In a world where four classic Milwaukee theaters open their doors for 15 days of action, drama and comedy, only one film fest can bring the very best in cinematic wonder to the silver screen. This spring, don't miss the non-stop excitement of the Milwaukee Film Festival, coming soon to a theater near you.
Get your popcorn ready! Whether you’re a movie buff, a festival fanatic, or a casual fan of spectacular events, the Milwaukee Film Festival has just the thing for you! Practice your red carpet walk at film premieres, see critically acclaimed future award-winners and discover instant fan favorites on the big screen.
Theaters
Oriental Theatre
This spring, the marquee of three theaters will light up with the words, “2024 Milwaukee Film Festival.” The hub for the fest will be the hallowed halls of the magnificently renovated Oriental Theatre. Marvel at the incredible craftsmanship that has built the Oriental Theatre into one of Milwaukee’s most storied movie houses (Bonus points if you can count the number of elephants hidden around the theatre).
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Reach for the stars at the Avalon Atmospheric Theater. In the seating area, stare at the twinkling starry constellations of the venue’s ceiling. The nearly century-old Mediterranean Revival-style building on Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View is the last standing atmospheric theater in the city.
Downer Theatre
A longtime staple to Milwaukee's East Side neighborhood, the 109-year-old Downer Theatre is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. Closing in the fall of 2023 before being revived by Milwaukee Film for the upcoming festival, the theatre takes moviegoers on a journey through the past with its classic marquee and intimate auditoriums, inviting them to experience the unparalleled thrill of film.
Times Cinema
On the border of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, The Times Cinema is one of the few remaining venues in the country to feature a single screen. The bright marquee lights of the theater will display Milwaukee Film Festival titles for the third consecutive year since the fest returned from the pandemic.
Tickets
Membership
The best way to catch all the cinematic moments, suspenseful reveals and sidesplitting comedy is with a Milwaukee Film membership. In addition to showing your support for a local cultural institution, Festival Fan members receive discounts on concessions and festival merchandise, early access to the best prices on Milwaukee Film Festival passes and tickets, and so much more.
Single-Show Tickets
Single tickets to the Milwaukee Film Fest are on sale now! Reserve your red carpet experience for an evening of critically acclaimed masterpieces, gripping documentaries, fast-cutting shorts and all the future award-winners before they make it big. Single tickets are the best way to dip your toe into the Milwaukee Film Fest cinematic universe, turning you from a movie lover to a bona fide film fest fan.
Make it a Dinner and a Show
A classic pairing akin to peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream, bacon and eggs, dinner and a show is a must. Find the best bite to pair with your show during the Milwaukee Film Fest. Whether it's a quick bite at a diner before a short or a prix fix meal before a documentary, your dream movie night is just a few clicks away.
Merch
Rep the fest and wear your passion for cinema on your sleeve, all while supporting a good cause with Milwaukee Film's official Film Fest merch! Complete with bold, colorful looks, the 2024 Milwaukee Film Fest limited edition merch line features bold, bright looks for the whole family. Shop the collection and freshen up your wardrobe while supporting your favorite local independent film organization.
Fest by Day and Stay Your Way
With 15 days to fest, there's no better way to catch all the drama than planning a fun Film Fest getaway in Milwaukee. Plan your stay, check out all the films on your list and explore the City of Festivals for a jam-packed getaway worthy of a sequel.
