Orlando’s events calendar is jam-packed all year long, from holiday magic to Halloween scares and sun-soaked summer fun. Here at Hotel Landy, we offer all sorts of exciting events, and we always mark our calendars for spring. The season holds a special place in our hearts because it means the return of the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This year, it’s running from March 5 to June 2, and will once again paint the park with a vibrant kaleidoscope of color—along with delicious dining and memorable musical performances. 

Here’s everything you need to know about this floral extravaganza.

What is the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a true celebration of spring, creativity and incredible gardens. The Orlando tradition has flourished since its inception in 1994. Since then, the festival has only grown in scope and popularity and now boasts a full slate of activities catering to nature lovers, music fans, foodies, and butterfly enthusiasts. 

It’s a family-friendly experience that offers enjoyment for people of all ages. Best of all, access to this festival is included with your EPCOT admission, though park reservations may be required depending on the ticket type.

What are the major highlights?

Stunning gardens and topiary sculptures, of course. Wander through themed gardens featuring beloved Disney characters or explore dazzling displays inspired by art and fashion. New this year, the Haute Nature Garden in EPCOT’s France Pavilion offers a unique fusion where “fashion meets flora.” 

Beyond the always-spectacular topiary sculptures, here are some of this year’s major highlights to check out:

Garden Graze Food Stroll

What theme park visit would be complete without delicious snacks and treats? The Garden Graze Food Stroll takes the experience to a whole new level, offering a true journey for your senses. This adventure involves using a Festival Passport to collect stamps for five international menu items. Once you’ve collected the stamps, you can present your passport for a special festival treat. What items will you choose for your flavor-filled ramble around the world? There’s grilled street corn on the cob, Jamaican beef patties, Filipino lumpia, coconut-chocolate flancocho, and many more global delights. It will keep you fueled up and ready to explore the festival.

Outdoor Kitchens

Garden-fresh cuisine is best enjoyed in the sun, and the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens provide you with plenty of choices for memorable meals. Much like the Garden Graze Food Stroll, the offerings at these kitchens represent a diverse collection of flavors, featuring Mexican, Chinese, German, Italian, Moroccan, and Canadian specialties throughout the World Showcase. Beyond these savory snacks, you’ll also find inventive desserts and craveable cocktails, with creative menus boasting festival-exclusive items available for a limited time only.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

A consistent favorite of festival attendees, the Garden Rocks Concert Series provides fantastic performances from legendary artists. This year’s schedule boasts concerts for lovers of every genre, with Plain White T’s, Jon Secada, the Pointer Sisters and many more stars on the agenda. 

For those who are both foodies and music fans, Garden Rocks Dining packages offer the perfect way to pair great tunes and great tastes, offering a guaranteed seat at a Garden Rocks concert along with dining at one of EPCOT’s many excellent restaurants. The concerts themselves take place at America Gardens Theatre, a wonderful outdoor amphitheater where you can enjoy fresh air and great tunes

Where is the festival?

As the name suggests, this sunny celebration of spring takes place at EPCOT, a legendary theme park within Walt Disney World. 

You’ll recognize EPCOT by its iconic sphere, Spaceship Earth, a time machine-themed ride and enduring attraction that’s well worth a visit. For over 40 years, EPCOT has captivated visitors with its unique futuristic vision of a utopian city filled with fascinating technology. It highlights innovation, human achievement and cultural creativity from around the globe. The Flower & Garden Festival extends into EPCOT’s four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. 

Who is the festival for?

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has something for everyone. It’s truly an all-ages event, with activities for every member of the family. 

Kids will love meeting iconic characters and chasing butterflies at Butterfly Landing. Grownups will love the Garden Rocks concert series featuring favorite artists from decades past. Foodies will love the Garden Graze Stroll and the Outdoor Kitchens. Fans of EPCOT will enjoy seeing their beloved theme park transformed into a symphony of spring colors. If you’re looking for a family-friendly festival to get you outside and enjoying the sunshine as a group, now is your chance!

How should you experience it?

Start by booking your stay at Hotel Landy! Our ideal location for visiting Orlando’s famous theme parks, including EPCOT. Our location on Universal Boulevard puts you within easy reach of Orlando’s best theme parks, including EPCOT. Because we’re close to so much of the best of the city, you can build a vacation around your time at the festival. Enjoy a day or two there and then take advantage of easy access to all the other great attractions nearby. You can treat the kids to other Florida attractions and then unwind right here at our Liquid Sunshine poolside food truck.

Ready to join the fun?

If the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival sounds like a picture-perfect Florida vacation, start by exploring our rooms and suites to find the right stay for you. Make sure to visit our special offers for exclusive Orlando savings. Happy festival-going!