Friday, Saturday and Sunday Day-Passes admit one to any event happening that day, on a first-come first-served basis including screenings, panels, and parties.

Explore the program schedule pick the screenings you want to see, and if you arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, you have a seat. If you arrive later, seating is first-come first-served until we hit capacity.

Friday Day Passes also include admission to:

Friday May 1 – Friday Night Gala at City Opera House and After-Party

Saturday Day Passes also include admission to:

Saturday May 2 – Saturday Night Gala at City Opera House and After-Party

Sunday Day Passes also include admission to:

Sunday May 3 – Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast at Esperance Kitchen

The full Event Schedule is available anytime at traversecity.freshcoastfilm.com

You can also download a PDF of the Event Schedule -click here.

Using Your Day Pass

Please have your original Ludus.com email receipt and/or QR code ready when you arrive. These can be printed at home or saved to your phone. If you need a new copy of your receipt, email traversecity+boxoffice@freshcoastfilm.com

If you and your guests are experiencing the festival together, only one receipt is needed — but all passholders must enter at the same time. If you bought more than one Day Pass and need to transfer one to someone else, see the transfer instructions below. All passes are transferable.

To use your email receipt and/or QR code without any extra steps, just bring it to any event and use the Day Passes and Individual Tickets Line for entry.

You can also pick up a physical wristband at our Volunteer HQ — they not only look great, but they speed up your entry to that day’s events. If you need a Day Pass wristband, ask a volunteer when you check in. Limited quantities are available at each venue for your convenience.

Visit us at 314 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684 to pick up your wristband in advance. Free parking is available behind the building (also known as the Up North Pride Center).

If you pre-ordered merchandise, it will also be available for pick-up here during these days and times:

Wednesday April 29, 2026

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET

Thursday April 30, 2026

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET

Friday May 1, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm ET

Saturday May 2, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm ET

Sunday May 3, 2026

9:00 am - 2:00 pm ET

When you arrive, show your receipt and sign to confirm pickup. You may collect as many writsbands as are listed under your transaction name.

When You Arrive at Events

Each venue will have a designated entry line for Day Passes and Individual Tickets — this is the line for you and any Day Passholders in your party.  

All Fresh Coast Film Festival Traverse City events are General Admission with first-come, first-served seating. Most events are expected to be near capacity, so please avoid saving seats for anyone who hasn't arrived yet unless you're certain they're coming.

Exits and re-entry are permitted once you've settled in, but may require a re-entry sticker — available from venue staff.

How to Transfer a Pass to Someone Else

If your plans change, or you'd like to give full pass privileges to someone else (including the ability to register for our free Outdoor Tours and Experiences), you can transfer your pass through Ludus.com in a few easy steps:

1. Find your original confirmation email and click "View My Order" — or request a new one by emailing us.

2. In the new browser window, click "Begin Transfer" and select the passes you want to transfer.

3. Enter the new passholder's name and email. They'll receive an automatic email to accept the transfer, which will create their account with full pass privileges.

Still need help? Email us with details about your order and what you need: traversecity+boxoffice@freshcoastfilm.com

Why Do I Need to Transfer a Pass for Outdoor Tours and Experiences?

Because each participant must sign a simple Waiver of Liability, our free Outdoor Tours and Experiences require individual registration. Transferring the pass ensures your guest can complete that step on their own.

Screening Venue Details

City Opera House

680 Seats

Elev8 Climbing & Fitness

150 Seats

The Alluvion

120 Seats

Right Brain Brewery

120 Seats

The Filling Station Microbrewery Depot Building

100 Seats

Traverse Area District Library McGuire Community Room

85 Seats

Silver Spruce Brewing Co.

75 Seats