GOSHEN, IN — The countdown to the 2026 River Bend Film Festival is officially underway, and film lovers now have an opportunity to save while supporting one of Northern Indiana’s premier cultural events.
Organizers of the 2026 River Bend Film Festival, taking place Sept. 3–5 in Downtown Goshen, have announced that Early Bird Festival Passes are available now through July 24. Festival attendees can save 30% on admission by purchasing tickets early, and Early Bird purchasers also have the option to add a limited-edition River Bend Film Festival T-shirt to their order.
The specially designed shirt celebrates the 2026 festival and provides supporters with another way to help ensure the continued success of the event. Proceeds from T-shirt sales directly support the River Bend Film Festival and help organizers continue bringing independent films, filmmakers, artists, and special guests to Goshen each year.
“This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet,” said Festival Director Neil King. “We’re thrilled to offer an Early Bird opportunity that rewards our supporters while also helping sustain the festival’s future. Every ticket purchased and every T-shirt sold helps us continue creating meaningful cinematic experiences for audiences, filmmakers, and our community.”
Early Bird pricing deals that can’t be beat
Film lovers who purchase before July 24 can take advantage of the following Early Bird pricing:
- Single-Block Ticket — regularly $12, now $8.40
- Friday Pass — regularly $50, now $35
- Saturday Pass — regularly $50, now $35
- Three-Day Weekend Pass — regularly $70, now $49
- VIP Pass — regularly $140, now $98
The 30% Early Bird discount is automatically applied when tickets and passes are added to the online shopping cart.
Festival organizers are offering several ticketing options to accommodate both casual moviegoers and dedicated film enthusiasts. A Single-Block Ticket grants admission to any one Shorts Block or Feature Film screening during the festival. For attendees looking to experience as much of River Bend as possible, the popular All-Access Pass provides admission to all festival screenings and special events throughout the weekend.
All tickets and passes purchased online will be available for pickup during the festival at the Goshen Theater Box Office, located at 216 South Main Street in downtown Goshen. Attendees should bring a valid photo ID when picking up their credentials.
Goshen Theater Box Office Festival Hours
- Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 4 — 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5 — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All events hosted at the Goshen Theater are fully accessible, including seating accommodations for guests with mobility needs.
Don’t just show your support—WEAR it!
“We want people to know that when they purchase a festival shirt, they’re doing more than buying merchandise,” King said. “They’re helping sustain a community tradition that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression. Every shirt sold helps us continue building the River Bend Film Festival for future generations.”
Festival T’s are available now in our online store. All purchases can be picked up at the Goshen Theater Box Office during Festival hours.
An absolute Hoosier film legend
This year’s festival features acclaimed actor, mime artist, and contortionist Doug Jones as a special guest. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has earned international acclaim through unforgettable performances in films including The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Hellboy. At River Bend, he will participate in special events, live audience Q&A sessions, artist talks, and other festival activities designed to give attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the art of performance.
“We’re honored to welcome Doug to Goshen,” King said. “His career is remarkable, and his commitment to creativity perfectly reflects the spirit of the River Bend Film Festival. He’s only one part of what promises to be an outstanding weekend celebrating film, storytelling, and artistic expression.”
Additional filmmakers, special guests, screenings, educational programs, and festival events will be announced in the coming weeks as organizers continue building what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of River Bend to date.
Organized by Goshen Arts & Events, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the River Bend Film Festival has become a signature cultural event for the region since relocating to Goshen in 2016. The festival showcases independent films from around the world while creating opportunities for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers, actors, artists, and industry professionals.
Don’t miss your chance to meet acclaimed actor, mime artist, and contortionist Doug Jones, a special guest of the Festival.
Many ways to be involved
In addition to purchasing tickets and T-shirts, community members can support the festival through sponsorship opportunities, volunteer service, and charitable contributions. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact festival organizers directly.
Early Bird ticket specials and the official 2026 River Bend Film Festival T-shirt are available now through July 24. Early Bird tickets and festival packages can be purchased online.
For additional ticketing information, merchandise purchases, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, and festival updates, visit the official River Bend Film Festival website and follow the festival on social media.
About the River Bend Film Festival
The River Bend Film Festival (RBFF) is an annual celebration of independent filmmaking held in downtown Goshen, Indiana, where creators and audiences come together through the power of storytelling. Showcasing 50–70 films each year across a wide range of genres—including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, music video, student work, and both short and feature-length films—the festival highlights regional talent alongside bold voices from across the country and around the world. In addition to screenings, RBFF offers workshops, filmmaker panels, guest appearances, and special events that foster creativity, connection, and community.