The annual Big Blue Film Fest (BBFF), showcasing ocean-themed films that connect science and the arts, returns to Newport Jan. 23-24. This year’s festival features 37 films by local and international filmmakers. In total, there are 11 hours of films guaranteed to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences with stories about one of our planet's most essential resources.

The festival's films are grouped into six two-hour blocks and can be viewed at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Newport Performing Arts Center. Tickets for each block are $15 for adults and $12 for students. A $70 All-Access Pass provides admission to any three film blocks and includes entry to the Reception Night on Fri., Jan. 23. Most screenings take place Sat., Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Each block includes filmmaker interviews and Q&A sessions with marine scientists. Refreshments will be available for purchase at both venues. A detailed schedule of film blocks, times, and locations is available at bigbluefilmfest.com.

Reception Night, catered by Clearwater Restaurant with complimentary food and drinks, will be held Fri., Jan. 23, from 5-8 p.m. Tickets for this event are $40. The evening includes screenings of all six award-winning films and concludes with a Q&A session featuring key cast members, scientists, and producers of the Best Film winner, We Simply Liked It: Steinbeck, Ricketts, and the Return of the Western Flyer, directed by Aaron Straight. The film tells the story of the iconic Western Flyer’s restoration and return to scientific operations—highlighting the vessel’s scientific, cultural, and artistic legacy.

Tickets can be purchased online, in-person at the Newport Performing Arts Center's ticket office, or by calling 541-265-ARTS. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the day of the event, but organizers recommend securing seats in advance due to sold-out blocks in past years.

Festival hotel partners, The Hallmark Resort Newport and The Allred, are offering 20% off the best available room rate for festival goers from Jan. 22-26, 2026. To receive a discount, use the booking code BIGBLUE26 when making a reservation online or by phone.

The Big Blue Film Fest is a collaboration between Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Performing Arts Center.