Coast Film & Music Festival (CFMF) is stoked to announce the dates for its eagerly awaited 7th Annual Film & Music Festival, running from November 1-9, 2025.
This year’s festival spans across the Laguna Beach landscape with films and special programming at Festival of Arts, Rivian South Coast Theater, Films on Forest Ave., Hobie Surf Shop, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, LBUSD schools, and for the first time, the historic Irvine Bowl, featuring musical icons who share the festival’s passion for adventure and positive change.
CFMF is the signature event produced by the Coast Film Foundation (CFF), which hosts events throughout the year promoting films, supporting filmmakers of all ages, building community, and inspiring positive change through storytelling. CFF is also proud to announce that it has recently been awarded $5,000 by the FOA Foundation to support the Coast Film Foundation’s student and youth programming during CFMF’25. This grant will help expand educational opportunities and mentorship programs for young filmmakers and environmental advocates. (Or more generic – emerging filmmaker programs and community arts and entertainment programs?)
The Historic Irvine Bowl – A New Chapter
For the first time in its storied history, CFMF will present live concerts at the iconic Irvine Bowl, the historic 2,600-seat outdoor amphitheater that has been the heart of Laguna Beach’s cultural scene since 1941. Donated by James Irvine and dedicated on July 30, 1941, the venue was established specifically for “public concerts, theatrical performances, festivals, exhibits, and cultural events.” While renowned worldwide for the annual Pageant of the Masters, CFMF is proud to set a new precedent by bringing live music concerts to this sacred space, opening new possibilities for the venue’s cultural programming.
Passes and tickets will be available after Labor Day. Festival highlights include:
• 80+ documentary and adventure films
• Coast Summit Symposium
• Q&As with film directors, athletes, and special guests
• Speaker panels and workshops
• Youth Filmmaker and environmental stewardship programs
• The first-ever Coast Concert at the historic Irvine Bowl
• Live music performances throughout the festival
• Art exhibitions and artist signings
• The Do Good Village with sponsors, non-profits, and environmental partners
• Networking opportunities with filmmakers, athletes, and creators
• Local food, drink, and entertainment
Coast Summit
Returning on Thursday, November 6th is Coast Summit 2025, presented by A New Earth Project. “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” is this year’s theme and includes thought leaders, subject experts and conversations about the interconnected relationship between human health and environmental wellbeing. The theme recognizes that our personal health is fundamentally linked to the health of our planet – clean air and water, sustainable food systems, reduced exposure to toxins and pollutants, and access to natural spaces are essential for both human flourishing and ecological balance.
Previous summits have featured sustainability experts and professional athletes, attracting passionate changemakers, creators, industry professionals, city leaders, and students who understand that protecting our environment isn’t just about conservation – it’s about ensuring healthy communities and a livable future for all.
To learn more, visit www.coastfilmfestival.com.
About Coast Film & Music Festival
Launched in 2019, the Coast Film & Music Festival celebrates adventure and outdoor-inspired films, culture, and community in Laguna Beach, CA. At the heart of our mission is amplifying purpose-driven filmmaking that showcases stories igniting positive change. We believe exceptional films possess the transformative ability to reshape the world. Our diverse programming includes film screenings, environmental education, speaker panels, multi-genre music, and exciting outdoor experiences that leave audiences entertained, informed, and inspired. #coastfilmfestival #comecuriousleaveinspired
About Coast Film Foundation
The Coast Film Foundation (CFF) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Laguna Beach, CA. Founded in 2022, its mission is to promote film appreciation, support filmmakers, and amplify stories that drive positive social and environmental change. The foundation extends the purpose of the Coast Film and Music Festival by offering programs for filmmakers, community shows, film awards, grants, scholarships, and education.
