Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival

Since 2017, this red-carpet event has turned the Leavenworth Festhalle (1001 Front Street) into a mini Sundance for the outdoor adventure set. The 9th annual festival returns March 22, 2026, showcasing award-winning short films from Pacific Northwest and international filmmakers who document athletic pursuits ranging from alpine climbing and backcountry skiing to ocean conservation and wildlife activism. Doors open at 6 PM for limousine rides around Front Street (yes, free limo rides in a Bavarian village), red carpet photos with paparazzi, and the kind of opening-night buzz you’d expect in Park City or Telluride. Films start at 7 PM, with a live performance intermission that breaks up the screenings and keeps the energy high.

Recent lineups have included “841” (documenting a record-setting mountaineering achievement), “A Disappearing Forest” (environmental conservation), “The Forgotten Coast,” and “Wild Beast: Manatees,” giving viewers everything from adrenaline-fueled summit attempts to contemplative looks at threatened ecosystems. Tickets run $20 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. The festival is presented by Icicle TV with support from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, and proceeds benefit ongoing projects at the Leavenworth Ski Hill recreation area. Attendees often dress up for the red carpet, though it’s not required. Book dinner reservations early at Visconti’s (Leavenworth location opened 1999), where the 1,600-bottle wine cellar and house-made pasta make for a pre-screening meal that matches the festival’s upscale vibe.

Extend your mountain film weekend with a day trip to Lake Wenatchee (20 miles north), where winter conditions in March still allow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Lake Chelan, an hour northeast, offers a quieter alternative with wineries and waterfront walks. Lake.com lists cabin rentals at both destinations, ideal for film buffs who want to pair cinematic mountain inspiration with actual time on the water and trails.