My favorite festival of the year has arrived at Epcot, the International Festival of the Arts 2020! This festival is unique in so many ways (as every festival is at Epcot). As the name tells, this festival focuses on the Arts in every form. From music and paintings, to masterful food creation, this festival has something for everyone. The International Festival of the Arts runs from January 17 – February 24. Not quite as short as the Festival of the Holidays, but definitely one of the shorter festivals Epcot hosts.
Highlights of the International Festival of the Arts 2020
I remember the first time I attended this festival. I had just become a passholder and had never even heard of such a thing, let alone at Disney. There was the Food & Wine Festival which I knew was big. And the Flower & Garden, which is also fairly well known. But I had no clue there was an Arts festival. While the Festival of the Arts has fun food stands like any other festival, there’s some experiences you can only get at this one. Here are just a few of my favorite ones.
Classic Painting Photo-Ops
All throughout the world showcase at the International Festival of the Arts 2020 you can find photo-ops of classic paintings and works of art. These pop up stands allow visitors to immerse themselves into famous paintings from around the world. Strike the classic pose or create a brand new masterpiece that’s completely your own. There is a professional Disney Photopass photographer at each pop up to capture picture perfect moments.
Paint by Numbers Mural
This is probably my favorite experience at the International Festival of the Arts 2020. Everyday throughout the festival cast members hand out paint and paintbrushes to thousands of guest so they can participate in a paint by numbers mural. When the mural is complete it is displayed in various locations around the park for the remainder of the festival. Disney must have hundreds of these murals because they are completed fairly quickly. Each one is different so be sure to make your mark on each one if you can!
Creative Workshops
I have not participated in any of the workshops they have at the festival yet, but they sure sound like fun! Whether you just want to start dabbling in art or are an experienced professional, these workshops are fun for all. Click here for a full list of Workshops and times.
International Festival of the Arts 2020 Merchandise
With every Festival there is a ton of merchandise that is new and improved every year. This years arts festival has a major focus on the mascot of Epcot, Figment! Figment plays a key character in the Journey into Imagination ride and also in the development of Epcot itself. The whole concept of Epcot is to discover new technologies to make for a better tomorrow. All those new discoveries require a lot of imagination, even if it’s just a spark of figment!
Passholder Exclusive Magnet
Passholders, be sure to pick up your exclusive magnet during the festival! It features a painted Mickey Mouse that you have to see in person to really admire. You can pick it up at the temporary Mouse Gears location (located just on the other side of the electric Umbrella).
International Festival of the Arts 2020 Food
There will be many new and returning dishes to this years festival. A fan favorite artist palate cookie will be returning and a few other new artworks will be joining! When I went to Epcot on Sunday I tried the Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate located at Pop Eats. It’s inspired by the one and only Piet Mondrian, which is why I wanted to try it in the first place. My experience with food at all Epcot festivals is, the prettier the looks, the plainer it taste. Not the case with this cake. It is literally to die for. Not only is it under $7 but it’s also a huge slice of cake. You can bet I’ll be grabbing another before the festival leaves in February. For a full list of dishes offered at the festival click here.
