Alta Film Festival Comes to Big Bear

Film Comes to the Mountains

Big Bear is getting a new reason to plan a fall mountain getaway.

The Alta Film Festival brings filmmakers, movie lovers and the creative community together in Big Bear for a weekend of independent film, special events and conversations celebrating filmmaking.

The festival lineup includes films coming from prestigious festivals including Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, Fantastic Fest and Fantasia.

Festival Dates: October 23–25, 2026
Location: Big Bear Lake, California

VIEW ALTA FILM FESTIVAL

FIND A CABIN

Alta Film Festival flyer featuring mountain artwork, October 23–25, 2026 dates, and Big Bear Lake location

Destination Big Bear Guests Save 50%

Staying with Destination Big Bear during Alta Fest?

Destination Big Bear guests can receive 50% off individual festival days and full-weekend badges with the exclusive promo code:

There is no redemption limit, and the code can be used leading up to and during the festival.

GET ALTA FEST TICKETS

Enter promo code STAYALTA when purchasing through the Alta Film Festival website.

What to Expect at Alta Fest

Alta Fest is bringing a curated lineup of independent films to Big Bear, with programming continuing to be added as the festival approaches.

The weekend will also connect visitors with the people behind the films. Robert Schwartzman, the festival’s creative director, is scheduled to appear Sunday for a keynote address.

Because screenings and times may continue to change as additional films are added, visitors should check the official Alta Film Festival schedule for the latest lineup and showtimes.

VIEW CURRENT FILM SCHEDULE

A New Chapter for Filmmaking in Big Bear

Alta Fest isn’t only about watching films.

The festival will also help launch the Big Bear Film Society, an initiative intended to support and promote filmmaking in Big Bear by helping productions connect with locations, crew, talent and other local resources.

That gives the weekend a distinctly Big Bear angle: celebrating independent film while building a stronger connection between filmmakers and the mountain community.

Turn Alta Fest Into a Big Bear Weekend

Between screenings, make the weekend a mountain getaway.

Stay close to Big Bear’s restaurants, shops, the lake, trails and fall scenery, then head back to your cabin after the final screening of the night.

Destination Big Bear offers cabins ranging from cozy stays for two to larger homes for groups attending the festival together.

Find a Cabin for Alta Fest

Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental

Plan Your Alta Fest Trip

Event: Alta Film Festival
Dates: October 23–25, 2026
Location/Venues: Big Bear Lake, CA
Festival Schedule: Updated on the official Alta Film Festival website
Destination Big Bear Guest Discount: 50% off
Promo Code: STAYALTA
Eligible Tickets: Individual days + full-weekend badges

EXPLORE ALTA FEST

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Published on: October 6, 2026

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Alta Film Festival Comes to Big Bear

Film Comes to the Mountains

Film Comes to the Mountains

Destination Big Bear Guests Save 50%

What to Expect at Alta Fest

A New Chapter for Filmmaking in Big Bear