Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 closes October with Spirited Away on stage and on screen across participating U.S. theatres, with tickets on sale now. Studio Ghibli Fest is the nationwide U.S.
cinema series from GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment running June-October 2026. October brings Spirited Away: Live on Stage on October 1 and 8, then the animated Spirited Away 25th Anniversary on October 17-21. According to Fathom Entertainment, the 2026 series ends with the anniversary run in the 2026 slate announcement. Buyers pick a local theatre, choose dubbed or subtitled shows, and keep the stub for a store discount.
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What plays in October?
The month has two separate Spirited Away events. Live on Stage is a filmed Japanese stage adaptation, shown in Japanese with English subtitles. According to GKIDS, it joined Ghibli Fest for two nights only, October 1 and 8 in the September lineup update. The animated 25th Anniversary follows with five calendar dates. According to AniTrendz reporting the GKIDS schedule, it plays October 17 at 3 p.m.
dubbed, October 18 at 3 and 7 p.m. dubbed, October 19 at 7 p.m. subtitled, October 20 at 7 p.m. subtitled, and October 21 at 7 p.m. dubbed, all local time in the schedule report. The two October 1 and 8 stage shows feature different Chihiro performances.
Should you choose sub or dub?
For the animated anniversary, the choice is night by night. Weekend matinees and the closing night lean dubbed. The two middle weeknights are subtitled in Japanese with English text.
Each animated Fest feature is offered in both original Japanese with subtitles and English dub, with surprise extra content at each screening. Live on Stage is subtitle-only, so expect Japanese dialogue throughout. Dub suits younger viewers and family outings, while sub suits viewers who want the original vocal performances.
Where do October shows play?
Screenings occur at participating U.S. theatres nationwide. Theatre participation can change, so confirm the local listing before buying.
Do not assume last year's theatre is taking part again. Check GhibliFest.com or Fathom for nearby theatres and showtimes. Search by ZIP code, then select the exact date and format. If a preferred time is missing, try another nearby venue or another October date.
How do tickets work?
According to GKIDS, tickets went on sale May 15, 2026 at FathomEntertainment.com, GhibliFest.com, and participating theatre box offices in the tickets-on-sale notice. Both October events use the same outlets while seats last.
- Find your theatre on GhibliFest.com or Fathom
- Select October 1 or 8 for Live on Stage, or October 17-21 for animation
- Pick sub versus dub by date and time
- Buy online or at the theatre box office
- Save the ticket stub for the 25% BoxLunch and Hot Topic in-store discount