This Saturday, August 8, São Paulo celebrates International Cat Day with GatoFest 2026 . The second edition of the event features a special program for cat lovers, including video screenings, lectures, and a flea market.
The festival takes place in various spaces at the São Paulo Cultural Center (CCSP) and admission is completely free. So, if you’re a cat owner who’s crazy about your kitties, you’ve got a date this weekend!
Cultural programming and feline entertainment at GatoFest 2026
The main highlight of this edition is CatVideoFest, an international festival that has previously been held in countries such as Canada, the U.S., and Australia. This year, the selection will feature 70 minutes of videos, internet memes, music videos, and animations featuring cats on outdoor screens.
Meanwhile, the CCSPâs Jardim Suspenso will host the brand-new GatoFestFilme. There, visitors can watch home videos of cats submitted by the public and selected by the curators.
Talks, music, and interactive activities
In addition to the film screenings, the public can enjoy dozens of free activities related to the world of cats, such as:
- ExpoCat: a fair featuring food, art, and crafts;
- Yoga class;
- âHappy Cardboard Kittensâ workshop, for children ages 5 and up;
- “Gateira com Burnout”: a stand-up comedy show featuring comedian Humor Indie;
- CAT Talks: lectures by experts on feline behavior and well-being.
Cat owners can also check out the carnival parade by the Manada marching band and sets by DJs Pensa Nuvem and Pio. Finally, nine animal welfare NGOs will be on hand to collect donations and raise public awareness about responsible adoption.
