Lights, camera, action! The Blackbird Film + Arts Festival is returning, live and in-person, Thursday, June 17 through Sunday, June 20 at Greek Peak Mountain Resort.
This year's event will not only feature amazing independent short films from around the world, but also live music, an artisan craft fair, wine and beer tastings, delicious food, family activities and more.
Keep reading for everything you need to know before enjoying an evening of cinema under the stars!
WHAT IS BLACKBIRD FILM + ARTS FESTIVAL?
Found in 2015, the Blackbird Film + Arts Festival celebrates and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, striving to curate an inclusive festival atmosphere where experience professionals and first-time filmmakers can strike up conversation and perhaps take something away from one another.
WHERE IS THE EVENT?
The film screenings will take place at Greek Peak Mountain Resort's outdoor cinema screens located at 1856 NY-392, Cortland NY. TRAX Pub & Grill, 2000 NYS Rt. 392, Cortland, NY 13045, will also play host to several activities throughout the weekend.
If you cannot attend the event in-person, you can enjoy all Blackbird has to offer from the comfort of your favorite couch from June 21 to June 30. Enjoy free access to 100+ films, events, panels and more. Register at blackbirdfilmfest.online.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Movie screenings are FREE to the public! Select activities may require a fee to participate.
TELL ME ABOUT THE FILMS
Over the course of four days, Blackbird will be screening over 100 films including 10 features that are 70+ minutes. Out of the 1,555 total film submissions, Blackbird will bring you 16 thematic screening blocks spanning every genre, from apocalyptic to romance, action and horror. Throughout the weekend, nearly every film will be shown twice, once at the Drive-In and again during the daytime tented screenings.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?
Along with film screenings, the event will encompass a craft and art fair within an artist village, children’s activities, live music and beer and wine tastings.
Help Blackbird decorate the 2021 mural Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a Splatter Painting session. Tap into your inner Van Gogh during a group painting class (Saturday and Sunday), or make your own tie-dye t-shirt ($10 per shirt).
Other family-friendly activities include Bonfires & S’Mores (Saturday and Sunday evenings) and the Blackbird Egghunt where finding a golden egg could win you cool prizes. (Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm).
Enjoy live music all weekend long at the Arts Village and TRAX Pub & Grill. The lineup includes ZZ Entertainment, Terraplaine, Jake + Mike Acoustic Rock, Papa Muse, Jasperoo, Cosmic Grown, Lisa Ann Wright, The Honey Badgers, Lisa Ann Wright, Kipani and The Mix.
Don’t forget to bring Dad on Saturday or Sunday because Greek Peak will be holding their Father’s Day BBQ, complete with chicken, brisket and all the fixins!
CHECK OUT THE FULL SCHEDULE
Thursday - Sunday
Enjoy Drive-In Movies every night during the festival weekend! With two drive-in screens, simply choose what to watch, park your car and turn your radio on. Check out the full Drive-In Movie line-up here. Films begin at 8:30 p.m.
Friday - Sunday
Blackbird includes 16 thematic screening blocks, each featuring an assortment of short indie films, as well as several feature films! All screenings will be under the Outdoor Screening Tents. Check out the full Screening & Film Guide.
Friday
Test your film trivia knowledge! Be sure to bring your know-it-all-friends for a chance to win bragging rights and $100. Trivia starts at 11 a.m.
Kick off the 2021 Blackbird Film + Arts Festival with live music and good times on the outdoor patio at TRAX Pub & Grill. The party begins at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
The Artisan Craft Fair is a curated outdoor arts festival featuring 20+ local artist and crafters displaying and selling their creations. The fair will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Sample beer and win from local CNY breweries and wineries as you browse the various artisan vendors during the craft fair. Open both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy live performances from local bands and musicians through the festival weekend conveniently located nar the food and drinks. Music will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Check out the full music line-up here.
Sunday
Celebrate Father's Day right with Greek Peak's famous BBQ Chicken and Brisket! Walk-up, order and enjoy. The feast will be available from noon to 5 p.m. or until it's gone!
WHERE TO STAY?
Who's ready for a fun weekend getaway?! Whether you're visiting from out of town, or looking to treat yourself to a staycation, there are a variety of hotels open in Cortland County. If you're looking for the closest stay to the film screenings, stay at Greek Peak Mountain Resort's Hope Lake Lodge. Along with their affordable lodging options, they offer an indoor waterpark with heated pools, a mountain coaster and a zipline course.
If you'd rather stay closer to downtown Cortland, Best Western Finger Lake Plus, Clarion Inn & Suites, Fairfield by Marriot Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn are all a quick drive from bustling Main Street. Check out the full list of county accommodations here.
Blackbird Film + Arts Festival
www.blackbirdfilmfest.com
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Plan on attending Blackbird Film Festival? Share your pictures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.