how to fest

Step 1: Make travel arrangements

Visit our Hospitality Partners webpage and reserve your lodging. Concessions are available at all of our venues, for a more hearty meal and a refreshing beverage check out our Culinary Partners and Wine, Spirit, and Ale Partners. Out of town or local, we look forward to welcoming you to the Festival!

Step 2: Note screening dates and times

Our Mendocino Village venues are within easy walking distance of each other, but be sure to check the screening times and locations of the films you want to see. Coast Cinemas, our Fort Bragg venue, is a short 15 minute drive north of Mendocino. For venue locations and directions see our Venues page. 

Step 3: Become a Member

Festival Members support independent film and arts education and receive invitations to exclusive Member events during the Festival and throughout the year. Plus, at the Producer level and above, your VIP pass will get you priority access to every screening. Passholders must arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to ensure your seat. 

Step 4: Pick up passes and buy tickets

Ticket sales open to the public on May 4. Members can pick up passes and tickets during box office hours at the Mendocino Film Festival office from May 5-31 and at Festival Headquarters at Mendocino Hotel June 1-4. 

Please plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to ensure your seat. Remember: even if a screening is out of advance tickets, rush tickets may be available at the door. Rush lines begin 20 minutes to an hour before start-time.

Step 5: Let’s Get Social

See the festival in action in our Facebook photo gallery! Each year attendees enjoy film screenings, Q&A’s, themed dance parties, and special events.