Lights, Camera, Popcorn! Regal Turns National Popcorn Day 2026 Into a Full-Blown Movie Fan Event
Image: Regal
If popcorn is the unofficial love language of moviegoing, then Regal is speaking it fluently in 2026. National Popcorn Day returns on January 19, and this year Regal is transforming its theatres nationwide into a celebration that goes far beyond the concession stand. Think costumes, freebies, digital experiences, and even a mystery IMAX screening—because this isn’t just a holiday, it’s a moment in pop(corn) culture.
Dress Up, Snack Up: Free Large Popcorn for Fans in Costume
At the heart of the celebration is a simple, irresistible offer: show up dressed as a movie character or representing a beloved film, and Regal will reward you with a FREE large popcorn. For one day only, fandom quite literally pays off.
All guests have to do is tell the concessionist which iconic character or movie inspired their look, and the buttery goodness is yours. From Jedi robes to Barbiecore fits to low-key nods to classic cinema, Regal is encouraging fans to celebrate movies the most fun way possible—together.
“National Popcorn Day gives us the perfect excuse to reward cinema's most passionate movie loving community for showing up, having fun, and celebrating movies together,” said Jake Bishop, Head of Food & Beverage at Regal. “On January 19, Regal will become the must-visit destination to enjoy the freshest, highest quality version of this cinema staple snack.”
And because no fandom moment is complete without a social media fit check, Regal is upping the ante. Guests can post their theater looks to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X, tag @RegalMovies, and be entered for a chance to win one of ten three-month Regal Unlimited passes. Consider it a reward for serving cinematic style IRL.
Image: Regal
Costume Rules to Know Before You Go
To keep the celebration safe and smooth, Regal is asking guests to follow a few guidelines:
No masks or face-obscuring hoods (except in designated lobby photo ops)
No full face paint
No realistic prop weapons
In other words: fun, fashionable, and fan-forward—without going full method cosplay.
Image: Regal
The Snack Saver Returns (Because One Day of Popcorn Isn’t Enough)
If National Popcorn Day leaves you craving more, Regal’s Snack Saver program is back for 2026. Loyalty members can enjoy 50% off a large popcorn and large soft drink every 24 hours through the end of the year.
Even better? The Snack Saver is available for a limited-time price of $29.99 through January 31 (regularly $39.99). It’s essentially a love letter to anyone who believes popcorn is a lifestyle, not a treat.
Regal Goes Digital With a Roblox Meta Theatre
Regal is also taking the celebration into the metaverse. Starting January 19 and running for two weeks, the brand is launching an exclusive Regal experience on Roblox, complete with popcorn-powered adventures.
Players can unlock in-game accessories, explore a virtual Regal world, and even earn real-life popcorn coupons to use on their next visit to the theatre. It’s a clever crossover of digital fandom and IRL movie magic.
A Mystery Movie—Now in IMAX
As if free popcorn and cosplay weren’t enough, National Popcorn Day 2026 also marks a major first for Regal’s beloved Monday Mystery Movie series. For the first time ever, Regal will host an advance screening of an upcoming wide release in IMAX.
For just $11, guests can experience a secret, unreleased film in the most immersive format possible—making January 19 the ultimate day for movie lovers who thrive on surprises.
From costumes and collectibles to Roblox adventures and mystery screenings, Regal’s National Popcorn Day celebration is a reminder that moviegoing is still one of our favorite shared rituals. So grab your fandom fit, clear your calendar, and get ready to celebrate the snack—and the stories—that define the cinematic experience.
