Credit: DisneyDisney World just confirmed a major event will return in 2026, and the way it was announced feels very intentional. Disney didn’t roll it out with fireworks or splashy headlines. Instead, the news quietly landed and immediately sparked curiosity.
That subtle approach almost made the confirmation feel more meaningful. Disney clearly knew this was something fans would latch onto without needing extra hype.
For longtime fans, this kind of announcement carries weight. It signals that something deeply tied to Disney World’s identity isn’t just sticking around—it’s being locked in for the future. In an era when so much at Disney World feels temporary or constantly evolving, that sense of permanence matters.
Why EPCOT’s Event Lineup Matters More Than Ever
Its festivals have always driven EPCOT. These events don’t just decorate the park; they reshape how guests experience it. Walkways change, menus rotate, and entire sections feel brand new without a single ride opening.
Festivals also give EPCOT a rhythm that other parks don’t quite match. Each season brings a different personality, encouraging repeat visits and providing locals and vacationers alike a reason to return.
That’s why festival confirmations matter. When EPCOT commits to an event years in advance, it shows confidence in what keeps guests coming back—and what still works.
A Tradition That’s Been Growing for Over 30 Years
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is one of Disney World’s longest-running seasonal events. It’s been around for more than three decades, steadily growing while staying rooted in its original purpose.
Over the years, the festival has evolved from a smaller garden-focused offering into a full-scale seasonal experience. Yet it has never lost the relaxed, open feeling that sets it apart from EPCOT’s other festivals.
At its heart, the festival celebrates spring, creativity, and Disney’s ability to blend storytelling with nature. Even as it expands, it still feels calm, colorful, and refreshingly different from the rest of the year.
Gardens, Topiaries, and EPCOT at Its Most Playful
This year’s festival leans heavily into visual storytelling. EPCOT transforms into a living showcase filled with playful character topiaries, themed gardens, and carefully designed floral exhibits.
More than 60 topiaries inspired by classic Disney characters appear across the park. Alongside them, over 31 gardens and floral displays invite guests to slow down, explore, and take in the kind of detail Disney is known for.
It’s the kind of atmosphere that encourages wandering without a plan—something EPCOT does exceptionally well during the spring.
Outdoor Kitchens Turn the Garden Into a Global Menu
Food plays a massive role in the Flower & Garden Festival, and the Outdoor Kitchens return with fresh, garden-inspired menus. These booths balance familiar favorites with new seasonal dishes explicitly designed for the event.
The lighter, produce-forward approach sets Flower & Garden apart from EPCOT’s other festivals. It feels less indulgent and more refreshing, which fits the overall theme perfectly.
Guests can also participate in the Garden Graze food stroll. By picking up a Festival Passport, visitors can sample select items, collect stamps, and turn snacking into a low-key challenge that makes exploring EPCOT even more fun.
Garden Rocks Concert Series Brings the Soundtrack of Spring
As the festival continues into the evening, live music takes center stage at America Gardens Theatre. The Garden Rocks Concert Series has become a fan-favorite part of Flower & Garden, blending nostalgia with variety.
Performances take place every weekend and feature a mix of well-known artists and local talent. Admission to the concerts is included with EPCOT park entry, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Confirmed performers include:
The Music of ABBA (March 5–7), Simple Plan (March 8–9), Blue October (March 13–14), Billy Ocean (March 15–16), THE ORCHESTRA starring former members of ELO & ELO Part II (March 20–23), Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (March 27–28), 38 Special (March 29–30), Chubby Checker (April 3–4), Sugar Ray (April 5–6), Information Society (April 10–11), Rick Springfield (April 12–13), Berlin (April 17–18), The Commodores (April 19–20), FireHouse (April 24–25), Air Supply (April 26–27), A Flock of Seagulls (May 1–2), Plain White T’s (May 3–4), Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves (May 8–9), 98 Degrees (May 10–11), The Spinners (May 15–16), Josiah Queen (May 17–18), Iam Tongi (May 22–23), A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce (May 24–25), Queensrÿche (May 29–30), and Maverick City Music (May 31–June 1).
For guests who want guaranteed seating, dining packages are available and pair a meal with reserved concert access.
Dining Packages Make the Night Feel Effortless
Garden Rocks dining packages make a busy festival night run smoothly. Guests can enjoy a meal at select EPCOT restaurants and then head to the concert, knowing their seats are secured.
This option has become especially popular as the concert lineup continues to grow stronger each year.
Reservations open February 5 through the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website. Packages include a full meal or buffet with a beverage, and Spice Road Table offers a shared small-plate option, all with guaranteed concert seating.
Kid-Friendly Fun Keeps the Festival Light
Flower & Garden isn’t just for foodies and music lovers. Kids get their own adventures throughout EPCOT, starting with Spike the Bee’s scavenger hunt.
Families can also explore a spring-themed egg hunt around World Showcase and walk through a colorful butterfly garden filled with dozens of species. These experiences keep younger guests engaged while adults enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Why This 2026 Return Feels Like a Big Deal
Disney’s confirmation of this event’s return in 2026 feels bigger than a standard calendar update. It’s a reminder that some of Disney World’s most meaningful experiences aren’t rides or shows.
After more than 30 years, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues to grow without losing its charm. In a park landscape defined by constant change, that kind of consistency feels worth celebrating.