Welcome to The Fresh Coast. A documentary film festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.

🎟️ Tickets 💰 DONATE

2025 Selections Coming Soon!

Film submissions for the 2025 Festival accepted via FilmFreeway.
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2025

2025 Tickets Now Available

4 days • 6 film venues • 15 outdoor tours • 80+ films • 25 hours of content • Endless inspiration

Patron Pass

$179

Weekend Pass

$79

Day Pass

$39

Student Weekend Pass

$29

2024 Staff Picks

Weak Layers

Directed by Katie Burrell

Planetwalker

Directed by Dominic & Nadia Gill

26,000 Days

Directed by Henry Behel

Seeing Double

Directed by Charlie Baker

Belonging: A Journey of Inclusion and Nature

Directed by Danami-Maurice

The Fresh Coast Film Festival is the first of its kind: a documentary film festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. The festival will gather the best in environmental and cultural filmmaking from around the world while creating a venue for, and building a culture of, Great Lakes storytelling.

Stay Updated

Stay fresh with email updates, more details to come

Get Involved

Submit A Film

We're looking for outdoor and adventure films based in the Midwest. Learn more about our submission process.

I have a Film

Sponsorship

Whether you'd like to be in the opening credits, have a banner at the film, or bring your own ideas, we have many sponsorship partnerships available.

I'll Sponsor

Volunteer

We couldn't make all this happen without the help of many volunteers. We're looking for enthusiastic people to help sell tickets, coordinate events, and spread the good word.

I Can Help