Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The weather won’t begin to cool for some time, but the arrival of this annual culinary extravaganza brings a hint of change. Let’s call it the unofficial kickoff of the region’s fall festival season.

At Epcot, Sept. 25–Nov. 8, guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade. Cities on six continents are spotlighted, including Bologna, Italy; Bangkok, Thailand; Wellington, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; and New Orleans. Daily wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, culinary demonstrations dish up treats and a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. There’s also a concert series, featuring classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul.

Take heart — relief from the summer heat is coming.