Exploring the Tribeca Film Festival

Every spring, the world’s best movie stars descend on New York City for the Tribeca Film Festival. Launched in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro, the festival was founded to celebrate the Big Apple as a major filmmaking center, especially in lower Manhattan. Consequently, each year the film festival expands, premiering an increasing number of films along with parties, lectures, exhibitions, and other engaging events.

Things to Do at the Tribeca Film Festival:

• Hundreds of films, television shows, short movies, and even VR programs are launched at the Tribeca Film Festival. While a few are invitation-only, many premieres are open to the public. These films are showcased at various theaters and venues across the city, with tickets priced between $10 and $20. For a comprehensive list of available tickets, check the website.
• The festival hosts numerous talks and concerts, many of which are free. These discussions bring together experts from around the world to address intriguing topics, while the concerts offer a fun and interactive experience. A complete schedule will be available on the website closer to the event dates.
• One of the festival’s most popular events is the Tribeca Drive-In, where you can enjoy dinner while watching a film curated by the festival programmers. This unique experience takes place at Westfield, an indoor shopping plaza in Tribeca. To find the schedule for the drive-in, visit the website.

Ticket Prices for the Festival

• General Screening Ticket: $10-20
• Panel Discussion Ticket: $40
• Discounts are available for downtown residents, students, and seniors, who can receive $2 off general screenings and $3 off other tickets when purchased at the box office (proof of status or residency required).
• To ensure the best access and availability, consider purchasing one of the Tribeca Film Festival Passes or Ticket Packages. These passes go on sale before individual tickets become available, granting purchasers advance access to their choice of screenings.
• If you seek a last-minute movie experience without a pre-purchased ticket, there remains an option: approximately 45 minutes prior to each premiere, a line forms outside the theater for rush tickets, which will be distributed 15 minutes before the event until the theater is full. For more information, visit the website.

Tips for Enjoying the Festival

If you have never attended the Tribeca Film Festival before—or even if you have—you’ll find benefit in tips for spotting celebrities, securing good seats, and enhancing your overall experience.

Where to Eat and Drink during the Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca is a neighborhood recognized for much more than its esteemed Film Festival; it boasts an array of delicious culinary options. Be sure to visit some of these recommended restaurants while enjoying the festival:

• Family Friendly: For family fun, look no further than Bubby’s, a delightful diner serving comforting dishes, from French toast to matzah ball soup. Be aware that it tends to get busy on weekends, so making a reservation is advisable.
• Quick Bite: A New York City classic is Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish. The name speaks for itself: order an everything bagel loaded with all the tasty trimmings.
• Celebrity Spotting: Locanda Verde, owned by Robert De Niro, is a popular spot among celebrities. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of anyone famous, it’s worth a visit for the exceptional pasta.
• Just for Drinks: Ward 3 offers delicious cocktails in a relaxed and friendly environment. It’s an ideal venue for mingling with locals and enjoying the casual vibe.