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Full Breakdown

Cinemark's "Bring Your Own Bucket" Promotion for National Popcorn Day

1/16/2026, 7:43:55 AM

Overview of the Promotion

Cinemark is set to celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 18 and 19, 2026, by reviving its popular "Bring Your Own Bucket" (BYOB) promotion. During this event, moviegoers can fill any clean container up to 400 ounces with popcorn for a flat fee of $5. This year, the promotion includes a partnership with Lowe's, allowing customers who bring a blue 5-gallon Lowe's bucket to fill it without the 400-ounce limit.

Key Details of the Event

The BYOB event permits customers to bring various containers, including bags, buckets, and even purses, to be filled with either regular or kettle corn, the latter being available at select locations. All containers must be sanitized, and Cinemark staff reserves the right to refuse any container deemed unsanitary. The offer is valid for in-person orders only and cannot be combined with other promotions or used for mobile orders.

Special Offers and Promotions

In addition to the BYOB deal, Cinemark is hosting several digital contests and promotions. Participants can play a "Catch the Popcorn" game on the Cinemark website for a chance to win free popcorn for a year. Additionally, followers on Cinemark's social media platforms can enter sweepstakes for a chance to win a free large popcorn by tagging friends in comments. Movie Rewards members can also earn 10,000 bonus points during this event.

Official Statements & Responses

Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark's Chief Marketing and Content Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Last year’s Bring Your Own Bucket event for National Popcorn Day reimagined what this holiday could be for all movie-popcorn lovers.” She noted the creativity displayed by customers and emphasized the excitement for this year's expanded two-day celebration.

Criticism & Opposition

While the promotion has been well-received, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for unsanitary conditions if customers do not properly clean their containers. Cinemark has addressed these concerns by implementing strict guidelines regarding the cleanliness of containers and providing food-grade liners upon request.

What's Next

As the event approaches, Cinemark encourages participants to share their creative containers on social media by tagging @cinemark. The promotion not only aims to enhance the movie-going experience but also to engage customers in a fun and interactive way.

In summary, Cinemark's "Bring Your Own Bucket" event promises to be a festive occasion for popcorn lovers, combining affordability with creativity, while also offering various incentives for participation.