Newport Beach Film Festival (2027 Dates TBA)
The 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival took place October 15–22, 2026. The eight-day festival brought more than 100 feature films from around the world to Orange County, along with screenings, filmmaker events, receptions and cultural programming. Dates for the 2027 festival are TBA.
Throughout the rest of the year, NBFF hosts screenings, industry events and awards programs spotlighting independent and international filmmakers.
Newport Beach Film Festival
2026 Dates: October 15–22, 2026
2027 Dates: TBA
Locations: Screenings and events took place at venues around Newport Beach. Festival venues have included Fashion Island’s THE LOT, Regal Edwards Big Newport, Starlight Cinemas and the Lido Theater.
NewportBeachFilmFest.com
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Opening Night
Premier Screening
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 7:00 PM — Frampton at Regal Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Dr.)
The festival opened with Frampton, a feature documentary about rock musician Peter Frampton that follows his rise in the 1970s, his long road to rebuilding and the personal cost of fame. Peter Frampton and director Rob Arthur were scheduled to take part in a live Q&A after the screening.
Opening Night Gala
Thursday, October 15, 2026 — The gala followed the screening at Fashion Island, with live entertainment, food and cocktails (21+). The Opening Night Film & Gala was sold as one ticketed event.
Fashion Island Main Stage events
Friday, October 16–Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Aaron Sorkin – Saturday, October 17, 11:00 AM, Mainstage at Fashion Island. A live taping of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, followed by the Festival's Maverick Award. Free with RSVP.
- Emmy Rossum – Sunday, October 18, 3:00 PM, Mainstage at Fashion Island. A live Awards Chatter taping, followed by the Outstanding Performance in Television Award. Free with RSVP.
- StyleWeekOC x NBFF – through Sunday, October 18, Fashion Island. Free talks on Saturday, October 17, included a fashion keynote with Jamie Chung, an author talk with Keltie Knight and the West Coast premiere of Couture to the Max. Panels were in the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale's Courtyard; seating was first come, first served with Eventbrite sign-up. StyleWeekOC details
NBFF Honors
Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Balboa Bay Resort. The Festival Honors were presented alongside Variety's "10 Actors to Watch"; attendance was by invitation only.
The 2026 honorees were Taraji P. Henson (Artist of Distinction Award), Jack O’Connell (Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award), Mckenna Grace (Spotlight Award), Sosie Bacon (Breakout Award) and Sarah Finn (Casting Visionary Award).
Closing Night
Premier Screening
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 8:00 PM — Behemoth! at Regal Edwards Big Newport
The festival closed with Behemoth!, written and directed by Tony Gilroy and starring Pedro Pascal as a cellist who comes home to Los Angeles after two decades on the road. Gilroy and production designer Jade Healy were scheduled to attend and take part in a conversation before the screening.
Closing Night Documentary
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 8:00 PM — Unleashed Spirits: The Rise of the Hollywood Vampires at the Lido Theater
The festival's Special Event Closing Night Documentary Feature had its West Coast premiere at the Lido Theater. The film follows the Hollywood Vampires, the supergroup of Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen, from early rehearsals and recording sessions to arena stages. Director Daniel E. Catullo III, members of the band and executive producer Paul Geary were scheduled to attend.
NBFF Film Programs
Newport Beach Film Festival screenings are open to the public, though parental discretion is advised. Some parties, receptions and gala events have separate age requirements.
- Action Sports Films
- Art, Architecture & Design
- Collegiate
- Culinary
- Documentaries
- Environmental
- Family
- International Spotlights
- Music
- Narratives
- Shorts
- Centerpiece
- LGBTQ+
Newport Beach Film Festival Tickets
Tickets and passes for the 2027 festival haven't been announced yet. Check the official Newport Beach Film Festival website for updates.
Ticket availability, pass benefits and purchase options can vary by screening and event. Check the official NBFF schedule and ticketing pages before attending.
NBFF-produced parties, receptions and galas that begin after 5 PM are strictly 21 and over. In 2026, nightly showcase afterparties started at 10 PM: Latin Showcase (Monday, October 19), European Showcase (Tuesday, October 20) and Pacific Rim Showcase (Wednesday, October 21). Regular screenings are open to the public, subject to the Festival’s rules for minors and individual film content.
Newport Beach Film Festival Volunteer & Internship
The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is a nonprofit organization that offers volunteer opportunities each year. Visit the official volunteer page for current opportunities and application information.
Internship opportunities may also be offered by the Festival. Check the official NBFF website for current openings and application information before applying.
Where to Stay for the Newport Beach Film Festival
The VEA Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Resort, Pelican Hill, Marriott Bayview, Lido House Hotel and the Marriott Newport Villas are local hotel options to consider.
See also our guide to Newport Beach Hotels.
Planning Your Visit
Festival screenings and special events take place at multiple Newport Beach venues. Check your individual ticket for the correct location and arrival time, and review age requirements before purchasing tickets for parties, receptions or gala events.
Explore more local planning resources in our Newport Beach guide, things to do in Newport Beach, Newport Beach hotels and Orange County fairs and festivals guide.
