Around the Bay is a six-day film odyssey presented by the Traverse City Film Festival that will take you around the shores of Lake Michigan to view films before the annual Northern Michigan film festival begins. This scenic adventure will have you moving through ManisteeElk Rapids, Petoskey and three other Northern Michigan towns. Get these six films under your belt before the festival even begins. Tickets are available for purchase at the Traverse City Film Festival box office and online at: TraverseCityFilmFest.org.


The schedule for Around the Bay is as follows:

Manistee  — “The Bachelor Weekend” Sunday, July 20th at 7 pm

The Historic Vogue Theatre – on River Street in beautiful downtown Manistee – was reborn in December 2013 after three years of grassroots efforts. This long-shuttered 1938 art-deco cinema house is owned & operated by the Vogue non-profit , a 501c3 organization. Over $2.5 Million was invested to help create a cinema experience highlighted by historically-themed amenities, fully-optimized design and cutting-edge digital echnology. Overseen by a small yet hearty staff, the daily operation of the Vogue is possible without the hundreds of dedicated, passionate volunteers who generously give their time and efforts to provide a first-rate movie-going experience. Featuring two screens – one seating 190 and the other 45 – the Vogue brings an appealing mix of programming to Manistee including first-run blockbusters, independent films, classics and low-priced family films.

Petoskey  — “Dinosaur 13” Monday, July 21st at 7 pm

Discover an area that’s been called “A Michigan Treasure” when you visit the Petoskey Cinema off the shores of Little Traverse Bay. Formerly the Gaslight Cinema, each of its theaters seat roughly 300 patrons in a traditional atmosphere. Petoskey Cinema is also part of the Northern Michigan Cinemas group, providing the area with movies ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to lesser-known gems. In addition to its theater, the city of Petoskey is worth exploring. In 2013, Smithsonian Magazine voted Petoskey one of “America’s Best Small Towns to Visit” based on its “exceptional concentration of museums, art galleries, orchestras, theaters, historic sites and other cultural blessings.” After a film at Petoskey Cinema, take a stroll in the downtown Gaslight Shopping District, which is known for its concerts, vintage architecture, art galleries and Friday night festivities. Downtown is also home to many gourmet dining venues as well as several new wineries, providing locals and visitors alike with a delightful and memorable outing.

Charlevoix — “112 Weddings” Tuesday, July 22nd at 7 pm

The newly renovated, 145-seat Charlevoix Cinema III is a great place to enjoy a quality cinematic experience with its friendly staff, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art digital technology. The small, boutique-style theater is nestled between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan—you couldn’t ask for a more scenic location. Visit Charlevoix for the film and stay for the Venetian Festival, July 19th to the 26th. This flurry of color and pageantry attracts tourists from all over the world. What began as a simple, candle-lit parade has blossomed spectacularly into a week-long medley of fireworks, kids’ activities, shows, and live entertainment. Charlevoix itself grew from a tiny fisherman’s village to the booming, must-see tourist destination it is today. Check out the town and then kick back at the theater.

Frankfort — “The German Doctor” Wednesday, July 23rd at 7 pm

The Garden Theater in Frankfort has comfortable seating, fantastic popcorn, and quite an illustrious history. Originally built in 1923, it eventually fell into a state of disrepair until a group of community members restored it to its former glory in 2009. The renovations included the installation of a new heating and cooling system, upgraded Dolby digital sound, Art Deco tile, and brand-new seating. Nowadays the Garden Theater features a variety of first-run, independent, and foreign films. In addition to the latest and greatest in cinema, it also screens classic films during its popular Garden Greats series. The Garden Theater is located along the picturesque Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—a geographic marvel recently deemed “Good Morning America’s” Most Beautiful Place in America. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a film at this iconic Northern Michigan theater.

Elk Rapids  — “Sister” Thursday, July 24th at 7 pm

Conveniently located just steps from the scenic shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, Elk Rapids Cinema features unique elements to accommodate every type of moviegoer. The theater seats 300 patrons, and full rocking chairs with hinge-up armrests comprise its center section.Along with this great theater comes its rich history. Originally named Elk Rapids State Theater, Elk Rapids Cinema first opened its doors in September 1940. Preserved relics from the theater’s opening days still stand, including the lobby’s original lights and drinking fountain. Perhaps the theater’s most famous historical element is its breathtaking ceiling, the world’s largest blacklight mural. The bright, swirling mural is the perfect complement to the theater’s vintage appeal, making it an experience you will not want to miss.Outside the cinema, Elk Rapids itself is a great example of the beauty northern Michigan has to offer. It is also home to Harbor Days, a fun summer running from July 30th to August 2nd.

Suttons Bay — “Playing Dead” Friday, July 25th at 7 pm

Nestled on the quaint streets of historic Suttons Bay, the Bay Theatre has been entertaining locals since 1946. Dedicated to showing quality films from both Hollywood and around the world, this historical venue will to appeal to any avid moviegoer.Seating 271, the cinema has a cozy feel that is sure to charm. To complement its great films, the Bay Theatre is renowned for its unique concessions options, including local cherry soda.To this day, the Bay Theatre retains a turn-of-the-century appeal, proudly displaying its original seats and hardwood floors. In the midst of the theater’s evident history, a new digital projector and state-of-the-art sound system bring a hint of modernism, providing the best viewing experience possible.With quality creative programming showing 365 days a year, the historic Bay Theatre blends the beauty of the past with the perks of the present, making it a gem of the Sutton’s Bay area.


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