After much uncertainty around the fate of EPCOT’s festivals, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Festival of the Arts is confirmed to be returning in early 2021 for approximately the same tenure as its past affairs. It will, however, be a lighter take on the event than in previous years and will, as such, be subsequently titled Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. (We first saw the “Taste of” name and narrowed offerings be introduced with the most recent International Food & Wine Festival.) Taking place from January 8 through February 22, 2021, the arts celebration will bring artistic creations for all five senses to both of EPCOT’s lands, World Showcase and Future World.
Festival of the Arts first debuted in early 2017, rounding out EPCOT’s robust annual festival line-up, which includes the International Food & Wine Festival in the fall, International Festival of the Holidays during the winter, and the International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring. Thanks to its success, the theme park now has one festivity or another taking place much more often than not – it is only during a brief few summer months that EPCOT is sans celebrations.
Festival of the Arts’s previous entertainment has included concerts by Disney Broadway stars at America Gardens Theatre and galleries (complete with artist meet-and-greets) throughout the park. There have also been a variety of performers at the event, as well, from living statues to acrobats and beyond.
As with any EPCOT festival, food is a major highlight here. Mini-culinary kitchens can be found stationed throughout the park with eclectic bites and sips to enjoy, complete with colorful and creative presentations in celebration of the arts. Between food stations, guests can also find photo-ops with iconic paintings as a 3D backdrop for the ultimate festival memories. In years past, cooking workshops and exclusive dining experiences have also been available at an additional cost. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Walt Disney World Resort annual event if there weren’t tons of merchandise to match!
Here’s a look at what’s to come for Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2021:
- 15 food studios serving artistic culinary creations throughout World Showcase
- Visiting artists bringing creations to life in-park
- Diverse artwork, including Disney specialties, available to admire and purchase
- Special photo locations across the park
- Performances by EPCOT musical artists JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre
- Figment scavenger hunt around World Showcase
- Paint-by-number collaborative mural for guests to take part in
- Festival-exclusive merchandise
Despite a slightly more limited list of festivities, we’re excited that many of the key annual-event features will be returning in 2021 – and we expect to hear more delicious details on food kitchens and featured artists closer to the start of the proceedings.
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