County Adaptation Film Festival Returns to The Regent Theatre in September 2026
Film lovers, storytellers and curious minds have another exciting weekend to look forward to in Prince Edward County.
The County Adaptation Film Festival (CAFF) returns to The Regent Theatre in Picton from September 25–27, 2026, bringing three days of films, conversation and storytelling to the heart of The County.
Unlike a traditional film festival, CAFF focuses on something we encounter constantly on screen but don’t always stop to think about: adaptation.
Books become movies. Memoirs become documentaries. Plays move from the stage to the screen. Historical events are reinterpreted by filmmakers.
CAFF celebrates that creative journey and the people who make it happen.
What is the County Adaptation Film Festival?
The County Adaptation Film Festival explores the ways stories are transformed for cinema.
That can mean adapting a literary classic, graphic novel or memoir, but the festival’s interpretation of adaptation goes much further. Music, history and other original works can all provide the inspiration for stories brought to the big screen.
It’s also about the conversation surrounding those films.
CAFF brings together filmmakers, screenwriters, authors and audiences to look more closely at where stories originate and how they change as they’re reimagined for cinema.
For anyone interested in movies, books or the creative process itself, it’s an opportunity to experience film from a slightly different perspective.
Three Days of Film in Downtown Picton
The 2026 County Adaptation Film Festival begins on Friday, September 25 and runs through Sunday, September 27.
Friday, September 25
Opening night begins with Canadian comedy The Stunt Driver, arriving at CAFF following its TIFF premiere.
And the evening doesn’t necessarily end when the credits roll.
After the film, festival-goers can continue the conversation at CAFF’s annual lobby and laneway party under the stars.
Saturday, September 26
Saturday brings a full day of programming, beginning with something many movie lovers will instantly recognize:
The Princess Bride.
The beloved film receives a free screening before the day’s program moves through stories involving Canadian music icon Carole Pope, true crime television and the late-night screening of Victorian Psycho.
Sunday, September 27
The final day brings another trio of films to The Regent.
The program includes films that have appeared—and won recognition—at major international film festivals, including a Grand Prix winner from Cannes.
With programming spread across the entire weekend, visitors can choose individual events or make CAFF the centrepiece of a September weekend in Prince Edward County.
More Than Watching a Movie
One of the things that makes CAFF different is its emphasis on the story behind the film.
Adaptation raises some fascinating questions.
What gets changed when a novel becomes a screenplay? What gets left behind? How does a filmmaker turn someone’s real experiences into cinema? And when does an adaptation become something entirely new?
CAFF creates an opportunity to explore those questions rather than simply watching the finished movie.
It’s what transforms the festival from a series of screenings into a wider celebration of storytelling.
CAFF at The Regent Theatre
There couldn’t be a more appropriate home for the festival.
All CAFF events take place at The Regent Theatre at 224 Picton Main Street, bringing audiences together inside one of Prince Edward County’s most recognizable cultural landmarks.
The Regent itself has been part of entertainment in Picton for more than a century, and today its program combines movies, live performances and special events throughout the year.
For three days in September, however, the spotlight belongs to CAFF.
Make a Weekend of It in Prince Edward County
Coming from outside Picton?
CAFF is also a very good excuse to spend a September weekend exploring Prince Edward County.
The festival actively encourages visitors to experience the wider community while they’re here—exploring Main Street shops, visiting local wineries and enjoying the area’s restaurants between screenings.
With The Regent located directly on Picton Main Street, you’re within walking distance of restaurants, cafés and shops, making it easy to fit more of The County around your festival schedule.
Whether you come for a single screening or the entire weekend, CAFF offers an opportunity to combine great cinema with everything else Picton and Prince Edward County have to offer.
Supporting Film, Culture and Community
CAFF is also very much a local initiative.
The County Adaptation Film Festival is a project of The Regent Theatre Foundation, a not-for-profit and registered Canadian charity supported by staff and volunteers.
It’s another way The Regent continues to bring film, culture and conversation to downtown Picton while attracting audiences and creative talent to Prince Edward County.
County Adaptation Film Festival 2026 – At a Glance
Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Venue: The Regent Theatre
Location: 224 Picton Main Street, Picton, Ontario
Festival: County Adaptation Film Festival (CAFF)
Program: Film screenings, adaptations, special programming and festival events
Tickets: Festival passes and individual event tickets
Join Us for CAFF 2026
Whether you’re passionate about cinema, fascinated by the way books become films or simply looking for things to do in Picton this September, the County Adaptation Film Festival offers something a little different.
Three days. One historic theatre. And a program dedicated to exploring where great screen stories begin.
Join us at The Regent Theatre from September 25–27, 2026 for the County Adaptation Film Festival.
Explore CAFF 2026 & View the Festival Program
Where is the County Adaptation Film Festival held?
The County Adaptation Film Festival is held at The Regent Theatre, 224 Picton Main Street in Picton, Ontario, in the heart of Prince Edward County. All CAFF screenings and festival events take place at The Regent Theatre.
When is the County Adaptation Film Festival 2026?
The County Adaptation Film Festival 2026 takes place September 25–27, 2026 at The Regent Theatre in Picton. The three-day festival features films, special events and conversations exploring how stories are adapted and transformed for the screen.
What is the County Adaptation Film Festival?
The County Adaptation Film Festival, also known as CAFF, is a film festival in Prince Edward County dedicated to the art of adaptation. It explores how stories from books, memoirs, graphic novels, music, history and other sources are reimagined for cinema, bringing filmmakers, writers, creators and audiences together at The Regent Theatre.
Can I buy individual tickets for CAFF at The Regent Theatre?
Yes. CAFF offers both individual event tickets and full festival passes. For 2026, regular festival screenings are $15, premium screenings are $20, and a festival pass is $75 and includes a ticket for every event.
Is The Regent Theatre only a movie theatre?
No. The Regent Theatre in Picton is both a cinema and live performance venue, presenting movies, concerts, live performances, festivals and special events throughout the year. Dating back to 1918, it is Prince Edward County’s only purpose-built cinema and live performance venue and is operated by The Regent Theatre Foundation, a community-based not-for-profit organization.
Is The Regent Theatre accessible?
Yes. The Regent Theatre is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to 26 wheelchairs and/or patrons with mobility access needs. The lobby, concession, washrooms and side terraces are wheelchair accessible, accessible seating terraces are available, and assistive hearing devices are available for movies on request from the Box Office.
Where can I park when attending CAFF at The Regent Theatre?
Street parking is available on Picton Main Street and surrounding streets. Free parking is also available in the municipal lot on Mary Street, making The Regent convenient for visitors attending the County Adaptation Film Festival and other events in downtown Picton.
Are there places to eat near The Regent Theatre?
Yes. The Regent is located in the centre of downtown Picton, with numerous restaurants and pubs within walking distance. During CAFF, the festival also encourages visitors to explore Main Street and support local Prince Edward County businesses between screenings and events.
Does The Regent Theatre host other movies and events throughout the year?
Yes. The Regent has a year-round program of movies, live music, performances and special events in Picton. Its programme changes regularly, so visitors can check The Regent Theatre website for current movies, upcoming live shows and ticket information.
Can The Regent Theatre be rented for private events?
Yes. The Regent Theatre is available for rentals and offers more than its historic auditorium and stage. Rental facilities include the Art Deco lobby bar, VIP guest lounge, rehearsal space, office facilities and event space, making the theatre suitable for a variety of private and community events in Picton.
