Disney rolls out global Stitch programming and products for 626 Day as the franchise prepares new releases

June 26 is 626 Day, a fan-driven holiday that celebrates Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, and the story that has built a worldwide following for more than two decades. This year, The Walt Disney Company is treating the anniversary less like a one-day novelty and more like a franchise moment across film, streaming, television, retail, and live experiences, using Stitch as a unifying theme for multiple segments of its entertainment and consumer businesses.

The push arrives after a milestone year for the live-action Lilo & Stitch franchise. Disney said the 2025 live-action film crossed $1 billion at the global box office, positioning the character and universe for a new generation while also giving long-time fans another way to revisit Stitch’s chaos and heart. Disney also confirmed that a sequel is now in development, indicating that the character’s screen presence is set to continue beyond this year’s celebration.

For 2026, Disney is highlighting new animated work tied to Stitch. At the 2026 Annecy International Animation Festival, Disney announced an all-new animated short titled Lilo & Scratch, directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Malcon Pierce. The company said the short will debut in theaters this November with Disney’s Hexed, marking the first Disney Animation project starring Stitch since the 2002 original animated feature. Disney added that the short features the voices of Chris Sanders reprising Stitch and Maia Kealoha reprising Lilo from the 2025 film.

Disney is also expanding the content slate beyond the theater preview. The company said Disney Animation is sharing behind-the-scenes videos and artist-led features that show how Stitch was brought to life, framing the celebration around the creative process as well as the finished product. In addition, Disney is releasing a stylized animated short called Stitch & Angel’s Perfect Summer Day, which follows Stitch and Angel trying to create the perfect beach day until Stitch’s energy derails the plans. The short is available now globally on Disney+ and on Disney Kids YouTube.

Streaming and music are also part of the 626 Day play. Disney said Angel, also known as Experiment 624, returns in a new angle for fans, tying into her earlier character momentum from 2026. Earlier this year, Disney released “Glitter Glide,” a high-energy track performed by Descendants star Dara René with a dance designed to be TikTok-ready, and the video is now available on Disney+. The company positioned the song as another way to bring characters from the broader Stitch canon into a modern, social-first entertainment format.

On television and digital platforms, Disney said it is running dedicated programming for the franchise. Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Jr. are airing the original Lilo & Stitch film along with additional franchise content as part of a 626 Day lineup. Disney also said it is rolling out full episodes from Lilo & Stitch: The Series on YouTube, including episodes released on June 25 and June 26, while Disney+ remains the home for fans to revisit films and series through the Lilo & Stitch Collection.

Outside screens, Disney is using 626 Day to create localized moments that connect the character to real-world settings. In Southern California, Disney is hosting Stitch’s 626 Day Beach Bash on June 26 in Newport Beach, featuring themed treats, photo opportunities, product displays, and giveaways. In Europe and Asia, the company said regions across Europe and Asia are activating with retail events, pop-ups, and digital campaigns, including a Stitch & Angel meet-and-greet and a high-visibility Stitch-themed pop-up at Shanghai Disney Resort, plus a Stitch-themed pop-up opening in Shanghai’s Zhang Yuan district running from June 26 through the summer.

Japan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom are also part of the rollout. Disney said Japan is launching exclusive Stitch merchandise and a localized music initiative tied to “Glitter Glide,” with fans in Tokyo able to visit the Disney Stitch SUMMER COLLECTION at SHIBUYA109 from June 26 to July 12, including a pop-up store, in-mall decorations, and Y2K gyaru-style merchandise. In Taiwan, Disney said Stitch-inspired pop-ups will begin June 26 across three major cities with immersive experiences designed around collectible merchandise. In London, Disney said YuYus themed characters will appear in Soho with a pastel-bright pop-up boutique and an exclusive preview experience for fans and collectors from June 26 to June 28.

Product licensing and retail assortments round out the campaign. Disney said a series of releases and reveals is rolling out across categories throughout June, including toys and books as well as apparel and accessories, with collaborations named including LEGO, Pandora, adidas, Topps, and Just Play. Disney also said The Disney Store is featuring a dedicated 626 Day assortment of plush, apparel, and collectibles, supported by a themed site experience that brings Stitch’s signature mayhem to the shopping experience, while hundreds of Stitch-inspired items are being highlighted through global retailers through summer and beach-themed promotions.

Disney did not provide any breakdown of expected commercial impact from the 626 Day campaign, such as incremental retail sales, streaming engagement metrics, or attendance targets for the pop-ups. The company also did not specify which products will include any new or exclusive licensing rights beyond general references to partner collaborations. What can be said from the announcement is that Disney is using the anniversary as a coordinated cross-platform marketing window ahead of upcoming Stitch-linked releases, with the next watch items being public details around Lilo & Scratch’s theater rollout with Hexed and the timing and scope of the Stitch franchise’s next sequel development.