Insider’s Guide to the Woods Hole Film Festival
Movies, music, panels, and parties. It’s that time of year again, when the village of Woods Hole comes alive for the country’s premier independent film festival. This year’s event kicks off on Saturday, July 27 and runs through Saturday, August 3, showcasing 170 films from around the world. With eight days of screenings, panel discussions, master classes and more, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You decide what you want to see and do, and Falmouth Visitor will take care of the rest…
Getting There
Woods Hole’s unassuming charm makes it the perfect backdrop for this quintessential Cape Cod event. By late July, the mellow streets that surround Eel Pond are suddenly bursting with creative movers and shakers, all gathered to celebrate the very best in independent film. Often referred to as the “Cambridge of the Cape,” Woods Hole is best explored on foot, and a car is more of a hindrance than a help. If you’re coming from the city by bus, or from Martha’s Vineyard by boat, you’re golden.
Most of the venues are right in the Village, less than a ten-minute walk from each other, except for Grumpy’s Pub and Falmouth Academy, a few miles up the road in downtown Falmouth. It’s especially tricky to score parking during the Festival, so you might as well save yourself the time and worry. The Shining Sea Bikeway begins in North Falmouth end ends right in front of the Steamship Authority and Quicks Hole Tavern, or you can leave your car at the Falmouth Mall and take Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s WHOOSH Trolley all the way to Woods Hole. Look for the brand-new blue trolley right in front of Michael’s craft store near Wal-Mart. Climb aboard and sit back and enjoy the ride, which travels down Route 28, Main Street, and Woods Hole Road, where passengers can get on and off at designated stops. The $2 per person one-way fee is a bargain, but make sure you have exact change as your driver will be too busy delivering you safely to your destination.
Get Advance Tickets
Okay, people. This isn’t a drill. When we say the films and special events will sell out, we mean it. Although tickets will be sold during the Festival at the Woods Hole fire station next to Community Hall, we highly recommend securing yours in advance. Visit the Woods Hole Film Festival website to purchase tickets, packages, and passes, or you can stop into their second floor office at 89 Water Street near Woods Hole Market. While you’re there, get some early holiday shopping done and stock up on this year’s exclusive festival apparel.
Local Charm
You’ll fall in love with the authentic vibe at any of the eclectic waterfront eateries, pubs, and coffee shops in Woods Hole. Start your day with locally-roasted coffee at Pie in the Sky Bakery & Cafe, also known for their epic popovers. For a quick lunch, hit up Quicks Hole Taqueria for their inventive and unforgettable lobster tacos. Then check out Jimmy’s Classic Eats right next door for dessert, where you can re-live your childhood with decadent craft donuts, like Butterfinger and Reese’s. If you want to kick back between screenings, grab a freshly-squeezed libation at the Landfall and head out to the dock where you can dip your toes in Great Harbor.
And if you want to cool down during the hustle and bustle of the festival, head to Stoney Beach, nestled right around the corner from the Woods Hole Science Aquarium on Gosnold Road. Enjoy a picnic and evening swim while witnessing the curtain call of a sunset you won’t soon forget. Welcome to Falmouth. This is why we live here…
Insider's Guide to Falmouth
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Historic North Falmouth
