Denver Film Festival 2025: Lights, Stories & Your Ideal Stay

From October 31 to November 9, 2025, Denver transforms into a global stage for storytelling and cinematic artistry during the 48th Denver Film Festival (DFF48). Every fall, the Mile High City becomes a gathering point for film lovers, directors, screenwriters, and industry creatives eager to celebrate the art of cinema.

This isn’t just another movie festival; it’s an experience that takes over downtown theaters, art districts, and local venues, bringing a burst of creative energy to Colorado’s cultural scene. Whether you’re an avid cinephile chasing premieres or simply someone who enjoys great stories under city lights, pairing your trip with a comfortable stay at Be Our Guest Housing makes your festival adventure seamless and memorable.

🎬 Why DFF48 Should Be on Your Radar

Over ten incredible days, DFF48 showcases a curated selection of more than 250 films, spanning narrative features, documentaries, short films, and international showcases. You’ll see award-winning indie projects, Oscar contenders, and world premieres long before they hit mainstream theaters.

But it’s not just about watching films. The festival creates an atmosphere of discovery and conversation through:

1. 🎤 Creative Conversations with directors and producers
2. 🧠 Industry Panels on storytelling, production, and film financing
3. 🌟 Special Spotlight Sections highlighting regional filmmakers and underrepresented voices
4. 🎥 Q&A Sessions that take viewers behind the lens

For film lovers, students, and creatives, the Denver Film Festival is a cultural deep dive, one that combines art, community, and inspiration in the heart of the Rockies.

🗓️ Festival Dates, Venues & What to Expect

📅 Dates: October 31 – November 9, 2025

📍 Venues:

Sie FilmCenter – The festival’s flagship venue and Denver Film’s year-round home

Buell Theatre & Ellie Caulkins Opera House – Ideal for premieres and gala screenings

Denver Performing Arts Complex & Arts District – For workshops, after-parties, and immersive experiences

Neighborhood pop-ups across Capitol Hill, LoDo, and RiNo

🎟️ Tickets:

Festival passes and individual tickets will be available through denverfilmfestival.eventive.org. Early booking is recommended — screenings often sell out within days of release, especially for opening and closing nights.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to catch multiple films, grab a multi-day pass to maximize your schedule and save money.

🗺️ Where to Stay & How to Move Between Venues

🎞️ Neighborhoods to Consider

Downtown Denver / Capitol Hill / LoDo

Stay close to the buzz. Walk or hop on public transit to most festival venues. You’ll be steps from late-night dining, coffee shops, and cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum and 16th Street Mall.

RiNo & Five Points

Perfect for creatives who love art, design, and nightlife. Between screenings, explore mural-lined streets, craft breweries, and music lounges.

Golden & Lakewood

Prefer a quieter stay? These areas offer larger, more affordable homes just 20–25 minutes from downtown. You’ll wake up to mountain views while still being close to the action.

Getting Around

Denver’s light rail system and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) make it easy to move between neighborhoods. Consider properties near rail lines or with dedicated parking.

📆 Sample Festival Itinerary

Day 1 – (Oct 31):

Arrive in Denver, check in to your Be Our Guest Housing stay, and attend the Opening Night Gala at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. End your night with dinner at Rioja or cocktails at Union Lodge No. 1.

Days 2–8:

Start your mornings with local coffee from Crema Coffee House (RiNo) or Hudson Hill (Capitol Hill). Catch screenings and filmmaker talks throughout the day. Evenings are for premiere parties, live music, or casual dinners at spots like The Mercantile Dining & Provision.

Day 10 – (Nov 9):

Attend the Closing Ceremony, then brunch at Sam’s No. 3 before exploring Denver’s art galleries or extending your trip for a mountain escape in nearby Golden.

🏡 Stay With Be Our Guest Housing: Comfort & Connection

Skip the generic hotel rooms and book a home-style stay that complements your festival schedule.

Why Festival Guests Love Us:

Spacious rentals for individuals, couples, or groups, perfect for relaxing between screenings.

Full kitchens so you can prep snacks or quick meals between sessions.

Fast Wi-Fi + workspace setups for digital nomads or reviewers on deadline.

Flexible check-in/out for late shows or early flights.

Free parking + central locations near theaters and nightlife.

Secure your Denver Film Festival home base today. Be Our Guest Housing properties go fast during DFF week!

Between Screenings: Where to Eat & Unwind

Union Station & LoDo:

Try Mercantile for farm-to-table cuisine or Stoic & Genuine for seafood before catching an evening screening.

RiNo District:

Explore Denver Central Market for diverse eats or relax at Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co.

Capitol Hill:

Brunch at Jelly Café, shop at local boutiques, and stroll through Cheesman Park.

Golden Day Trip:

Only 25 minutes away, perfect for a breather hike, Lookout Mountain, or visit the Coors Brewery Tour before returning for evening films.

Extend Your Stay

The Denver Film Festival marks the start of Denver’s cozy winter season. Extend your stay for:

1. 🎄 Downtown Denver Rink Opening
2. 🛍️ Cherry Creek Holiday Market
3. 🏔️ Weekend getaway in Golden or Evergreen

Make your trip cinematic in every sense, from the films you watch to the comfort you return to each night.

Plan Your Perfect Festival Trip

Travel Tips:

1. Book early, both tickets and lodging sell out.
2. Dress in layers; Denver’s November weather shifts quickly.
3. Download the Denver Film Festival app for schedules and venue maps.

Take a day to explore the Denver Art Museum or Meow Wolf Denver between screenings.

Final Take

The Denver Film Festival 2025 isn’t just an event; it’s a citywide celebration of art, community, and storytelling. From morning panels to red-carpet nights, Denver buzzes with creativity. Staying with Be Our Guest Housing ensures your festival experience is as comfortable as it is inspiring.

Book your stay today at Be Our Guest Housing and experience Denver’s biggest film week like a local!