The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a seasonal event at Walt Disney World featuring Disney character topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, live music and garden displays. This year’s festival runs from March 4 through June 1, 2026 and is included with regular theme park admission, giving visitors nearly 3 months to experience it. 

Whether you’re planning a spring break trip, a Mother’s Day weekend or an early summer visit, this festival adds an extra layer of beauty and entertainment to a day at EPCOT. Many Pure Magic Vacations advisors visit EPCOT during festival season each year.

 

What’s Included in This Year’s Festival?

During the 2026 festival, guests can explore:

• Elaborate Disney Character Topiaries: Iconic favourites like Mickey and friends, plus new designs for 2026 that are artfully sculpted amid vibrant floral displays.

• Outdoor Kitchens: Savour seasonal tasting-size dishes, including new 2026 offerings alongside returning favourites, celebrating fresh flavours and international cuisine.

• Garden Rocks Concert Series: Enjoy live performances from beloved bands at America Gardens Theater.

• Immersive Gardens and Outdoor Exhibits: From tranquil butterfly gardens to interactive horticultural experiences, these spaces invite you to explore, learn and even get inspired for your own garden at home.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Scavenger hunts, play areas and hands-on experiences offer fun for kids of all ages.

• Limited-Time Festival Merchandise: Exclusive collectibles, apparel and décor make perfect souvenirs or gifts.

 

Is the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Included With Park Admission?

Yes. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is included with regular EPCOT park admission. Guests can enjoy the gardens, topiaries and concerts without an additional ticket.

When is the Best Time to Visit the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

While the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through the spring season, the experience can feel a little different depending on when you visit.

Early March: The Festival begins just as spring arrives in Florida. Gardens and topiaries look fresh, temperatures are usually comfortable and crowds can be moderate outside of peak spring break weeks.

Late March through Early April: This period overlaps with many school spring breaks, which means higher attendance across Walt Disney World. The festival atmosphere is lively, but you may notice longer lines at popular Outdoor Kitchens and attractions.

Late April and May: Many experienced visitors find this to be one of the most pleasant times to visit. The gardens are fully in bloom, the weather is warm but often manageable and crowds can feel more relaxed after the Easter travel period.

For many guests, the festival isn’t about rushing between attractions. Instead, it’s about slowing down to explore the gardens, try a few Outdoor Kitchen dishes and enjoy the atmosphere around World Showcase.

 

Disney Character Topiaries

Topiaries are at the heart of the festival and 2026 brings over 60 displays across the park.

New Topiaries for 2026:

• Toy Story display featuring Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Bo Peep, Lotso & the Pixar Ball, found at the main entrance to the park

• Stitch from Lilo & Stitch

• Mike & Sulley from Monsters, Inc.

• Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars

 

Other Popular Must-See Topiaries:

• Mirabel and Family, from Encanto

• Groot

• Figment 

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

One of the most photographed festival moments: character topiaries like Mirabel bring Disney storytelling to EPCOT’s spring gardens.

 

Many guests are surprised by the scale of these displays, living sculptures crafted by Disney horticulture experts. Some topiaries are more than 20 feet tall and take months to design and grow.

Vacation Specialist Tip: Visiting the entrance display earlier in the day often makes it easier to enjoy the topiaries and take photos before the crowds build.

 

What Food is at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

Throughout EPCOT, Outdoor Kitchens serve small, seasonal dishes inspired by fresh ingredients and global flavours.  

What You Can Expect:

• Light bites and small plates

• Fresh produce-focused dishes

• Floral and spring-inspired drinks

• Global flavours from around the world

 

Outdoor Kitchens are scattered around EPCOT during the festival, making it easy to sample small plates as you explore World Showcase.

 

2026 Highlights:

One of the brand-new Outdoor Kitchens this year is Nectar hosted by AdventHealth, located near The Land Pavilion. The menu focuses on lighter, fresh ingredients, including a tuna poke bowl and a coconut panna cotta dessert, along with a colourful Frozen Island Escape smoothie.

 Returning favourites include:

• The iconic Frushi, found at the Hanami Outdoor Kitchen in the Japan pavilion

• Avocado Toast, available at the BRUNCHCOT Outdoor Kitchen near Test Track

• Trio of Dips and Chips, on the menu at Yacht Grub, on the walkway between World Showcase and Imagination! Pavilion

Disney releases a full Foodie Guide each year outlining all the new and returning menu items available at the Outdoor Kitchens. Guests can view the menus in the My Disney Experience app.

 

Vacation Specialist Tip: Pick up a Festival Passport when you enter the park. If you complete the Garden Graze food stroll, you’ll receive a complimentary treat at the end.

 

What is the Garden Rocks Concert Series?

Live music is part of the festival atmosphere thanks to the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theater in the American Adventure pavilion. These concerts offer performances most nights by popular artists from a variety of genres.

Throughout the festival, a rotating lineup of artists performs nightly concerts featuring a mix of classic rock, pop and contemporary performers. Most artists perform 3 shows each evening, typically around 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm.

Because the lineup is subject to change throughout the festival, the easiest way to check which artists are performing during your visit is through the My Disney Experience app or the entertainment schedule in the park on the day of your visit.

For many guests, the concerts are a fun way to end the evening at EPCOT. The open-air theatre overlooks World Showcase Lagoon, creating a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy live music during the festival.

 

Vacation Specialist Tip: Concert admission is included with your theme park ticket. Seating is first‑come, first‑served and popular performers can draw large crowds. If there is a specific artist you want to see, a Garden Rocks Dining Package may be worth considering. These packages include a meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating for the concert later that day.

Are There Family-Friendly Activities at the Festival?

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is widely considered one of the most family-friendly festivals at EPCOT, making it a fantastic choice for guests travelling with kids of all ages. 

During the festival, the park becomes an interactive outdoor space where children can explore gardens, participate in scavenger hunts and discover nature in a fun and engaging way.

Kids can enjoy:

• Spike the Bee Scavenger Hunt: This interactive scavenger hunt sends guests around EPCOT searching for Spike hidden throughout the gardens and festival displays. It’s a fun way to keep children engaged while exploring the park, and there’s a small prize at the end.

• Interactive Play Gardens: Specially designed play areas allow kids to run, climb and explore in nature-inspired spaces while parents relax nearby.

• Butterfly Landing Experience: This walkthrough exhibit lets visitors see vibrant butterflies up close while learning about pollination and lifecycles.

• Hands-On Activity Zones: Throughout the festival, guests can find creative stations with crafts, games and sensory activities focused on gardening, nature and sustainability.

With wide walkways and plenty of open spaces, EPCOT is an easy park for families to explore at a relaxed pace during the festival.

Limited Edition Festival Merchandise

The festival also introduces several limited-time merchandise collections that are only available during the spring season. These items are released specifically for the festival season and often become favourite collectibles.

2026 featured collections include:

• Orange Bird Collection: A nostalgic favourite, Orange Bird returns with bright, citrus-inspired apparel and accessories that perfectly match the springtime vibe of the festival.

• Spike the Bee Collection: From plush toys to drinkware, Spike-themed items are especially popular with families and make for adorable souvenirs.

Orange Bird festival merchandise is a cheerful seasonal favourite, and popular items can sell out quickly in common styles.

Additional items that you can expect to find include spirit jerseys, Loungefly backpacks, Mickey ears and Disney themed accessories plus seasonal apparel and drinkware.

Because these items are limited edition and highly sought-after, popular sizes and styles often sell out quickly. If something catches your eye, it’s best to purchase it early in your trip.    

 

Vacation Specialist Tip: Before you start enjoying the festival, pick up a festival gift card on a wearable wristband. These can be found at any store around the park. This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to stay on budget for the day. Instead of pulling out your wallet at every food booth or shop, you can simply tap and go while you enjoy everything the festival has to offer. 

 

A wearable Disney Gift Card can be a simple way to manage festival spending, especially if you plan to snack at several Outdoor Kitchens.

Why Spring is a Wonderful Time to Visit Walt Disney World

While the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a highlight of the season, spring is one of the most enjoyable times of year to visit Walt Disney World overall. 

Comfortable Weather: Temperatures are typically warm and comfortable, without the intense heat and humidity of summer, making it much easier to enjoy full park days.

Beautiful Landscaping Throughout the Resort: The entire resort is in full bloom, with vibrant flowers, lush greenery and beautifully maintained gardens around every corner. This is easily one of the most photogenic times to visit.

Seasonal Experiences and Lighter Atmosphere: With seasonal entertainment, Outdoor Kitchens and live music at EPCOT, the parks feel lively without the same pace or intensity as peak holiday seasons.

Perfect Photo Opportunities: From colourful topiaries to floral displays and bright blue skies, spring offers some of the most beautiful backdrops for capturing your Disney memories.

 

Vacation Specialist Tip: Many families choose to visit EPCOT more than once during festival season. One day can focus on attractions, while another allows time to explore the Outdoor Kitchens, concerts and gardens at a slower pace.

 

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a wonderful way to experience EPCOT in the spring. Between the colourful topiaries, seasonal Outdoor Kitchens and live music, it’s an experience that truly stands out among Walt Disney World’s seasonal events.

With so much to see and do during festival season, a little planning can make the experience even more enjoyable. A Vacation Specialist at Pure Magic Vacations can help you choose the right travel dates, secure dining reservations and build a park strategy that leaves time to enjoy the festival highlights at a relaxed pace.
 

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About the Author:

Cass Lloyd is a passionate traveller and content creator specializing in Disney and family-focused travel, helping families plan magical vacations.

Instagram: @thewanderingpixiedust

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Planning magical vacations for families since 2011, Pure Magic Vacations is EarMarked by Disney Travel Agency - Platinum Level