The San Sebastián Film Festival 2026 (Zinemaldia) runs from September 18 to 26, marking its 74th edition. It’s one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals and one of the world’s few Category A festivals, drawing major names in international cinema to the Basque coastal city every year.
This guide covers the San Sebastián Film Festival 2026 dates, how to get tickets, festival venues, and where to store your bags if you’re moving between screenings across the city.
San Sebastián Film Festival 2026: Key Details
| Dates | 18-26 September 2026 |
| Edition | 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival |
| Main venues | Kursaal, Teatro Victoria Eugenia and Velódromo |
| Programme | Official Selection, Zabaltegi-Tabakalera, Perlak and parallel sections |
What to Expect at Zinemaldia 2026
The San Sebastián Film Festival combines top-tier international premieres with the best of independent and Basque-language cinema. The Golden Shell (La Concha), its main award, is one of the most respected honours on the European festival circuit, and every edition brings internationally renowned directors and actors to the Kursaal’s red carpet.
Unlike some restricted-access festivals, a large share of Zinemaldia’s screenings are open to the general public with a ticket, making it an accessible event for film fans as well as industry professionals.
San Sebastián Film Festival 2026 Tickets
Tickets and passes go on sale through the festival’s official website in the weeks before the event. Official Selection screenings and sessions with cast or director appearances tend to sell out quickly, so it’s worth buying as soon as sales open.
- Single tickets for individual screenings, open to the general public
- Passes covering multiple screenings at a reduced rate
- Festival accreditation for those following the festival intensively
Where Zinemaldia 2026 Takes Place
Screenings are centred on the Kursaal, at the mouth of the Urumea river, with additional sessions at the Teatro Victoria Eugenia and the Velódromo de Anoeta. With venues spread across the city, many attendees end up moving between locations several times a day.
Insider Tips for San Sebastián Film Festival 2026
- Book early. Photocall sessions and press conferences sell out within hours.
- Walk where you can. Central San Sebastián is compact and walkable between the Kursaal and the Old Town.
- Book accommodation early — prices rise considerably during festival week.
- Travel light between screenings. Carrying luggage between the Kursaal and the Velódromo eats into time between films.
Luggage Storage for San Sebastián Film Festival 2026
Whether you’re arriving just for the festival or chaining screenings across venues, carrying a suitcase isn’t practical. Radical Storage has verified partner locations across San Sebastián, with no size restrictions, so you can drop your bags and move around hands-free.
Drop your bags at a nearby location in San Sebastián and enjoy the festival without the extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
The San Sebastián Film Festival 2026 (Zinemaldia) runs from September 18 to 26, marking its 74th edition.
Yes. A large share of screenings are open to the general public with a ticket, alongside the industry market for press and buyers.
Screenings are centred on the Kursaal, with additional sessions at the Teatro Victoria Eugenia and the Velódromo de Anoeta.
Tickets and passes go on sale through the festival’s official website before the event. Popular sessions sell out quickly, so buy as soon as sales open.
Radical Storage has verified locations across San Sebastián with no size restrictions, making it easy to move between screenings without carrying luggage.
