MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Film Festival invites film lovers to get a jump on the most anticipated film event of the year with an exclusive First Look at the Fest on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:00 PM at Flix Brewhouse Madison. This special preview night is a chance to dive into the 2026 festival lineup before anyone else—all while enjoying craft brews and great food at one of Madison’s premier cinema destinations.
Attendees will receive advance access to the print edition of the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival Film Guide—available a day before its official release in Isthmus. Festival programmers will be on hand throughout the evening to share their picks, offer behind-the-scenes perspectives on this year’s selections, and help attendees build the perfect festival schedule tailored to their taste.
The night features exclusive previews of festival films, as well as complimentary food and beverages courtesy of Flix Brewhouse, and early ticket access to reserve seats before the general public gets to do so on March 7. Attendees may secure up to two tickets per screening during this exclusive window—so come ready to grab some tickets!
“First Look at the Fest is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Outreach Program Director Ben Reiser. “There’s nothing quite like gathering with fellow film enthusiasts, flipping through a brand-new film guide, and watching trailers for films we can’t wait to share with Madison audiences. This year’s lineup of films and guests is truly special, and we’re thrilled to give our most dedicated supporters a first look.”
Admission is $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Tickets are available at https://wifilmfest.eventive.org/passes/buy. The 28th Wisconsin Film Festival will run from April 9 to 16, 2026. Public ticket sales open Saturday, March 7, at noon CST. General admission tickets are $12 each, and All-Festival passes are available for $325. Visit https://wifilmfest.eventive.org/passes/buy to purchase.
About the Wisconsin Film Festival
Since 1999, the Wisconsin Film Festival has curated, promoted, and exhibited programs showcasing the art and the history of world cinema. Currently presented under the auspices of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Communication Arts, the Festival supports UW’s teaching, research, and public service mission by exposing the campus and the greater Madison community to films and filmmakers from Wisconsin and beyond. As cinema is an essential art form that enriches the human experience and enhances one’s knowledge of a variety of cultures, the Festival seeks to create a strong sense of community through curating a vast body of films and through the creation of gatherings before and after screenings that welcome diverse communities. With the ever-evolving technology of the film industry, the Festival strives to screen movies using state-of-the-art projection and sound while creating opportunities for younger students to experience cinema from around the world through field trips, special presentations, and community outreach.