The Films Are Just the Beginning
Discover the parties, music, art and community that make Full Bloom more than a film festival.
September 10–12, 2026 | Historic Downtown Statesville
Sure, Full Bloom Film Festival is about movies.
But if you think the festival ends when the credits roll, think again.
For three days, Historic Downtown Statesville becomes a gathering place for filmmakers, artists, film lovers, and the community and some of the best moments happen after the sun goes down.
From a movie under the stars to cocktails, live music, dancing and a few opportunities to get a little dressed up, Full Bloom has plenty planned once the theater lights go dark.
START WITH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
The Princess Bride | Wednesday, September 9
Before the official festival weekend begins, Full Bloom is kicking things off with a movie night for everyone.
Join us Wednesday, September 9 at 7:45 PM for a FREE outdoor screening of The Princess Bride on The Lawn at Broad Street UMC.
Presented in partnership with the City of Statesville Recreation and Economic Vitality Department and Broad Street United Methodist Church, this event is open to the entire community.
Bring a blanket, bring a lawn chair, bring your friends—and prepare to quote every line.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
GET FESTIVE AT THE SUNBURST SOIREE
Thursday, September 10 | 5–7 PM
The Essence on Broad: 230 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677
Full Bloom officially gets underway Thursday evening with the Sunburst Soiree, our VIP opening night celebration.
Filmmakers, sponsors and VIP passholders are invited to The Essence on Broad for an evening of music, community, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a delicious signature cocktail.
It's casual. It's chic. It's a chance to meet the filmmakers whose work you'll be watching all weekend.
And yes, we encourage you to have a little fun with the dress code.
Suggested attire: casual, festive & unique.
After the soiree, the celebration continues at The Watering Hole from 8:30–11 PM.
Filmmakers, sponsors & VIPs only. Badges required.
🪩 DANCE YOUR WAY INTO THE WEEKEND
Dusk in Bloom + Groove Skeleton Band | Friday, September 11 | 8–10 PM
The Old Jail at the Iredell Arts Council: 203 S. Meeting St. Statesville, NC
Friday night, we're opening the doors of the historic Old Jail and turning up the volume.
Dusk in Bloom is Full Bloom's free Friday night party featuring the Groove Skeleton Band, food trucks, drinks, dancing and a specialty cocktail served through an ice luge.
Yes. An ice luge.
Come hang out with festivalgoers, filmmakers and friends, grab something delicious from a food truck, listen to some live music and dance your way through the night.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Suggested attire: bring your best street style. Comfortable, stylish and ready for anything.
And when the music winds down at the Old Jail, the night isn't over.
Head to Red Buffalo Brewing for the official after-party from 10 PM–midnight.
🌙 CLOSE OUT THE FESTIVAL IN STYLE
Moonlight & Magnolias | Saturday, September 12 | 8–10 PM
The Coarsey Home
After three days of films, conversations, discoveries and celebrations, Full Bloom comes to a glamorous close with Moonlight & Magnolias, our exclusive VIP Awards Night celebration.
Set in the lush garden of the Coarsey Home, the evening honors the standout filmmakers of the 2026 festival.
Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, signature cocktails, creative décor and an evening designed to celebrate the artists who brought their stories to Statesville.
Suggested attire: formal flair—classic with a touch of the unexpected.
After the awards, keep the celebration going at D'Laney's Sports Bar & Grill from 10 PM–midnight.
Filmmakers, sponsors & VIPs only. Badges required.
YOUR FULL BLOOM NIGHTS
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly night under the stars, live music and dancing, a chance to mingle with filmmakers or an excuse to get dressed up, Full Bloom has a night for you.
Wednesday, September 9
🍿 The Princess Bride — FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Thursday, September 10
Sunburst Soiree — VIP Opening Night
After Party at The Watering Hole
Friday, September 11
Dusk in Bloom + Groove Skeleton Band — FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
After Party at Red Buffalo Brewing
Saturday, September 12
Moonlight & Magnolias — VIP Awards Night
After Party at D'Laney's Sports Bar & Grill
Three days of independent film. Four nights of gathering. And a whole lot of reasons to stay downtown a little longer.
Come for the films. Stay for the party.
