Lights, camera, Cambria!
The Cambria Film Festival returns February 4–8, 2026 for its 9th year of celebrating incredible independent cinema from around the world—all set against the creative, coastal charm of Cambria, California. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or simply seeking a cozy escape steeped in artistic flair, this five-day event promises unforgettable stories, meaningful connections, and a whole lot of small-town magic.
A Curated Celebration of Independent Film
Founded in 2018 by Alan Fraser and Nancy Green, the Cambria Film Festival began as a local labor of love. Since then, it’s grown into one of the Central Coast’s most anticipated cultural events—drawing filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers from across the globe to this artsy slice of Highway 1.
For 2026, more than 80 films will be shown across multiple venues, including narrative features, documentaries, student films, animation, and genre-spanning shorts. Carefully curated by the festival’s programming team, the lineup embraces innovation, diversity, and the kind of storytelling that makes you laugh, cry, and think long after the credits roll.
The Cambria Center for the Arts serves as the festival’s central hub, with three screening rooms and a longstanding legacy in the local arts community. Additional screenings take place at Moonstone Cellars, where the region’s wine culture meets the big screen in a relaxed and intimate setting.
photo credit: cambriafilmfestival.com
Daily Highlights to Plan Around
The full schedule is now live, and here’s just a taste of what you’ll find each day:
Wednesday, February 4
Opening Night Sponsor Reception with wine and light bites
In the Track of Lalo Schifrin documentary premiere
Thursday, February 5
Feature film Odd Fish and numerous shorts blocks
Lunchtime Film Talk: Listening to Films
Independent Spirit Night reception for filmmakers
Friday, February 6
Encore screenings, student showcases, and family-friendly shorts
Lunchtime Film Talk: Visual Effects & Cinematography with a Hollywood pro
Late Nite Cinema horror shorts and a special filmmaker welcome event
Saturday, February 7
International features and beloved short film medleys
Lunchtime Film Talk: Topic TBA
Awards Night Reception & Gala, followed by dessert and celebration
Sunday, February 8
Final encore screenings and crowd favorites
Filmmaker Brunch in San Simeon (by invitation only)
Explore the full lineup of features and shorts at cambriafilmfestival.com/events to tailor your experience.
More Than Just Movies
This festival is more than a film screening, it’s a full-sensory celebration.
Attendees can enjoy post-screening Q&As, lively Film Talks, and nightly receptions that foster real conversations between filmmakers and film lovers. Whether you’re toasting over local wine or diving into deep artistic discussion, these gatherings are the heartbeat of the festival.
Passes include:
All-Access Pass – Entry to all screenings and evening receptions
Film Buff Pass – Access to all film screenings only
Individual tickets – Available for select screenings and events
A Festival with Heart
What truly sets the Cambria Film Festival apart is its connection to the community.
It’s a program of the Cambria Center for the Arts, part of the nonprofit Allied Arts Association of Cambria, whose mission is to nurture creativity on the Central Coast.
With support from local volunteers, generous sponsors, and venues that feel more like living rooms than movie theaters, this event is as welcoming as it is artistic. It’s cinema, but it’s also connection.
Make It a Movie Weekend in Cambria
If you’re coming in from out of town, extend your stay and soak in the scenery.
Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, sip wine at Cutruzzola or Bassetti, browse indie galleries in the East Village, or catch the sunset from Fiscalini Ranch Preserve before your evening film. Cambria makes it easy to build your perfect weekend around the festival.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets and passes are available now at cambriafilmfestival.com. Don’t wait, this event sells out fast, and you won’t want to miss a frame.
About the Author
This article was written by the editorial team at HelloCambria.com, your go-to guide for discovering the culture, creativity, and coastal beauty of Cambria, California. With a deep appreciation for storytelling and cinema, we proudly support the Cambria Film Festival and everything it brings to our community. Whether you’re here for the films or the foggy coastline, we’re here to help you experience Cambria like a true local.
