The Festival Is Almost Here!
Remarkable stories, filmmakers, conversations, and community are coming to Friday Harbor. The 2026 Festival brings together 34 feature documentaries, 19 documentary shorts, the Young Filmmakers Showcase, Gala Party with Filmmakers, Filmmakers Forum, Audience Choice Awards, and more—all October 22–25. Your FHFF pass also includes free admission to the San Juan Islands Museum of Art during festival weekend, where our collaboration with SJIMA brings film and art together in a special series of screenings and exhibitions. And reserved seating is back by popular demand, so you can choose your films, claim your seats in advance, and plan your festival experience your way.
Save the dates, explore the Festival, and start planning your weekend!
Key Dates:
September 20
Patron & Filmmaker Host
Exclusive Reserved Seating Opens
September 27
All-Access Pass Reserved Seating Opens
October 1
6-Pack & Day Pass Reserved Seating Opens
October 4
General Ticketing Opens — Single Reserved Seating Tickets & Gala Party Tickets on Sale
October 12 - 25
Festival Office Open!
Stop by for festival information and assistance, pick up credentials and your 60-page Program Guide, purchase a pass, get help reserving seats, check in as an attending filmmaker, or sign up to volunteer.
Pre-Festival Week: Oct. 12–18 · 1–5 PM
Festival Week: Oct. 19–25 · 9 AM–5 PM
October 22
Opening Night — FREE screening at the Palace Theatre, followed by a Q&A and special walk-through of the related exhibition at SJIMA.
October 23–25: Festival Weekend!
Three full days of documentary films, filmmaker Q&As, special events, the Gala Party, Filmmakers Forum, Audience Choice Awards, and more.
Discover Your Festival Lineup
Your Festival starts with choosing the stories you don’t want to miss. Explore the 2026 Film Guide to discover this year’s feature documentaries, documentary shorts, and Young Filmmakers Showcase selections—from stories that challenge how we see the world to unforgettable journeys, people, ideas, and experiences.
Browse the films, watch trailers, discover filmmakers, and begin building your Festival itinerary. Purchase your pass now, then reserve your seats as soon as your passholder window opens so the films at the top of your list are already part of your Festival plan. FHFF’s 2026 screenings use reserved seating throughout the Festival.
2026 Presenting Sponsors
Be Part of
the Festival!
It takes a community to bring the Friday Harbor Film Festival to life—and there’s a place for you on the team. Whether you have a few hours or several days to give, volunteer opportunities are available before and during the Festival, from welcoming audiences and helping in the Festival Office to supporting the Gala Party, Filmmakers Forum, projection, and more.
Along the way, you’ll meet filmmakers, connect with fellow film lovers, earn Festival perks, and experience FHFF from behind the scenes. Explore the opportunities, find the role that fits you, and sign up today!
Explore the 2026 Program Guide
Everything you need to plan your 2026 Festival experience is right here. Explore the official 60-page Friday Harbor Film Festival Program Guide, featuring this year’s films, complete festival schedule, venues, special events, Gala Party, Filmmakers Forum, Audience Choice Awards, ticketing and reserved-seating information, our collaboration with the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and much more.
NEWS & VIEWS
Stay connected with the Friday Harbor Film Festival. Subscribe to our blog and monthly eNewsletter for filmmaker stories, festival news, screening announcements, ticketing updates, special events, and more. Our blog is published monthly throughout the year and weekly during the Festival, keeping you up to date on everything happening at FHFF.
