This year's Blackbird Film Festival will go on. But instead of the usual early spring weekend at SUNY Cortland, it is being held Thursday, October 1st through Sunday, October 4th at Greek Peak Mountain Resort's newly built Outdoor Cinema Theater.
This year's reimagined event will be drive-in movie festival, with four days of amazing independent short films from around the world, delicious food and drink as well as a fun and unique outing under the stars.
Keep reading for everything you need to know before enjoying an evening of cinema under the stars!
WHERE IS THE EVENT?
The film screenings will take place at Greek Peak's Outdoor Cinema Theater located at 2000 NY-392, Cortland NY. When you arrive, look for large Blackbird signs directing you towards the Outdoor Cinema parking area located near TRAX Pub & Grill.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Sunset Cinema event is FREE for all to attend! There are limited parking spots available so guests are encouraged to arrive early to guarantee a parking spot. Help the staff better prepare by purchasing your tickets early. Clck below to choose the night(s) you plan on attending.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The event will function much like your typical drive-in movie theater. Attendees will be able to park their car in designated spots in front of the large outdoor movie screen, and tune their radio to the specific FM radio station. Guests are welcome to back their cars into the parking spot, pop the trunk and watch or simply sit comfortably in the front seat. Please remember that your engines MUST BE TURNED OFF once parked as to avoid polluting the air so be sure to pack warm blankets in case it's cold.
WHAT TYPE OF FILMS CAN I SEE?
From Thursday, October 1st to Sunday, October 4th, the Blackbird Film Festival will be screening over 80 short films from around the world in 13 themed screening blocks. Each screening block is approximately 60 minutes long and features 6 - 8 films averaging 10 minutes in length. Click below to decide which Screening Blocks best fit your interested. Don't forget to vote for your favorite film after each screening block!
HUNGRY?
Guests are welcome to bring snack items from home, but Greek Peak will have snacks available at the concession stand or you can take advantage of TRAX Pub & Grill's car-side delivery. Please note, you may NOT bring your own alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine can be purchased from TRAX 2 GO or at the concession stand (must be 21+ to consume alcohol).
WHERE TO STAY?
Who's ready for a fun fall 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. Don't forget to take advantage of their fall color scenic chair lift rides to see the beautiful scenery!
If you'd rather stay closer to downtown Cortland, Best Western Finger Lake Plus, Clarion Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express are all a quick drive from bustling Main Street, and Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Click below for a full list of accommodation options.
RULES
COVID-19 restrictions will be in place for the four evenings to ensure everyone has a fun and safe evening:
- Guests MUST securely wear a face mask whenever leaving the vicinity of their own vehicle and/or parking spot.
- All car engines MUST be turned off once a vehicle is parked. Please know that the radio will run on auxiliary power.
- Guests are NOT allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the theater. Beer and wine may be purchased at the concession stand or from the TRAX 2 GO menu.
- Guests are asked to refrain from flashing their lights and/or honking their horn during film screenings.
- Guests are are welcome to sit on or around their vehicle but we ask that guests use caution and be respectful of the other guests viewing areas.
Plan on attending Blackbird Film Festival's Sunset Cinema? Share your pictures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.