Popcorn fans, get ready to loosen your belts and flex your creativity—Cinemark’s wildly popular “Bring Your Own Bucket” event is back for a much-anticipated sequel, and it’s bigger, bolder, and butterier than ever. Scheduled for January 18 and 19, 2026, this two-day extravaganza invites moviegoers and snack enthusiasts alike to fill virtually any vessel they can carry with up to 400 ounces of Cinemark’s signature popcorn for just $5 at more than 300 theaters nationwide, according to reports from WAVY and Fantasyland News.
But that’s just the beginning of the story. This year, Cinemark is teaming up with Lowe’s to add a new twist to the festivities. The iconic blue 5-gallon Lowe’s bucket—the same one you might use for painting, gardening, or hauling tools—is now the only container exempt from the 400-ounce limit. That means, if you show up with the bucket, Cinemark will fill the entire thing to the brim with popcorn, no questions asked. As Cinemark’s chief marketing and content officer, Wanda Gierhart Fearing, put it in a press release, “Last year’s Bring Your Own Bucket event for National Popcorn Day reimagined what this holiday could be for all movie-popcorn lovers, as people showed incredible creativity with their vessels and made the celebration truly unforgettable for both guests and our theater teams.”
And unforgettable it was. Last year’s inaugural BYOB event saw movie fans lining up with everything from oversized Tupperware to inflatable dinosaur costumes, all in pursuit of that golden, salty snack. The event quickly became a social media sensation, with participants sharing photos of their inventive popcorn vessels and tagging @Cinemark for a shot at online fame. “At Cinemark, popcorn is more than just a snack, it is the star of the show,” said David Haywood, Cinemark’s Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage. “Last year, Cinemark theaters sold nearly 5 billion ounces of our craveable popcorn. We start with the highest-quality kernels and pop them to perfection for that irresistible crunch and flavor. On National Popcorn Day, we are celebrating the gold standard that makes every magical movie moment pop.”
This year, Cinemark is encouraging even more creativity. Whether it’s grandma’s old storage container, a trash can (lined for cleanliness, of course), or a collector’s edition movie bucket, if it can hold popcorn, Cinemark will fill it—up to the 400-ounce limit, unless it’s the Lowe’s bucket. For those concerned about hygiene, food-grade bucket liners will be available upon request, especially for the Lowe’s buckets. And as a bonus, anyone who brings a Lowe’s bucket will receive a special coupon for future popcorn purchases, valid from February 1 through February 26, 2026.
But what if you don’t have a bucket handy? No need to worry. Cinemark is making all sizes of its popcorn just $5 plus tax at every U.S. location for both days of the event. So, whether you’re a casual snacker or a die-hard popcorn devotee, there’s an option for everyone. And you don’t even need a movie ticket to get in on the action—just show up and get your fill. Of course, as Cinemark gently reminds us, “nothing pairs better with popcorn than a captivating story unfolding on a larger-than-life screen.” Movie showtimes are available on Cinemark’s website and app for those who want the full cinematic experience.
The fun doesn’t stop at the concession stand. Cinemark is rolling out a series of promotions and sweepstakes to keep the celebration popping. From January 2 through January 19, popcorn lovers can test their skills in an online popcorn bucket fill-up game at Cinemark.com/popcornday, with a chance to win free popcorn for a year. On January 19, fans who follow Cinemark’s official Instagram account and tag three friends in the comments of the National Popcorn Day sweepstakes post will be entered to win a free large popcorn. And for Cinemark Movie Rewards members, there’s another sweet deal: enter a sweepstakes to win 10,000 points, redeemable for movie tickets and snacks galore.
Gift-givers and bargain hunters will also find something to smile about. All online gift card orders will be 10 percent off on January 18 and 19, making it easy to stock up for future movie nights or to surprise a fellow popcorn enthusiast. And for those with more adventurous palates, Cinemark is offering limited edition butter-flavored chardonnay—a quirky nod to the theater’s buttery popcorn—at nearly 190 locations throughout the month of January. On the event days themselves, select theaters will have bottles of this unique wine available for purchase, adding a grown-up twist to the popcorn party.
According to Lowe’s, the partnership with Cinemark is all about bringing value and joy to families. “Helpfulness is at the heart of the Lowe’s brand, and it shows up in the everyday moments customers share with family and friends—even a night at the movies,” said Jen Wilson, Lowe’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Our iconic blue bucket brings utility and delight wherever it goes, including the theater. Teaming up with Cinemark is a fun, simple way to give families even more value from something they already rely on throughout the year.”
For those looking to commemorate the occasion, Cinemark is also offering a range of unique, attention-grabbing buckets for sale on shop.cinemark.com. Whether you want a souvenir to remember your popcorn conquest or just want to stand out in the crowd, there’s a bucket to suit every taste. And if you want to show off your bucket style, don’t forget to tag @Cinemark on social media for a chance to be featured.
With all these options, one question remains: just how much popcorn can you eat? For reference, 400 ounces is roughly equivalent to two extra-large tubs at the concession stand—a serious challenge for even the most dedicated snackers. But the real fun of the BYOB event isn’t just about quantity; it’s about community, creativity, and celebrating the simple joy of sharing popcorn with friends and family.
So, whether you’re planning to haul in a Lowe’s bucket, a quirky collectible, or just your favorite kitchen bowl, Cinemark’s Bring Your Own Bucket event promises to be a popcorn lover’s dream come true. With special promotions, games, and the return of butter-flavored chardonnay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for January 18 and 19, and get ready to make some delicious memories—one bucket at a time.