The TCFF is for everyone, no pocket book required! Using the tips below, you can enjoy world class movie fun and excitement from morning to night for FREE, or low cost, every day at the film fest.
FREE Movies in Open Space Park
What could be better than a free movie by the bay, under the Big Dipper? Come out to the Open Space and enjoy a showing of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” the James Dean classic “Rebel without a Cause,” Nora Ephron’s “When Harry Met Sally,” and Pixar’s “Wall-E.” There’s also a special “People’s Choice” showing of the original “Footloose” on Tuesday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for an evening out with the whole family as you watch some of Hollywood’s most beloved classics on a ginormous screen right on the Bay at dusk. Arrive early at 7 pm for FREE music and entertainment.
FREE Panels at the City Opera House
Running Wednesday to Sunday each morning at 9:30 am, our FREE filmmaker panels bring together movie luminaries for lively, no-holds-barred conversations you won’t see anywhere else. Pull up a seat and listen in while filmmakers from all over the world discuss “Women Women Women,” “Film is Dead! Long Live Floppy Disks!” and “Who’s Laughing Now?” The Michigan Film Commission will also hold a public meeting during the Friday panel, and on Sunday, don’t miss a one on one conversation between MIchael Moore and the great filmmaker Wim Wenders. What happens in Traverse City stays in Traverse City!
FREE Discussions at the Cinema Salon
Following certain 12 pm and 3 pm screenings, you can join fellow movie lovers at the Cinema Salon in Lay Park for informal discussions in the round. Connect with other passionate filmgoers, voice your opinion, and gain new insight.
FREE Music in Clinch Park
Relax by one of Traverse City’s most popular beaches while enjoying the musical talents of some of our area’s leading artists.
FREE Kids Fest and $1 Films
Bring your kids to the Wednesday-Saturday 9:30 am kids films at Lars Hockstad Auditorium for a cultural and educational adventure, and then walk outside onto the beautiful lawn for our FREE lawn party that is simply brimming with fun. Your kids won’t want to leave — especially when they see the misting tents we have this year!
Film School Classes
For the low low price of just $5, you can learn about filmmaking from world-class experts, U of M professors and visiting filmmakers— a truly invaluable experience for any budding filmmaker or film fan. Talk about a return on investment! And this year, we’ve even added a special “Young Filmmakers Workshop: for kids ages 8-12!
After Glows at Fire Fly
Can’t afford a party ticket? Get a taste of the festival revelry by heading to Fire Fly for late night gatherings on Saturday and Sunday.
FREE Movies for Volunteers
If you can volunteer for three shifts or more, you will receive a FREE volunteer tshirt and attend the FREE pre-fest volunteer screening and post-fest volunteer party, all while making an important contribution to the festival you love. Plus, at the volunteer screening, we hand out free festival tickets to volunteers! Sign up on our web site today at traversecityfilmfest. org, or call the festival office at 231-392-1134.
I’m interested in being a volunteer. I live near Carson City, NV and am RVing this entire summer visiting my adult children and grandchildren. Right now I’m in Muskegon, and a Michigan friend told me about the Traverse City Film Festival. Sounds outstanding. I’m on low budget. If I could come by volunteering, I’d love to do it. I did Burning Man Festival in Nevada last September and loved it.
Cell phone: 775-450-5947
Hi Jane! Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering! We could always use more help! You can sign up to volunteer on our website by clicking the volunteer button at the top of the page on the website. Or, if you’d rather have us sign you up for shifts, you can email nancy@traversecityfilmfest.org or call (231) 392-1134. Thank you!
I am already all set with my vacation right now but I would definitely like to attend another time. I am going to the DNC in Charlotte!