The Wild & Free Film Festival (WAFFF) has announced its 2026 season as the festival enters its second year with expanded programming, growing audience demand, and newly established nonprofit status.
Following a successful inaugural festival in 2025 that attracted thousands of attendees from across the Central Coast and Southern California region, WAFFF’s 2026 season will feature three events celebrating outdoor, adventure, and environmentally inspired storytelling.
The season opens 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta with a curated selection of short films from Kendal Mountain Festival, a leader in outdoor and adventure storytelling.
Kendal is within the UK’s largest national park, the Lake District, and is the birthplace of Gareth Kelly, WAFFF founder and executive director.
Festival tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children, $18 for students, and are on sale at www.wildandfreefilm.org.
In October WAFFF will host its Outdoor Movie Night at Elings Park with a large-scale screening featuring live music, a nonprofit adventure village, food and drink vendors, and a family-friendly feature film.
The season culminates with WAFFF’s festival weekend in November in Goleta, featuring short and feature-length documentary and narrative films from around the world, along with filmmaker Q&As, panels, and special events. Film submissions are now open.
2026 also marks a milestone for WAFFF as it recently secured its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, enabling the festival to expand programming and deepen partnerships with community organizations and regional supporters.
“Entering our second year as a nonprofit gives us a strong foundation to grow Wild & Free into a signature arts and culture event for Goleta and the region,” said Kelly.
“We’re building a year-round program of events focused on outdoor, adventure, and environmental storytelling, creating meaningful experiences while contributing to the local economy and supporting the broader community,” Kelly said.
Santa Barbara Honda & Acura will return as the festival’s presenting sponsor for 2026, continuing its support following a key role in the festival’s inaugural year.
“We’re incredibly grateful to welcome back Santa Barbara Honda & Acura as our presenting sponsor as we grow into our second year,” Kelly said. “Their support has helped us build something that resonates with this community, and we look forward to continuing that partnership.”
Learn more at www.wildandfreefilm.org.