Everyone is welcome! The Traverse City Film Festival provides free or low-cost entertainment, every day, all day during the festival. Enjoy our world-class events, specially designed not to break the bank.
Movies at The Buzz
It’s one our best ideas ever: FREE movies and events that make the festival accessible to everyone! And this year, The Buzz is expanding its reach to multiple theaters. Find the list of 2017 FREE Buzz offerings here, as well as free nightly screenings on the bay in Open Space. And remember, even if you’re unable to secure free tickets in advance for the movies at our indoor venues, standby lines will form before each show.
Movies in Open Space
Bring a lawn chair or blanket for an evening out with friends and family under the stars as you watch some of Hollywood’s biggest and most beloved classics on a gigantic screen, at dusk, on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Come early at 7 pm for FREE music, entertainment, an interactive photo booth, and other movie-themed surprises. And don’t miss the Closing Night Bash and “Moana” sing-along on Sunday.
The Woz @ Hotel Indigo
Explore the future of storytelling this year at the brand new Hotel Indigo in the Warehouse District downtown. Walk on in Wednesday through Saturday 12 noon to 8 pm and Sunday 12 noon- 3 pm to experience games and media projects that go beyond traditional screens, all presented by our friends at Michigan State University and the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office. Don’t miss the FREE opening party and don’t forget to tag us at #tcfffwoz.
Kids Fest
Bring your budding cinephiles to the $1 kids films Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 am. Watch a great film and eat FREE popcorn! After the movie, head to our new Kids Fest location in Clinch Park behind the Bijou by the Bay for our FREE party from 11 am – 2 pm, brimming with film-related fun, activities, crafts, and games for kids from tiny tots to young tweens. Plus the opportunity to dress up and create your own movie poster! The kids won’t want to leave.
Filmmaker Panels
Wednesday to Sunday, our FREE filmmaker panels bring together film luminaries for lively, no-holds-barred conversations you won’t see anywhere else. This year, we’re moving panels around to different venues and timeslots to help more moviegoers access these intimate and insightful discussions. From documentaries to comedy, from film history to the future, panels are a great way to experience the best of the fest.
Movies & Perks for Volunteers
Volunteers receive a snazzy FREE volunteer tshirt and get to attend both the FREE pre-fest volunteer screening and post-fest volunteer party, all while making an important contribution to the festival and our community–meaningful rewards that money just can’t buy. Plus, at the volunteer screening, we hand out FREE festival tickets reserved just for volunteers. Learn more!
Bike Share
Avoid the traffic and take advantage of this year’s pilot Bike Share program powered by Norte! Youth Cycling. Borrow one of our no-frills bikes, travel for free between festival venues, and park in our pop-up bike racks. The grassroots TCFF Bike Share is meant to help people move between venues in an awesome way that’s environmentally friendly, community-driven and convenient for all. Give it a try this year and let us know what you think!
Park and Ride Shuttle
It’s easy to get around the festival for FREE with our BATA shuttle buses. Just park on the west side of town in the Thirlby Field parking lot or on the east side in the Cherry Lot at NMC and leave the driving (and the parking!) to us. We’ll have stopped at our two venues, Kirkbride at the Commons and Central High School Auditorium, as well. With MORE buses and improved service, you’ll never miss a movie.
