The Coronado Island Film Festival runs November 4–8, 2026. That’s five pedestrian-friendly days of 80-plus films across genres, plus panels, workshops, red carpet events and parties on Coronado Island. This year The Bower is the official starting point for the festival’s Avenue of the Stars: Scenes & Sips on Saturday, November 7. DIVE, our rooftop, is an official festival late-night destination. Staying with us on Orange Avenue puts you at the start, the finish and steps from every screening.
Each November, Coronado trades its quiet-island calm for the buzz of a genuine film festival. It keeps the walkable, welcoming feel that makes the island special. Here’s what to know for 2026, and how to plan the perfect festival weekend.
When is the Coronado Island Film Festival 2026?
The festival takes place November 4–8, 2026, a five-day celebration spread across venues on Coronado Island. Screening schedules, venues and badges are listed on the festival’s official site. Check there for the full 2026 lineup as it’s released.
What to expect
The Coronado Island Film Festival curates more than 80 films across a diverse range of genres, including features, documentaries, shorts and student work. Filmmaker panels, workshops and social events round out the program. The festival is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk between screenings and gatherings with coffee in hand and never need to drive. That easy, strollable rhythm is a big part of its charm.
Start at The Bower: Avenue of the Stars: Scenes & Sips
On Saturday, November 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the festival hosts Scenes & Sips. It’s a progressive tasting stroll down Orange Avenue’s Avenue of the Stars, where sidewalk stars honor people with real ties to Coronado’s film history.
This year, every guest’s experience begins at The Bower. Here’s how it works:
- Check in at The Bower and pick up your StarPass and map.
- Enjoy your first sip, courtesy of Bebemos Tequila.
- Set off down Orange Avenue to explore participating restaurants and purveyors at your own pace.
Reservations are limited to 200 and are open only to the festival community: badge holders, VIPs, filmmakers and benefactors. You can’t buy a standalone ticket, and it’s expected to sell out before festival weekend. Secure your badge early and reserve your spot through the festival’s Scenes & Sips page.
End at DIVE: After the Credits
After the last screening, come back to where your day began. DIVE hosts After the Credits on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, from 9 PM to close. It’s an official festival late-night destination, three stories above the island, with panoramic views from Point Loma to Baja California. It’s the kind of place where a good film turns into a great conversation.
How to plan your festival weekend
- Book your stay early. November is a popular fall window, and festival weekend fills up. Reserve your room well ahead.
- Get your badge early. Scenes & Sips is open only to badge holders and the festival community, and spots are limited.
- Stay central and walkable. A base on Orange Avenue keeps you near the action and lets you skip the car between screenings.
- Build in island time. Leave room between films for a beach walk, a meal on Orange Avenue and a sunset cocktail.
- Plan your Saturday around The Bower. Start at Scenes & Sips at 4 PM, catch your evening screening, then end the night at After the Credits on DIVE.
Festival FAQ
When is the Coronado Island Film Festival 2026?
November 6–9, 2026, across venues on Coronado Island.
How many films are shown at the Coronado Island Film Festival?
More than 80 films across a range of genres, along with panels, workshops, and parties.
Is the Coronado Island Film Festival walkable?
Yes — it's designed to be pedestrian-friendly, so you can move between screenings and events on foot, especially from a central Orange Avenue location.
Where should I stay for the film festival?
A central, walkable hotel like The Bower on Orange Avenue keeps you close to the festival's venues and the rest of the island.
Plan your festival weekend on Orange Avenue. Book your stay at The Bower — steps from the screenings and home to Coronado's only rooftop.