The new Wild and Free Film Festival (WAFFF), dedicated to environmental storytelling and the natural world, opens at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 with a party at Elings Park in Santa Barbara.

The family event, presented by Santa Barbara Honda, will have live music by ’80s band Neon Blonde, food trucks, local beer and wine, an interactive nonprofit village, special guest conversation, and a showing of the movie “The Goonies” on an outdoor screen at 8 p.m.

“This isn’t your typical environmental film festival,” said Gareth Kelly, founder/executive director of WAFFF. “We wanted something more genre defying, an event that brings people and the community together to celebrate the natural world and humanity’s place within it. And what better way to kick it off than with ‘The Goonies.’”

A month later, WAFFF will continue the nature-based event with a three-day cinema fest, Nov. 14-16 at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta, showcasing more than 30 films that span cultures, genres and wild terrains.

The festival will include filmmaker Q&As and panels, award presentations, parties, and community events.

According to organizers, the Wild and Free Film Festival is committed to showcasing films that defy genres, challenge the status quo, and ignite conversations.

“Born from a deep love for nature and a drive to celebrate every species, every ecosystem, and every storyteller — WAFFF is committed to expanding the definition of ‘nature films’ to include unexpected, daring, and visually stunning perspectives, both documentary and narrative,” organizers said.

In addition to presenting sponsor Santa Barbara Honda, WAFFF is supported by Yardi, UCLA Health , Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the city of Goleta, Elings Park, Santa Barbara Zoo, South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Cox Communications, Echobend Pictures, Visit Santa Barbara, and others.