Portland's creative side takes center stage this August as the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology, better known as PFCAT, returns for its biggest festival yet.
Running August 18 through 23, 2026 at OMSI, PFCAT brings together independent filmmakers, animators, artists and audiences for six days of screenings, conversations, immersive experiences and a closer look at where storytelling is headed next.
This year's lineup includes more than 170 films from 31 countries, over 100 animated works, more than 30 world premieres and appearances by more than 100 filmmakers.
🎬 PFCAT 2026 at OMSI
There is a lot happening across the six-day festival, but a few highlights make the 2026 edition especially worth watching.
One of the headline presentations is the Oregon premiere of SENDER, the psychological thriller starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Britt Lower of Severance and Rhea Seehorn of Better Call Saul. Director Russell Goldman is scheduled to join the festival for a post-screening conversation.
PFCAT will also present the Oregon premiere of The Crown with a Shadow and The Search for Self, featuring the final on-screen performance from Paul Reubens, alongside Geri Halliwell and Amanda Lepore.
Animation fans have plenty to look forward to as well. More than 30 stop-motion films are part of this year's program, including work from Portland-based filmmakers and a panel featuring artists from LAIKA. The festival's stop-motion programming also brings together artists whose credits include Robot Chicken, Wendell & Wild, The Tiny Chef Show and Portlandia.
Other scheduled guests and presentations include actor Doug Jones, known for Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water; Matthew Inman, creator of The Oatmeal; and eleven-time Emmy-winning producer Brian A. Miller, whose credits include Samurai Jack, Adventure Time and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Don't Miss the PFCAT Creator Expo
On Saturday, August 22, PFCAT will also host its free Creator Expo at OMSI. Attendees can meet filmmakers and stop-motion artists, explore creative tools and production techniques, and see original puppets and production materials up close. Advance registration is required.
PFCAT 2026
August 18-23, 2026
OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Oregon
Individual screening tickets start at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $9 for children. Festival All-Access Passes are also available, including an option with admission to all three official festival parties.
View the schedule and purchase PFCAT tickets through OMSI
Where to Eat During PFCAT
A full day of screenings deserves a good Portland meal. Whether you're looking for an early dinner before a film block or somewhere to make the evening part of the experience, these three Where To Eat Guide picks put you within easy reach of OMSI and Portland's Central Eastside.
Clarklewis
Central Eastside | 1001 SE Water Ave.
Clarklewis is the natural first choice for PFCAT diners. Located just up SE Water Avenue from OMSI, the longtime Portland restaurant serves Italian-inspired Pacific Northwest cooking built around local, seasonal ingredients. Its open kitchen and wood-burning oven make it a great place to turn dinner into part of your festival night. An early reservation is particularly convenient before an evening screening.
Le Pigeon
East Burnside | 738 E Burnside St.
For festivalgoers who want to make dinner an event of its own, Le Pigeon remains one of Portland's best-known culinary destinations. The intimate East Burnside restaurant is known for adventurous French-inspired cooking, seasonal tasting menus and a chef's counter overlooking the kitchen. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during a busy festival week.
Laurelhurst Market
Laurelhurst | 3155 E Burnside St.
Laurelhurst Market offers a more relaxed take on the Portland steakhouse experience, pairing its butcher-shop roots with seasonal dishes, steaks, charcuterie, cocktails and a neighborhood atmosphere. It's a solid choice when you want a substantial meal before settling in for a night of films.
PFCAT is a chance to see work you may never find at a traditional multiplex, hear directly from the people creating it and experience Portland's film and animation community in one place. Add a memorable Portland meal and you have all the ingredients for a great festival day.
