Full Breakdown
National Popcorn Day 2026: Celebrating with Deals from Major Cinema Chains
1/20/2026, 4:08:48 AM
Overview of National Popcorn Day Promotions
National Popcorn Day, celebrated on January 19, 2026, coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, providing a long weekend for moviegoers to enjoy various promotions from major cinema chains. Cinemark, AMC Theatres, and Regal Cinemas are among the chains offering special deals to honor this beloved snack.
Cinemark's Bring Your Own Bucket Event
Cinemark is hosting a "Bring Your Own Bucket" event from January 18 to 19, allowing customers to fill their own containers with popcorn for $5, with a limit of 400 ounces. Additionally, patrons who bring a Lowe’s 5-gallon bucket can fill it entirely for the same price. This promotion is complemented by a 10% discount on online gift cards during the event.
AMC Theatres' Popcorn Pass Offer
AMC Theatres is promoting its "AMC Popcorn Pass," which costs $29.99 plus tax and allows members to receive their first large popcorn for free from January 16 to 19. This pass also grants a 50% discount on large popcorn for the entire year. In addition, AMC is introducing limited-edition popcorn-themed merchandise during this promotional period.
Regal Cinemas' Costume Promotion
Regal Cinemas is encouraging moviegoers to dress in movie-themed costumes on January 19, offering a free large popcorn to those who participate. Customers must inform the concession staff of the character or movie they represent to claim their popcorn. Regal is also running a social media contest where participants can win three months of Regal Unlimited by posting costume photos tagged with @RegalMovies.
Additional Promotions from Other Chains
Several other cinema chains are joining the National Popcorn Day celebrations with their own offers. Cineplex is providing a free small popcorn with ticket purchases from January 16 to 19. Marcus Theatres is giving away free large popcorn on January 19, along with scratch-off coupons for concession prizes. B&B Theatres will offer free regular popcorn to Backstage Pass members with any ticket purchase on the same day. Harkins Theatres is discounting all popcorn sizes by 50% on January 19 and offering a free small popcorn reward for Awards members in February.
Broader Implications of National Popcorn Day
National Popcorn Day not only celebrates a popular snack but also highlights the competitive landscape among cinema chains as they seek to attract customers through promotions. The event underscores the cultural significance of popcorn in the moviegoing experience, with the United States consuming approximately 13 billion quarts of popcorn annually.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cinemark offers $5 'Bring Your Own' popcorn bucket deal Cinemark is hosting a two-day "Bring Your Own Bucket" celebration, which includes Jan.” — Cinemark Representative
- “Regal Cinemas and Other Promotions Regal Cinemas encourages moviegoers to come dressed in costumes to receive a free large popcorn on January 19.” — Regal Cinemas Statement
This National Popcorn Day, cinema chains are leveraging promotions to enhance customer engagement while celebrating a snack that has delighted audiences for generations.
