

  • Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer (Australia): A savory skewer paired perfectly with sweet-and-sour vegetables and a creamy coconut-chili sauce.

    A plate of Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewers from the Australia Marketplace at EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

  • Kirschwasser Torte (The Alps): A decadent dessert featuring cherry-brandy buttercream, fondant, sugared almonds, and a rich cherry compote.

     A slice of Kirschwasser Torte cake with cherry compote from The Alps Marketplace at EPCOT.

Note: Some marketplaces will feature a phased opening layout throughout the festival run, so keep your eyes peeled for final schedule drops.


 A group of friends eating global cuisines and cheering with drinks outdoors at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

Interactive Fun for the Whole Family

The 2026 festival is keeping guests entertained between bites with the return of two incredibly popular interactive activities:

Emile’s Fromage Montage

Calling all cheese lovers! This popular food stroll challenges you to try select cheese-inspired dishes across the park. Collect stamps in your festival passport for every eligible dish you sample, and you will earn a special, exclusive festival treat at the end of your mission.

A person holding an open Disney EPCOT Festival Passport showing the Emile’s Fromage Montage stamp page.

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Perfect for families and kids of all ages, this activity sends you searching for everyone's favorite "Little Chef." Remy is hiding all over the World Showcase pavilions collecting ingredients.


My kids LOVE this activity every year! Do you HAVE to find every Remy to get the prize? No! You can purchase a themed map and stickers to track his locations, and completing the map earns you a special Disney keepsake to take home.


Our Pro Tip: Ask the Cast Member to give you the "keepsake" when you pick up the map and stickers - hide the keepsake and when the kids have done their work: VOILA! You have It handy!

A small Remy the rat character statuette hidden next to a bunch of bananas at an EPCOT pavilion.

Brand New and Returning Entertainment

Music, art, and immersive exhibits are taking center stage this year with major updates across the park.

"Cheers to Cheese!" at CommuniCore Hall

Starting September 18, 2026, CommuniCore Hall will debut an all-new interactive exhibit dedicated entirely to cheese. Guests can explore the fascinating history, fun facts, and cultural impact of one of the world's most beloved foods through immersive, family-friendly installations.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Live music returns daily to the America Gardens Theatre. Highlighting a curated mix of genres and massive throwback artists, these nightly concerts are included with your standard EPCOT admission. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you can secure guaranteed seating by purchasing an Eat to the Beat Dining Package.

An energetic crowd dancing with raised hands at an outdoor concert under blue stage lights during the Eat to the Beat concert series.

Exclusive PhotoPass Magic Shots

Disney photographers are rolling out limited-time photo opportunities to commemorate your food tour. Keep an eye out for these special additions:

  • NEW! Waiter Mickey Mouse appearing digitally in your photos across Mexico, China, Italy, Japan, and France.

  • RETURNING! Dynamic Magic Shots featuring The Swedish Chef, Max Goof's Leaning Tower of Cheeza, and Chef Figment.


A photo collage of Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots featuring characters like Figment and the Swedish Chef alongside theme park guests.

Start Planning Your 2026 Festival Trip

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is easily one of Walt Disney World's most popular seasonal events. Because the festival kicks off in late August, booking early ensures you secure the best resort availability and dining packages before they open up to the general public.


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