Fresh Coast can be a little overwhelming, so here are some thoughts on how to get the most out of the festival.
PASSES
Tickets
Purchase a patron, weekend, day, or student pass online until October 14 at 6 p.m. or at our festival HQ starting Thursday morning. It’s a huge help to us to process our sales through the site, so snag your ticket early if you can. This way you have first dibs on signing up for a FREE outdoor tour, as well.
Still on the fence?
Check out the Fresh Coast Free kickoff and Food Truck Rally Thursday, Oct 15 under the big tent at Fresh Coast Basecamp at Lower Harbor Park. Then purchase a weekend or day pass at the Marquette Commons. If you preregistered (thank you!) the HQ is also where you’ll pick up your wristband, program and find FCFF merchandise for sale.
Once you have a ticket, before all else, stop by FC headquarters to pick up your wristband and program.
Now, let’s go Freshcoasting!
1) Prepare to drink from the Fresh Coast firehose
There’s no other way to say this: You won’t see everything this weekend. That’s just the nature of film festivals like Fresh Coast. Think of it like a music festival with multiple stages – not like going to your local theater. In order to get the most from the weekend you might want to check out the following tips for navigating the schedule and make a plan before the weekend starts. Or if you want to just “wing” it, we’re good with that, too!
The Basics
Films are organized into two hour film “blocks”, each consisting of 2-6 short films or one feature length film. Blocks show at 10am, 12pm and 2pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at eight different venues downtown. We also have filmmaker workshops, panels and outdoor tours (morning and afternoon) sprinkled throughout the weekend, and evening featured programs at our large basecamp tent in Lower Harbor park.
Have a specific film you want to see?
Select a favorite film from the online listing — click the title to view the full description and identify its film block — then pick between screening times (most films screen twice!)
Limited by time?
Check out the daily schedule online or calendar view on pages 20 – 24 of the program to see which film blocks are playing when you’re available, then read more about the films in that block on its corresponding page.
Are you a creature of habit with a favorite venue?
Sort the online schedule by venue (or reference the calendar on pages 20 – 24 of the program) to see which blocks are playing at your favorite spot, then read more about the films on their corresponding pages. You can also view films by venue at freshcoastfilm.com/venues. Venue sizes vary, and popular screenings may fill up. Seating is first come, first served—but with all Fresh Coast venues designed to be within a 5-10 minute walk, your next favorite film is always nearby!
Want to go with the flow?
Select a film block that sounds interesting, pick between screening times, buckle in for the ride.
2) Attend our evening features
A must stop is our Fresh Coast Basecamp at Lower Harbor. A huge screen, lots of room to move, heaters and fresh air will make this one of the most memorable events you’ve attended. We recommend donning your best long johns, plaid shirt and puffy coat to join us for Fresh Coast Free Thursday night, Aanikoobijigan [ancestor / great-grandparent / great-grandchild] on Friday night and Saturday night, celebrate 10 years with Adventure. Conservation. Inspiration. A Decade of Fresh Coast and Friends ft. Joey Santore of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t and hip-hop and spoken word artist Mama Sol of Representing Flint on Saturday night. Let’s fill the tent!
NEW FOR 2026…As the festival continues to grows, an outdoor screen has been added to the lawn at Fresh Coast Basecamp at Lower Harbor for another viewing option—bring a blanket, lawn chair or sub-zero sleeping bag and don’t miss any of the action! Note: passes will still be required to watch from the lawn. Prefer a seat in the tent? Make sure to arrive early - seats (and seat cushions) are available on a first come, first serve basis!
3) Meet a filmmaker or film subject
One of the things we are proud of is the number of filmmakers and film subjects we have attend our festival. The cool thing is that we’re a small and laid back festival, so it’s totally cool to say “hi” to those folks. Ask questions, share some food or beverages, swap stories, and work on changing the world together.
4) Find Your Tour
Fresh Coast is more than watching films. Haven’t signed up for an outdoor tour yet? Check out this year’s adventures - free to all pass holders - and register for a tour online before Thursday, October 15, at 8 p.m. EST. After that, talk to our volunteers at the Fresh Coast Box Office about which tours still have availability.
5) Attend a filmmaker panel
In addition to introducing new venues — visit the Bluff Street Station located next to the Peter White Public Library — Fresh Coast is proud to continue growing its morning Filmmaker Panels. Visit The Marquee Room on the second floor of The Delft Bistro (connected to the upper level of Donckers restaurant) for Fresh Coast filmmaker panels on Saturday and Sunday morning. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for attendees to grab a coffee before settling in for conversations at 9 a.m.
6) Enjoy the food and beverage
Many of our venues, which are also our sponsors, serve amazing craft brews, coffee, or cocktails. Some serve food or work with the local food trucks. Say thanks to the folks who help pay for the Fresh Coast Festival by supporting their business. You won’t be sorry.
It’s going to be a busy weekend in town due to the festival, NMU’s Family Weekend and fall color season. Restaurant reservations are strongly encouraged, as you might be up against longer wait times for a table, especially for groups. We recommend packing emergency snacks (or at least be ready to hash the festival highlights while you wait.) While all the downtown restaurants are amazing, a filmmaker favorite has always been the Marquette Food Coop grocery store for a grab-and-go meal from their hot bar or premade salads, sandwiches, etc. when you’re on the run between blocks and time is short.
Local food trucks will be serving at the Fresh Coast Basecamp at Lower Harbor during Thursday, Friday and Saturday night programming, with Fresh Coast volunteers pouring local beer and seltzer Friday and Saturday nights.
7) Thank a volunteer
No, seriously, thank a volunteer. There are well over 200 of them and they are the only reason this Fresh Coast boat stays afloat. Fresh Coast is 100% volunteer organized and run. 100%. That means every volunteer you see is here because they believe in the festival and many of them have worked hours and hours to bring you this year’s film festival.
8) Get outside and play!
Yep - we’re channeling our inner mothers and fathers right now. But, really. The UP is amazing. Marquette is the perfect launching pad for an adventure. Go play. Watch films. Shake hands. Drink beer. Eat food. Repeat.
That’s Freshcoasting.
