Traverse City Film Festival 2013 parties have quickly become some of most highly anticipated social events of the year, where one can kick back and rub elbows with some the festival’s biggest names. The Opening Night Party will launch the festival on Tuesday, July 30 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Front Street. One of the most popular Traverse City Film Festival 2013 events, this stylish downtown celebration includes local libations and hors d’oeuvres. The Filmmaker Party, also located downtown, is on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is one of the week’s liveliest and most star-studded events. Tickets to both parties are available through the Traverse City Film Festival 2013 box office. This year, a Sunday night closing celebration at the Open Space has been added, which will be free to the community. Bring the family and enjoy the last night of the festival.

For even more Traverse City Film Festival 2013 festivities, get involved! The Founders Party, hosted annually for sponsors at Ciccone Vineyards includes a sneak preview of one of the festival’s best films, and the Volunteer Party, a bay-front gathering with plenty of food, drinks, and dancing, is often described as the most enjoyable event of the entire festival.

Founders Party
The State Theatre/Ciccone Vineyards
Sunday, 7/28, 3:30 PM The Founders Party for festival sponsors features a sneak preview of one of the festival’s best films, “Kon-Tiki.” Sponsors attend a pre-party screening at the State Theatre downtown, followed by a party hosted by Ciccone and Grandview Catering in one of the most beautiful spots in our area, Ciccone Vineyards and Winery. Featuring live music from The Bergamot.

Bijou Grand Debut
Bijou by the Bay
Monday, 7/29 8:00 PM
Be among the first select few to experience a film in Traverse City’s new “gem” of a theater, the Bijou by the Bay. The event begins with a sneak preview of a Hollywood hit with special guests in attendance, followed by an after-party on the beach featuring music, drinks and gourmet edibles. Tickets for this fundraising event are partially tax deductible. Email sponsortix@traversecityfilmfest.org to reserve your tickets.

Opening Night Party
Front Street
Tuesday, 7/30 8:30 PM Kick off the festival with a celebration of how “one great movie can change you” on Tuesday night. Front Street becomes a scene featuring local cuisine, libations and entertainment. Enjoy an evening of festivities under the sparkling lights of the State Theatre as we welcome visiting filmmakers from around the world to experience the magic of Traverse City. Featuring live music from Steven MacNeil, Jennifer Westwood and the Waycross Georgia Farmboys, Detour, and The Wild Sullys with Spicy McHaggis. Cost: $50.

Filmmaker Party
Century 21 Northland Lot
Saturday, 8/3 8:30 PM Celebrate with visiting filmmakers in the magically transformed parking lot on the corner of State and Park streets. Be one of the few to see the Founders present this year’s festival awards a group of incredibly talented filmmakers. Featuring a smorgasbord of food, libations and entertainment, this star-studded party is sure to be a blast.  Featuring live music from George Cole and Eurocana, Tamar and Rona, and AOK. Cost: $50

Closing Night Bash
Open Space Outdoor Cinema
Sunday, 8/4 7:00 PM End the festival on a high note by joining us for our free community party in the Open Space and stay for a special Sunday night screening of everyone’s favorite fractured fairy tale, “The Princess Bride.” There will be live music, games, prizes and a variety of delectable confections and sweets available for purchase. You might even catch a glimpse of yourself on the big screen. Free!

Volunteer Party
Clinch Park
Tuesday, 8/6 6:00 PM We celebrate our hard-working, amazing, generous and talented volunteers at this post-festival homespun picnic. Share stories with friends about your festival experiences and celebrate the week’s success. Featuring some of the top food and beverages from our area, this party is the best way to end a magical week. Be sure to bring your SWAG Coupons to trade in for some awesome festival gear! Free for volunteers!