Traverse City, Mich. — Organizers have announced the full lineup for the inaugural Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City, set to take place April 30 through May 3, 2026, bringing four days of outdoor-inspired cinema to venues across the city.
The new festival will feature more than 50 films screened across seven Traverse City venues, highlighting stories rooted in Great Lakes outdoor culture, environmental exploration, adventure, and regional storytelling.
Festival organizers say the event will showcase filmmakers from 11 states, reflecting a broad regional focus while maintaining strong ties to Northern Michigan and the surrounding Great Lakes communities.
In addition to film screenings, the Fresh Coast Film Festival will include community-focused panels, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and free public screenings, designed to encourage local engagement and conversation around environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and the cultural identity of the Great Lakes region.
The four-day event aims to celebrate the intersection of film and freshwater culture, spotlighting stories about life on and around the lakes, conservation efforts, adventure sports, and the people who call the region home.
Organizers say the festival is intended to build on Traverse City’s reputation as a destination for film and the arts, while carving out a unique niche centered specifically on outdoor life and Great Lakes storytelling.
We will keep you updated with a full schedule, venue list, and ticket information in the coming weeks.
