Internet Cat Video Festival returns to Oakland
In May thousands will gather in Oakland, California for the second annual Internet Cat Video Festival. The event brings together a handpicked collection of cat videos from across the web, presented for an audience of devoted cat lovers and their whiskered companions. The goal is to celebrate the shared joy of watching playful felines, from goofy antics to heartwarming moments, in a community setting that echoes the warm glow of online feline culture. The festival blends humor, nostalgia and a sense of online provenance, turning short clips into a live cinematic experience for attendees of all ages. [Source: Festival organizers]
The second edition follows a year when the event drew crowds beyond expectations, inspiring organizers to expand the celebration. The videos will be projected on the Great Wall of Oakland, a dramatic focal point that draws curious onlookers and dedicated fans alike. All proceeds from the event go directly to the East Bay SPCA, supporting programs that care for homeless and underrepresented animals. The festival layout also features live bands performing cat-themed tunes, vendor booths offering cat-inspired crafts, food trucks serving tasty bites, and a splashy parade of attendees in cat costumes. [Source: East Bay SPCA; Festival organizers]
While many fans host their own Internet Cat Festivals at home, nothing matches the shared energy of watching a curated program in a crowd. The public celebration creates spontaneous moments of delight as adorable kittens steal the show and strangers share smiles, giggles, and a collective “aww”. The experience blends family-friendly entertainment with a celebration of online video culture, turning a casual pastime into a memorable social event for attendees and their feline friends. [Source: Audience testimonials]
Fans are encouraged to participate by sharing links to their favorite cat videos on social media using the hashtag CatVideoFestival. The prompt invites playful engagement across platforms as friends discover new clips and celebrate feline favorites together. The event also offers opportunities for volunteers, community groups and schools to join in, making the celebration a broader expression of pet welfare and digital culture. [Source: Social media guidelines]
Even for those who cannot attend in person, the festival highlights the power of online cat culture to connect people from coast to coast. It stands as a reminder that a simple, joyful moment can rally a community, support a worthy cause, and inspire guardians to celebrate their cats in public spaces. [Source: Event mission]