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Chesapeake Film Festival Announces Harbor Lights Soirée Benefit and Free Summer Adventure Movie Series
EASTON, MD — In its 19th season, Chesapeake Film Festival continues its mission to bring thought-provoking independent film, international voices, and emerging creative talent to audiences on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Each year the festival welcomes filmmakers and audiences for screenings, conversations, and special events that celebrate the power of storytelling through film. CFF will return to historic downtown Easton, Maryland this Fall, October 8-10, continuing its tradition of presenting dynamic programming in partnership with leading cultural institutions and community organizations.
The Festival is pleased to announce two new exciting seasonal offerings: the Harbor Lights Soirée, a signature fundraising event celebrating the Chesapeake Bay, and a FREE Summer Adventure Movie Series presented in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library.
Harbor Lights Soirée: A Cocktail Benefit for the Chesapeake Film Festival
CFF invites the community to an elegant early summer gathering at the Harbor Lights Soirée, an evening of cocktails, seasonal cuisine, and celebration in support of independent film on the Eastern Shore.
Event Details: Saturday, June 27, 2026 5:00 – 7:00 PM Eastern Shore Conservation Center 114 S. Washington St, Easton, MD
Tickets: $100 Available at: www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com The soirée will feature catering by Piazza Italian Market, along with a live auction led by Barry Ratcliffe. Barry Ratcliffe is an award-winning actor best known as "Hollywood's Auctioneer", most recently on Dan Levy’s number one new show on Netflix, “Big Mistakes” starring Dan Levy, Taylor Ortega, and Laurie Metcalf.
The evening’s premier auction item is a two-night deluxe stay at the renowned Inn at Perry Cabin, complete with daily breakfast and a private sunset sail for up to six guests. Other important auction opportunities will support festival programming priorities including Student-Focused Programs, Environmental & Mission Programming, Community & Festival Sustainability, Artist & Filmmaker Support, and Essential Film Access.
Guests are invited to celebrate the beauty, culture, and storytelling spirit of the Chesapeake Bay while supporting the continued growth of the region’s vibrant film community.
FREE Summer Adventure Movie Series -- Presented with the Talbot County Free Library
Continuing its commitment to accessible arts programming, CFF is proud to co-present a FREE Summer Adventure Movie Series with the Talbot County Free Library, offering beloved classics for audiences of all ages as we celebrate the country’s 250th Anniversary.
Screening Schedule:
Jurassic Park (33rd Anniversary) Friday, July 10, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough Synopsis: When scientists preview a billionaire’s dinosaur theme park, a system failure unleashes chaos—and a desperate fight for survival—in Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking blockbuster.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (45th Anniversary) Friday, July 31, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stars: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman Synopsis: Daring archaeologist Indiana Jones races against Nazi forces to find the biblical Ark of the Covenant before it can be weaponized, in a globe-trotting adventure from director Steven Spielberg blending action, humor, and myth.
Stand by Me (40th Anniversary) Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell Synopsis: In the summer of 1959, four boys set out to find a missing child, facing danger and self-discovery along the way in this heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship and growing up. Based on a novella by Stephen King and directed by Rob Reiner.
National Treasure (22nd Anniversary) Saturday, August 29, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stars: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight Synopsis: Historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates follows a centuries-old trail of clues hidden in America’s founding documents—including the United States Declaration of Independence—to uncover a legendary treasure, racing against rivals while deciphering codes and protecting a national secret. Directed by Jon Turteltaub.
All screenings are free and open to the public, no reservations required.
FESTIVAL KEY DATES – details available at www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com
June 21 Film Submission Deadline via FilmFreeway
https://filmfreeway.com/chesapeakefilmfestival
June 27 Harbor Lights Soiree fundraiser and live auction
Available Now Tickets now available – www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com
July/August FREE Summer Adventure Film Series – Talbot County Free Library
Friday, July 10, 2026 — 2:00 PM Jurassic Park (33rd Anniversary),
Friday, July 31, 2026 — 2:00 PM Raiders of the Lost Ark (45th Anniversary)
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stand by Me (40th Anniversary)
Saturday, August 29, 2026 — 2:00 PM National Treasure (22nd Anniversary)
October 8 - 10 Chesapeake Film Festival, downtown Easton – Ebenezer Theater, Academy Art Museum and Talbot County Free Library
CFF programming is brought to you by our generous sponsors Bluepoint Hospitality, the Shared Earth Foundation, Artistic Insights Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot Arts, Talbot County Free Library, Shore United Bank, Easton Utilities, Laser Letters, Maxine Millar, Philip and Karen Morrison, Richard and Beverly Tilghman and by generous patrons like you. For further information about becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival or to become a Volunteer, please email: artisticdirector@chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
For additional information about tickets, submissions, sponsorships, or festival programming, please visit www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
