Walt Disney World Events Guide
From food festivals to holiday parties, discover the special events that can add an extra layer of magic to your trip.
Epcot's Seasonal Festivals
Epcot hosts four amazing festivals throughout the year, each with unique food, entertainment, and activities.
Festival of the Arts
Jan - Feb
Celebrate the culinary, visual, and performing arts. Features stunning food presentations, Disney on Broadway concerts, and interactive art experiences.
Best For: Art lovers, foodies, and theater fans.
Flower & Garden Festival
Mar - Jun
Explore beautiful gardens, amazing character topiaries, and fresh, vibrant food at outdoor kitchens. Features the Garden Rocks concert series.
Best For: Gardeners, families, and those who love fresh food.
Food & Wine Festival
Jul - Nov
The original and most famous Epcot festival. Sample food and drinks from dozens of global marketplaces and enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Best For: Foodies, wine lovers, and adults looking for a fun atmosphere.
Festival of the Holidays
Nov - Dec
Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world. Features storytellers, seasonal food kitchens, and the beloved Candlelight Processional.
Best For: Families, and anyone who loves the holiday season.
Magic Kingdom After-Hours Parties
These special, hard-ticketed events offer unique entertainment, shorter lines, and exclusive treats after the park closes to regular guests.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Aug - Oct
Don your favorite costume and go trick-or-treating in the Magic Kingdom! Features the Boo-to-You parade, special fireworks, and rare character meet-and-greets.
Best For: Families, Halloween lovers, and those who want to see rare characters.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Nov - Dec
Experience the magic of Christmas with 'snow' on Main Street, complimentary cookies and cocoa, a special holiday parade and fireworks, and festive character appearances.
Best For: Families, and anyone who wants to get in the Christmas spirit.
runDisney Race Weekends
Join thousands of runners for magical miles through the theme parks. These race weekends are incredibly popular and sell out fast.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January
The flagship event, featuring races from a 5K up to the Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles over 4 days). The marathon runs through all four theme parks.
Best For: Serious runners, first-time marathoners, and those looking for the ultimate challenge.
Princess Half Marathon Weekend
February
A fairy-tale themed race weekend celebrating the courage and kindness of Disney Princesses. A very popular event with amazing costumes.
Best For: Princess fans, female runners, and those who love a themed race.
Springtime Surprise Weekend
April
A race weekend with a new, surprising theme each year, often celebrating beloved but less common Disney stories or anniversaries.
Best For: Runners who love surprises and unique themes.
Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November
A food-lover's race that kicks off the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The post-race party at Epcot is a major highlight.
Best For: Foodies, runners who want a great after-party, and those who enjoy running in the fall.