Traverse City Film Festival 2012: The Traverse City Film Festival is for everyone, no pocket book required! Using the tips below, you can enjoy world class movie fun and excitement from morning to night for free, or low cost, everyday at the 2012 Traverse City Film Festival, July 31-August 5..

Free Movies in Open Space Park

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for an evening out with the whole family as you watch some of Hollywood’s most beloved classics on a ginormous screen right on the Bay at dusk. Arrive early at 7 pm for free music and entertainment.

Free Panels at the City Opera House

Running Wednesday to Sunday each morning at 9:30 am, our free filmmaker panels bring together movie luminaries for lively, no-holds-barred conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

Free Discussions at the Cinema Salon

Following select 12 pm and 3 pm screenings, you can join fellow movie lovers at the Cinema Salon in Lay Park for informal, insightful discussions in the round.

Free Music in Clinch Park

Relax by one of Traverse City’s most popular beaches while enjoying the musical talents of some of our area’s leading artists.

Free Kids Fest and $1 Films

Bring your kids to the $1 Wednesday-Saturday 9:30 am kids films at Lars Hockstad Auditorium for a cultural and educational adventure, and then walk outside onto the beautiful lawn for our free lawn party that is simply brimming with fun. Your kids won’t want to leave —especially when they see the misting tents we have this year!

Film School Classes

For the low low price of just $5, you can learn about filmmaking from world-class experts, U of M professors and visiting filmmakers— a truly invaluable experience for any budding filmmaker or film fan. Talk about a return on investment!

After Glows at Fire Fly

Can’t afford a party ticket? Get a taste of the festival revelry by heading to Fire Fly for late night gatherings on Saturday and Sunday.

Free Movies for Volunteers

If you can volunteer for three shifts or more, you will receive a free volunteer tshirt and attend the free pre-fest volunteer screening and post-fest volunteer party, all while making an important contribution to the festival you love. Plus, at the volunteer screening, we hand out free festival tickets to volunteers! Sign up on our web site today or call the festival office at 231-392-1134.

Click here for the full 2012 Traverse City Film Festival schedule.

Tickets go on sale July 15th for Friends of the Film Festival at 11am. Click here to become a Friend!

General public sales begin July 21 at 11am, click here to buy tickets!

For more information about the Traverse City Film Festival, go to their website!

Find more Northern Michigan events on the MyNorth.com Events Calendar!