When is European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026?

Sunday 22 November 2026. It is the 11th edition.

Which cinemas take part?

Arthouse and independent cinemas across Europe and beyond. The official map lists them and fills up as cinemas register before the day.

How much does it cost?

Each cinema sets its own prices and books its own tickets; there is no central price. Some houses run free or special events on the day.

The CICAE, the international confederation of art cinemas, with the Europa Cinemas network. In Germany the member association is the AG Kino – Gilde.

All events

One day · arthouse cinemas across Europe

European Arthouse Cinema Day

Name: European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026
Start: 2026-11-22
End: 2026-11-22
Location: Arthouse cinemas across Europe

Sunday 22 November 2026

On one Sunday each November, hundreds of arthouse cinemas across Europe put on special screenings and events together. The 11th European Arthouse Cinema Day is on 22 November 2026.

Plakat European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026 — Official poster, European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026

What it is

The day is run by the CICAE, the international confederation of art cinemas, with the Europa Cinemas network. Taking part is free and voluntary, and each cinema builds its own programme: a special screening, a filmmaker talk, a discussion or a retrospective. The one shared rule is to show at least one European co-production. It started in 2016.

What happens on the day

There is no single film or schedule. Each cinema shapes its own day, usually around some of these:

A special screening

A European film chosen by the cinema, often a preview, a restored classic or a title with a guest.

Talks and guests

Filmmaker introductions, Q&As and discussions about European cinema and why arthouse houses matter.

For younger audiences

Many cinemas add a film for children or teenagers, drawn from the shared programming resources.

In the original language

Whether a film runs in its original version with subtitles depends on the individual cinema; check its programme.

Ambassadors

The 2026 edition is fronted by four filmmakers, under the patronage of European and national culture figures.

Pedro Almodóvar

Spain

Léa Mysius

France

Faraz Shariat

Germany

Anca Damian

Romania

The scale

150,000

filmgoers in 2025

660+

cinemas, 43 countries

The last edition, on 23 November 2025, brought together 150,000 filmgoers in more than 660 cinemas across 43 countries. The organisers expect a similar reach in 2026.

In Germany

The German member of the CICAE is the AG Kino – Gilde, the association of arthouse and independent cinemas. The day is backed by Creative Europe MEDIA, the CNC, the German Federal Film Board (FFA), Eurimages and Europa Cinemas.

Find a cinema taking part

The list of participating cinemas is on the official map, and fills up as cinemas register in the weeks before the day. Each cinema sets and sells its own programme. Once yours is confirmed, KinoNow shows what it is playing.

Official cinema map Cinemas near you

Common questions

When is European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026?: Sunday 22 November 2026. It is the 11th edition.
Which cinemas take part?: Arthouse and independent cinemas across Europe and beyond. The official map lists them and fills up as cinemas register before the day.
What happens on the day?: Each cinema sets its own programme, from a special screening to a filmmaker talk. The one shared rule is at least one European co-production.
How much does it cost?: Each cinema sets its own prices and books its own tickets; there is no central price. Some houses run free or special events on the day.
Who organises it?: The CICAE, the international confederation of art cinemas, with the Europa Cinemas network. In Germany the member association is the AG Kino – Gilde.

Facts on this page checked on 6 September 2026.

Sources