Are you looking for the BEST things to do at Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
Don’t worry, I’m here to help.
We all know that it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Nope, not Christmas, but close enough.
The 30th annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival is where food and theme park aficionados rendezvous to satisfy their daring epicurean desires.
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival features more than 30 global marketplaces with dates from August 27 to November 21, 2026!
Almost 100 days of pure Epcot festival bliss!
So, I take it as my duty to inform and give tips to both newcomers and returnees of everything each ThemeParkHipster should know for the 2026 festival!
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1. Visit All the Epcot Food Booths
While enjoying the World Showcase at Epcot, be sure to eat your way through the marketplaces.
In case you don’t know, the Global Marketplaces are little food booths that give you a sample size of a seasonal dish for the country represented.
This is by far the BEST part of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
2026 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths:
- New! The Wedge Hosted by Dairy Does More (CommuniCore Hall)
- Festival Favorites
- Brew-Wing Lab (At the Odyssey)
- Connections Eatery (World Celebration)
- Connections Café (World Celebration)
- Coastal Eats (Near Creations Shop)
- Gyozas of the Galaxy (Near Creations Shop)
- Flavors from Fire (Near Creations Shop)
- The Fry Basket (Near Test Track presented by General Motors)
- Earth Eats (Near the Land Pavilion)
- Sunshine Seasons
- Australia (Near Disney Traders)
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- India (Near China)
- Refreshment Outpost Hosted by Coca-Cola
- The Alps (Near Germany)
- Germany
- Sommerfest
- Spain (Between Germany and Italy)
- Italy
- Block & Hans (American Adventure)
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue Hosted by Coca-Cola (American Adventure)
- Hops & Barley (American Adventure)
- Funnel Cake (Between America and Japan)
- Japan
- Greece (Between Japan and Morocco)
- Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)
- Belgium
- Brazil (Between Morocco and France)
- France
- UK Beer Cart
- Canada Popcorn Cart
- Canada
- La Poutinerie Hosted by Air Canada
- Shimmering Sips (Near Port of Entry featuring Pandora Jewelry)
- Hawai’i
- Bramblewood Bites (Walkway Between Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase)
- Milled & Mulled (Walkway Between Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase)
- Forest & Field (Walkway Between Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase)
- Swirled Showcase (Walkway Between Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase)
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (Throughout the Park)
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2. Know What the Best Food and Drinks are at The Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Don’t hold back! Enjoy your must-have drinks and food at this incredible Disney festival!
Top 10 Best Food at Epcot Food and Wine 2026:
- A Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese on a baguette with jambon and apple-mustard relish (The Alps)
- The Belgian Waffle with cookie butter and whipped cream topped with speculoos cookie pieces (Belgium)
- Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (Brazil)
- Frozen Caipirinha with Cachaça spirit (Brazil)
- Garlic-Parmesan Wings (Brew-Wing in the Odyssey)
- Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll (Canada)
- Edamame Dumplings come with Butternut squash purée, caramelized onions, sage, and walnut-toasted garlic aillade (Plant-based) (Gyozas of the Galaxy Menu)
- Smoked Corned Beef with house-made potato chips, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer cheese fondue (Flavors From Fire)
- Fry Flight: Sea Salt-Malt Vinegar Fries (plant-based) / Truffle-Parmesan Fries with Black Garlic-Truffle Aïoli / Sweet Potato Casserole Fries with Cinnamon-Sugar, Candied Pecans, and Marshmallow Cream (The Fry Basket)
- Gulf Coast-style Seafood Roll with warm-water lobster, rock shrimp, lobster bisque, and sherry crème fraîche on a toasted brioche bun (Hops & Barley)
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
3. Watch the JAMMin’ Chefs
This musical crew creates music using everyday items such as kitchen pots, pans, trash cans and other household items.
4. Attend the Food and Wine Festival Special Events and Seminars (Postponed for 2026)
There’s no better way to enjoy the festival than attending one of the amazing educational seminars or special events, which are mostly budget-friendly.
A plus is that you will get to meet many of your favorite chefs, wine, or food connoisseurs in a much more relaxed environment similar to that of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
5. Party It Up at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival at the Eat to the Beat Concert
The Epcot Eat to the Beat Concert is the annual concert series that features popular bands from the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s.
It takes place on the American Gardens Theater stage in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
Each year, the festival brings back fan favorite Boyz II Men. But other great artists are also coming for the amazing annual Food and Wine extravaganza!
2026 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Concert Schedule:
- Evolution: Motown: August 27
- Hanson: August 28 and 31
- MercyMe: September 1 to 3
- The War and Treaty – NEW!: September 4 and 5
- Yellowcard: September 6 and 7
- Fly Guys: September 8 to 10
- Couch – NEW!: September 11 and 12
- Fitz and the Tantrums – NEW!: September 13 and 14
- Latin Ambition: September 15 to 17
- MercyMe: September 18 and 19
- Grupo Manía – NEW!: September 20 and 21
- Metro Latino Band: September 22 to 24
- Element: September 25 to 27
- New Found Glory: September 28 and 29
- Smash Mouth: September 30 and October 1
- Champagne Orchestra: October 2 to 4
- Rey Ruiz – NEW!: October 5 and 6
- Tiffany: October 7 and 8
- Viva Latina: October 9 to 11
- The Fray: October 12 and 13
- STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas: October 14 and 15
- Jaclyn Hayden: October 16 to 18
- Ben Rector: October 19 and 20
- Allen Stone – NEW!: October 21 and 22
- SoundUp: October 23 to 25
- Lauren Alaina – NEW!: October 26 and 27
- Bowling for Soup: October 28 and 29
- Southbound: October 30, 31 and November 1
- Boyz II Men: November 2 and 3
- Big Head Todd and The Monsters – NEW!: November 4 and 5
- M-80’s: November 6 to 8
- Grace Potter – NEW!: November 9 and 10
- The Beach Boys: November 11 and 12
- The Hooligans: November 13 to 16
You’ll also be able to discover some of Florida’s top musical talent. Eat to the Beat concerts are nightly from August 27 to November 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Get the full Epcot concert schedule here.
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6. Upgrade Your Day and Get an Epcot Eat to the Beat Dining Package
Why not enjoy a meal that also guarantees your seat for any Eat to the Beat Concert?
You can feel safe knowing that you will not miss Boyz II Men, because your reservation is confirmed!
What’s included in the Eat to the Beat Dining Package?
- At Most Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable), a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older)
- At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
- One (1) guaranteed seat per person to an Eat to the Beat concert held on the same day
You can get the full guide here.
7. Enjoy the Mariachi Cobre (Mexico Pavilion)
This band is filled with the world-famous traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico.
The ensemble usually includes 3 guitarists, 12 trumpet players, and 7 violinists that will take you into their own culture, while being in the charm and magic of Walt Disney World.
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8. Do an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Scavenger Hunt with Remy
Each Epcot festival offers a scavenger hunt that’s unique to that particular event.
For this Disney food festival you can expect to go on an adventure with Remy from Ratatouille and delight in some of the best cheeses with Emile.
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
This Ratatouille-inspired experience allows you to trot all over Epcot World Showcase looking for the culinary master, Remy.
How does the Ratatouille Scavenger Hunt work?
Purchase your map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations (at Disney Traders, Creations Shop, festival markets and other select shops for $11.99 plus tax).
- Find Remy hidden throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces
- Once you find him, match the ingredient that he has with the right sticker and add it to your map
- Find them all and bring your completed map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler
- Receive your special prize
9. Go on a Cheese Hunt through Emile’s Fromage Montage
This fun adventure will have you tasting different cheeses from around the globe in a variety of unique ways.
How does the Epcot cheese scavenger hunt work?
- Purchase any 5 cheese dishes from select Global Marketplaces listed on your Epcot Passport
- Collect ALL 5 stamps
- Bring the stamped Festival Passport to Shimmering Sips
- Receive your special prize
Where to find the cheeses on Emile’s Fromage Montage?
- Germany Marketplace: Schinkennudeln Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions and Cheese
- Spain Marketplace: Basque Cheesecake with Orange Sauce
- Greece Marketplace: Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
- Brazil Marketplace: Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Hawaiʻi Marketplace: Pineapple Cheesecake with Passion Fruit Curd and Macadamia Nuts
- Forest & Field Marketplace: Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Pecorino Cheese, Pomegranate Seeds and Hazelnut Praline
- Festival Favorites Marketplace in CommuniCore Plaza: Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Trifle
- The Wedge Hosted by Dairy Does More Marketplace in CommuniCore Hall:
- Selection of Cheeses with Accompaniments featuring Proudly Wisconsin Cheese®
- Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
- Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese
- Crab and Corn Macaroni and Cheese
- The Alps Marketplace: Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese on a Baguette with Jambon and Apple-Mustard Relish
- The Alps Marketplace: Potatoes Gratin, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Thyme, Crème Fraîche and Brie
- Earth Eats Marketplace: Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib featuring Goat Cheese Polenta, Tomato Ragù, Shaved Pecorino Cheese and Petit Herbs
10. Go on a Great Halloween Hunt with Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Come celebrate Halloween season at Walt Disney World as you get the opportunity to go on a special pumpkin hunt with Pluto from September 25 to November 2, 2026 (or while supplies last).
Here’s how Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit works:
- 1st: Purchase your special map game board and stickers at one of the select locations (Creations Shop, Disney Traders, festival merchandise kiosks, Gateway Gifts, and World Traveler at International Gateway).
- 2nd: Go on your Halloween hunt for hidden decorative Disney characters throughout the park
- 3rd: Place the correct sticker of the corresponding character on your Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit map
- 4th: Return your completed map to Creations Shop, Disney Traders, Gateway Gifts, or World Traveler for a fun Halloween treat
Keep in mind that you can still get your prize if you’re not able to complete this Epcot Scavenger Hunt.
11. Listen to the Voices of Liberty (American Pavilion)
The Voices of Liberty is an Epcot ensemble that sings traditional American music with the most talented Cast Members at Disney World.
12. Get Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise
Before you grab your seat for the fireworks show, be sure to make any Epcot Food and Wine Festival merchandise purchases.
This will ensure that you have a few nice souvenirs to take home.
Shop for Your Perfect Epcot Food and Wine Festival merchandise at shopDisney.com!
13. Join the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Are you a runDisney runner? Maybe you’ve been thinking about completing a marathon as this year’s goal.
Why not conquer two things at once and visit Disney’s Epcot on your solo trip AND participate in the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
It will take place during the weekend of October 22 to October 25, 2026. You can get all the details right here!
14. Go on the Best rides at Epcot
Disney’s Epcot has some of the best theme park attractions in the world. Be sure to try my recommended must-do Epcot rides below!
- Living with the Land
- Spaceship Earth
- Mission Space
- Soarin Around the World
- Test Track
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
15. Try New Things at Epcot Food and Wine Festival
It’s easy to stick with the things most familiar to you, but that’s not what the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is all about!
Stop by and try food you’ve never dreamed about tasting. Since the portions are smaller, it’s a great way to try something at least once (or twice, as Andrew Zimmern states).
It was at this Disney Food and Wine Festival that I learned the art of eating escargot, and it was delicious!
Or maybe it was tasty due to the fact that the dish was smothered in butter and garlic…
Either way it goes, the Epcot Cast Members definitely understand how to ease Guests, like you and me, into exploring new cultural cuisines and practices.
16. Grab Your Fireworks Spot Early and Watch the Show
After you have indulged in all the seasonal fun at Epcot, it’s time to find your perfect spot for the fireworks show.
One of my favorite locations is the quiet area between Germany and the African-inspired Refreshment Post underneath the trees.
However, the perfect spot is over the bridge in the Italy Pavilion.
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17. Do the La Cava Del Tequila Tasting
Before you drink around the world at Epcot, your first stop should be at La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion to try the Tequila Tasting Experience!
It’s one of the BEST things for adults to do at Walt Disney World.
By its name alone, it should tell you what kind of fun you will be in for the day.
La Cava del Tequila is one of my absolute favorite places to hang out in Epcot.
Although it has become quite popular over the last few years, it still remains one of the top things you MUST DO at Epcot.
The La Cava Experience allows you to sit with a certified Tequila Ambassador as you learn the history and sample the delicious Mexican spirit!
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10 Pro Tips for 2026 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Now that you know what to expect at this year’s Epcot Food Festival, let’s go through a few tips to help you maximize your time and save money on your trip.
1. Get there early.
Coming early to the Food and Wine Festival will give you a chance to pace yourself by enjoying the attractions in the front of the park, allowing you to take your time globetrotting around World Showcase.
2. Go during the weekdays.
For the best time, I recommend attending the festival during the weekdays (Monday through Thursday).
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3. Plan to visit multiple times.
You will need a trip to try it all, a trip for seminars, and a trip to retry your favorite food dishes and top Epcot rides.
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4. Put money on a Disney wristlet gift card.
Tasting the many samples without a set budget could turn a fun trip into one of financial regret…
…trust me, I’ve made this mistake a few times.
Be sure to put buying a Disney wristlet gift card at the top of your priority list.
5. Attend the seminars and special events (once they return).
There’s no better way to enjoy the event than attending the amazing variety of classes. The classes are done very well and are lots of fun!
6. Split the cost.
Going with a friend or two or three lowers your budget and makes the event memorable. You can share and really make the most of the dishes without leaving the park broke.
7. Plan for a cab or have a designated driver in the group.
Previewing the festival’s menu gives you an idea of what delicious treats can be expected.
There are lots of drinks (mostly adult-inspired) that will hopefully leave you balanced and able to walk out.
Be sure to have a plan for this kind of indulgence, it makes for a safe and fun experience at Epcot.
8. Map out and plan out your day.
This is another classic tip for any avid Disney traveler.
Mapping out your day will save you the headache of missing out on cool things, especially if you’re only able to visit once.
This tip is very important, because it will help guide you on where to find the marketplaces, what time seminars/events will occur, and any additional information regarding speakers, performers, and other special Disney guests.
9. Reservations are Your Friend.
Most Food and Wine Festival fans know that the small spots for the great classes fill up fast.
So, it is highly recommended to reserve what seminar, restaurant, or event you’re the most excited to attend.
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10. Have Fun!
You’re really going to have a great time, so try not to stress too much if you find yourself spending too much time at the marketplaces or in the classes.
There’s always something going on in the park that will bring great delight to your heart. Have fun, learn something, eat well, and drink up!
Listen to MORE Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tips here!
What to Know Before You Go to Epcot Food and Wine Festival
As you prepare for your trip out to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, let me answer a few of the most commonly asked questions for you.
How much does Epcot cost?
A one-day REGULAR season Epcot ticket starts at $139* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).
How many countries does Epcot have?
There are 11 (eleven) countries in Epcot.
What are the countries in Epcot?
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- America (United States)
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
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Do you need a separate ticket for Epcot Food and Wine?
You do not need an additional ticket to participate in the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
If you plan on doing any of the special dining experiences, then you will have to pay an additional fee.
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Can you use snack credits at Epcot Food and Wine Festival?
You sure can! If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, you can use snack credits on many of the food and non-alcoholic beverage offerings at the festival’s Global Marketplaces.
Look for the Disney Dining Plan logo next to the item on the menu to see what’s eligible.
Since many of the items on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival menu are in that category, you can use your snack credits to partake in this Disney dining adventure!
Where are the best places to have a drink at Epcot?
Like everywhere in the park, and I mean that. Nothing else needs to follow…
I will say that Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion and La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion are the absolute best places to chill and enjoy a drink. If it’s not too crowded.
Have Your Drinking Around the World at Epcot Passport Handy
Don’t get overwhelmed trying to plan your perfect route around World Showcase. You already have enough to worry about for your Disney vacation.
Get your Drinking Around the World Passport to help you keep track of your progress of the best drinks in Epcot.
Grab your own copy below!
What are the best drinks at Epcot?
My top 5 must have alcoholic beverages are:
- Avocado Margarita from La Cava del Tequila in Mexico
- Medina Mixer for Spice Road Table in Morocco
- Leaping Leprechaun from Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom
- Apple Ice Wine from the Trading Post in Canada
- Blackberry Sake Slushie from Kabuki Cafe in Japan
Read the best drinks at Epcot here!
How Do You Book Your Reservations for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Special Events, Restaurants and Seminars?
Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) or online. Remember to book quickly to guarantee a spot.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
I hope this post helped guide you towards a great experience at the 2026 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!
Don’t worry if you’re not able to see and do everything. I just want you to have fun and enjoy exploring all the different countries.
What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival? Let me know in the comments section below.
Get More Epcot Festival Tips Here:
- The Ultimate Guide to doing Epcot as an Adult
- Epcot Food and Wine Festival MENU
- 5 BEST Things to Do at Epcot for Adults (YOU CAN’T MISS)
- 3 WORST Epcot Rides for Solo Travelers (Solo Disney Trip)
- 17 Amazing Flower & Garden Festival Tips
- Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a mother and a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Theme Park Travel Guidebooks
(Original Article Date: Fall 2017/Updated by Editor on: August 26, 2026)
There was a lot of great information in this post…tons actually. I am traveling to the Orlando area from Saturday, September 21st to Saturday, September 28th. What is the best way for me to see what is happening during that time frame? Is there a way to view the events in calendar format, or something similar?
I appreciate any help you can offer.
Hi Janice!
Congrats on your trip to Orlando this September. There’s currently not a calendar of the events listed; however, I can see if my designers can come up with something.
In the meantime, here’s a link to the Culinary Seminars – https://www.themeparkhipster.com/culinary-demonstration-schedule-for-the-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/
the Beverage Seminars – https://www.themeparkhipster.com/beverage-seminar-schedule-is-here-for-the-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/
and the Eat to the Beat Concert – https://www.themeparkhipster.com/2017-eat-beat-concert-line/
Take care,
Nikky