Calling All Cat Lovers! CatVideoFest Returns to Theaters in 2026

Will Braden founded CatVideoFest in 2016, an event that celebrates felines through videos. The festival has become a must-see event for cat lovers, offering a selection of videos where felines are adorable, frisky, or getting into amusing trouble.

The festival is described as a time capsule of the early days of YouTube, with videos that vary in format and quality, from high definition to recordings with the most basic technology.

CatVideoFest is not only entertainment, but also an initiative with a charitable purpose. The event collaborates with local charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to raise funds for cats in need.

Since 2019, the festival has also facilitated adoptions, fostering, and volunteer sign-ups, demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare.

The success of CatVideoFest is reflected in its impressive box office figures. The festival has grossed over $1 million domestically and nearly $2 million worldwide.

This year, the event will expand from approximately 200 to more than 330 screening locations across the United States and Canada, and internationally, it will be screened in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Brazil, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and France.

Will Braden tried to expand the concept, launching DogVideoFest at some point, but it did not get the same response as its feline counterpart.

Braden explained to Variety that the personality of cats lends itself more to jokes and funny moments, while dogs seek more obedience and affection.

CatVideoFest is scheduled to return to theaters on August 7, 2026, promising a new dose of cat videos that are sure to delight viewers around the world.

The event has become a tradition for cat lovers, offering a unique and fun experience.