Get your paintbrushes ready — Disney World has just confirmed one of EPCOT’s most colorful celebrations is officially returning!

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts is set to brighten the park once again in early 2026, bringing with it a vibrant blend of creativity, flavor, and imagination. From stunning visual art to interactive experiences and fan-favorite entertainment, this festival transforms EPCOT into a playground for artists and dreamers alike — making its return one of the most exciting announcements going into the new year.

Disney has officially announced the return of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and fans of all things creative can start counting down now. The beloved festival will once again take over EPCOT from January 16 through February 23, 2026, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts.

Since its debut back in 2017, this seasonal event has quickly become a fan-favorite thanks to its unique blend of imagination and interactive fun. The festival transforms EPCOT into a living gallery, where every stroll between pavilions introduces new artistic experiences. And for the 2026 season, we can look forward to more than 20 Food Studios, each offering beautifully plated, art-inspired dishes that taste as impressive as they look (trust us, we’ve tried them all year after year!)

In addition to the culinary offerings, you can enjoy returning hands-on activities like the popular Animation Academy, where you’ll be guided by a Disney artist step-by-step to draw some of your favorite animated characters…

…the crowd-favorite Paint-By-Number mural that puts YOUR work into a part of the masterpiece…

…and imaginative photo ops that place you directly inside famous works of art.

The park will also feature galleries showcasing pieces from both new and returning artists, many of whom will be available throughout the festival for meet-and-greets and artwork signings.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the artists you might expect to see throughout the festival:

• Rosana Iarusso — NEW
• Darren Wilson
• Yesenia Moises
• Dave Perillo
• Jerrod Maruyama
• Dylan Bonner
• Josey Tsao

Additionally, the beloved Chalk Art Galleries are confirmed to return in 2026, where artists throughout the festival will bring their chalk art to life along the sidewalks in some familiar and contemporary styles. Some of our favorites are even offered as a 3D art piece that you can snap a photo inside.

Love the art of card games? Then you’re in for a magical treat. This year, the festival is introducing an exciting new offering for fans of the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game. Whether you’re a seasoned Illumineer or brand new to the world of Lorcana, this interactive experience adds a whole new layer of creativity and community to the festival.

Throughout EPCOT, you’ll be invited to take part in a Lorcana Collection Quest, where you’ll open booster packs, trade cards, and connect with fellow players. Head to the Illumineer’s Lounge in the Morocco Pavilion, the central hub for all the action, to swap cards, complete your quest objectives, and dive deeper into the enchanted world of Lorcana.

Once you’ve finished the experience, you’ll be able to redeem a limited-edition Magical Places promo card — a collectible souvenir that’s sure to have Lorcana fans saying, “Oooh, ahhhh!” This brand-new activity is perfect for families, collectors, and anyone who loves discovering fresh forms of storytelling and art at EPCOT.

Rounding out the experience is the Disney On Broadway Concert Series, which brings powerhouse vocalists and iconic Disney stage hits to the America Gardens Theatre. Their performances add a dynamic musical layer to the festival and are included with regular EPCOT admission.

No EPCOT Festival of the Arts is complete without a little help from everyone’s favorite purple dragon. Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt is returning, inviting visitors of all ages to explore World Showcase most imaginatively. In this playful adventure, Figment has slipped himself into famous works of art throughout the pavilions — and it’s your job to track him down!

This hands-on scavenger hunt is a fantastic way for kids to learn about art while adults get just as swept up in the fun. To start your artistic journey, you’ll pick up a map and sticker set at either Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler. As you wander each pavilion, keep an eye out for Figment-themed picture frames cleverly tucked into the artwork. Spot him, match the correct sticker to your map, and watch your masterpiece come to life one pavilion at a time. And make sure you circle back to pick up your prize after you’ve finished!

Don’t forget to take a peek at the stunning merchandise collections curated specifically for the festival! Festival of the Arts’ signature artist, Figment, has already crafted a few items we know that are sure to catch your eye.

With stunning visuals, delicious bites, and plenty of creative surprises, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts continues to be a highlight of the winter season — and its 2026 return promises another inspiring chapter.

We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news, menus once they’re announced, and of course showing you everything there is to see, eat, and do on the festival’s opening day! Be sure you’re following along with us right here at DFB so you don’t miss a thing.

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Will you be kicking off the new year with a trip to EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts? Tell us what you’re looking forward to most in the comments below!