12 Nights When EPCOT Will Be CROWDED During the Food & Wine Festival

Over the last 30+ years, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has become one of the most popular annual events at Disney World. From its drinks to its food to its merchandise, fans have come to love many elements of the fest. However, for music fans, the biggest draw is Eat to the Beat!

We’re not kidding about the crowds!

The concert series, which features world-renowned music artists performing at the America Gardens theater each night, draws some of the festival’s largest crowds, comparable with opening night (August 27th) and closing night(November 16th). When looking at the 2026 lineup, some nights definitely seem like they’ll be more crowded than others.

Hanson (August 28th-31st)

While many general music fans may only think of this (literal) band of brothers for their 1997 hit “MMMBop”, Hanson has cultivated a large and devoted cult following over the last 30 years. Fans who have been following them for decades, including their annual stop at EPCOT. Their crowds will likely be bolstered even more in 2026 as their appearance coincides with the festival’s opening weekend.

@Hanson Facebook

Yellowcard (September 6th-7th)

Early 2000s pop punk bands have become a major part of the Eat to the Beat lineup in recent years (yay for us fellow millennials), and “Ocean Avenue” hitmakers Yellowcard are sure to draw in a large crowd over Labor Day weekend this year.

@Yellowcard

New Found Glory (September 28th-29th)

Speaking of pop punk, genre legends New Found Glory – – known for tracks like “My Friends Over You” and “All Downhill From Here” – – are back again in late September. Their shows will likely be bolstered by Disney fans as well as punk aficionados, given the Florida bands’ proclivity to cover Disney songs, including “Let It Go” and “Part of Your World”.

A Whole New Sound – New Found Glory with Mickey and Friends

Boyz II Men (November 2nd – 3rd)

Slightly older millennials and other 90s kids will likely line up in droves for the mega-selling vocal soul group Boys II Men, who will be performing in early November, just as Disney World begins its transition into the Christmas season.

Beach Boys (November 11th and 12th)

Finally, there’s the legendary Beach Boys (well, one of the legendary Beach Boys, as Mike Love is the only original left), who drew MASSIVE crowds in 2025 while performing from their litany of hits, including “California Girls”, “Wouldn’t it Be Nice”, and “God Only Knows.”

Crowds waiting for The Beach Boys in 2025.

This year, they’ll once again be bolstered by touring member John Stamos (yes, that John Stamos), as well as being scheduled for Veterans’ Day.

John Stamos with the Beach Boys at Eat to the Beat in 2025

Of course, beyond these five acts, there’s a litany of other accomplished artists playing Eat to the Beat in 2026. The full lineup includes:

Aug 27: Evolution: Motown
Sep 1-3: Evolution: Motown
Sep 4-5: The War and Treaty (NEW)
Sep 8-10: Fly Guys
Sep 11-12: Couch (NEW)
Sep 13-14: Fitz and the Tantrums (NEW)
Sep 15-17: Latin Ambition
Sep 18-19: MercyMe
Sep 20-21: Grupo Manía (NEW)
Sep 22-24: Metro Latino Band
Sep 25-27: Element
Sep 30: Smash Mouth
Oct 1: Smash Mouth
Oct 2-4: Champagne Orchestra
Oct 5-6: Rey Ruiz (NEW)
Oct 7-8: Tiffany
Oct 9-11: Viva Latina
Oct 12-13: The Fray
Oct 14-15: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
Oct 16-18: Jaclyn Hayden
Oct 19-20: Ben Rector
Oct 21-22: Allen Stone (NEW)
Oct 23-25: SoundUp
Oct 26-27: Lauren Alaina (NEW)
Oct 28-29: Bowling For Soup
Oct 30-31: Southbound
Nov 1: Southbound
Nov 4-5: Big Head Todd and The Monsters (NEW)
Nov 6-8: M-80’s
Nov 9-10: Grace Potter (NEW)
Nov 13-16: The Hooligans

Eat to the Beat

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series, especially the most in-demand artists, is sure to draw large crowds to EPCOT this fall. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the 2026 Food & Wine Festival.

2 New Things EPCOT World Showcase Desperately Needs

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you heading to Food & Wine this year? Let us know in the comments below.