Cucalorus 32 runs Thursday, Nov. 19, to Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, in downtown Wilmington: about 90 films plus performances and parties. Passes on sale now.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Dates, venues and pass details come from the Cucalorus Film Foundation. This page is updated for each festival at the same address.

The 32nd annual Cucalorus Film Festival runs Thursday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, in downtown Wilmington. Cucalorus says this year’s festival is expected to show about 90 international and independent films, with live performances, workshops, panel discussions and community events around them.

Know before you go

What Cucalorus is

Cucalorus started in Wilmington in 1994. The festival describes itself as non-competitive: no jury and no prizes, just films, filmmakers and audiences in the same few blocks for four days. Its June announcement notes that MovieMaker Magazine named it one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”

Expect a lot of short films and documentaries. The festival FAQ says shorts run from 30 seconds to 39 minutes. Around the screenings come dance, comedy, music and late parties. Two traditions the festival names itself are Dance-a-lorus, an evening where dance and film share the stage at Thalian Hall, and the Bus to Lumberton.

Passes and tickets

All passes and single tickets go through the Cucalorus box office on Eventive. Cucalorus does not post its pass prices outside the box office, so check there for the current price.

  • Pegasorus Pass: every film screening, performance, panel and party. The early pass deadline has passed; Cucalorus says the regular pass price holds through Tuesday, Oct. 20.
  • Single screenings: sold separately on the schedule once the lineup is posted.
  • Arrive early: the FAQ says ticket and pass holders should be at each screening 30 minutes before it starts to be guaranteed a seat.

Where it happens

Cucalorus fills downtown, mostly between Chestnut Street and the Soda Pop District on Princess Street. The festival’s venue list includes:

Venue Address Seats (Cucalorus figure)
Thalian Hall, main stage 310 Chestnut St. 450 to 500
Thalian Hall Black Box 310 Chestnut St. 100
Jengo’s Playhouse 815 Princess St. 63 to 69
Aloft Coastline Center, Main and Blue rooms 501 Nutt St. 198 and 84
Wilson Center 703 N. Third St. 1,500
Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard 1002 Princess St.
Hi-Wire Brewing 1020 Princess St.

Thalian Hall has been the festival’s main home since 2007. Jengo’s Playhouse is Cucalorus’s own year-round cinema in the Soda Pop District. Which rooms carry which films in 2026 will show on the schedule.

Parking and getting there

  • Parking: Cucalorus says several public lots and garages are within walking distance of the venues. Weekends get busy, so arrive early or carpool. Our getting around guide lists the downtown decks.
  • Flying in: Wilmington International Airport, 1740 Airport Blvd., is a short drive from downtown; the festival’s travel page has lodging tips.
  • No road closures are announced for the festival; it runs in theaters, bars and halls.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Cucalorus Film Festival 2026? Thursday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, in downtown Wilmington, according to Cucalorus.

Where is Cucalorus held? In downtown Wilmington. Thalian Hall at 310 Chestnut St. has been the main venue since 2007, and Cucalorus also screens at its own Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess St.

How do I get tickets to Cucalorus? Through the Cucalorus box office at cucalorus.eventive.org. The Pegasorus Pass covers every screening, performance and party.

Can kids go to Cucalorus? Yes. Cucalorus says most morning screenings are suitable for children, and staff can advise on which films fit.

Is there parking near the Cucalorus venues? Yes. Cucalorus says several public lots and garages are within walking distance, and weekends get busy, so arrive early or carpool.

What this means for you

  • Buy a pass before Tuesday, Oct. 20, if you plan to see more than a few films.
  • Get to every screening 30 minutes early. Jengo’s Playhouse seats fewer than 70.
  • The festival ends the Sunday before Thanksgiving; see our Thanksgiving guide and holiday lights page for what comes next.

Related: downtown and the Riverwalk, live music and nightlife, things to do this month and our other annual event pages for the North Carolina Azalea Festival and Wilmington Riverfest.