MORE BETTER
Festival Experiences
Detroit, USA. Sept., 18 -21, 2025
The films are the heart of the festival (see the At-A-Glance schedule), but we take it beyond the screen. Better Cities Film Festival is an opportunity for the community of people who work on making our cities, towns, and neighborhoods better (community workers and activists, placemakers, planners, architects, developers, artists, entrepreneurs, government leaders) to come together to celebrate cities, experience their nooks and crannies, learn from each other, and have a lot of fun. These talks, tours, and social events are the festival experiences we call More Better.
THURSDAY
Opening Happy Hour
Where: Campus Martius, Cabana 313, 2nd Floor.
When: 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Kick the film festival with a favorite libation at Cabana 313, the new two story social hub at Campus Martius. Grab a drink or bite to eat on the 1st floor then come upstairs to the BCFF reserved 2nd floor to meet other attendees and filmmakers before its showtime.
Group Bike Ride from Campus Martius to Eastern Market.
Where: From Campus Martius to Eastern Market
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30
How: Ride with the Detroit Greenways Coalition on a guided tour along the riverfront and Dequindre Cut, exploring the history and impact of Detroit’s bike and pedestrian projects. Learn how these trails have shaped community life and fueled downtown’s revitalization. Bring your own bike, or rent from the handy MoGo bike share, for this easy, low-impact ride. The journey ends at Eastern Market just in time for Eastern Market After Dark — Detroit’s biggest celebration of art, design, and creativity.
Presented by: Detroit Greenways Coalition
The Detroit Greenway Coalition’s (DGC) vision is “a strong, healthy, vibrant City of Detroit and region where a seamless network of greenways, green spaces, blue ways and complete streets is an integral part of people’s active lifestyle including day-to-day transportation and recreation.”
Eastern Market After Dark
Where: 2934 Russell Street,
Detroit
What? Eastern Market is famous as one of the largest open-air food markets in the country — but for one night each year, it transforms into the beating heart of Detroit’s creative scene. Eastern Market After Dark fills the sheds and streets with music performances, fashion shows, art installations, dance parties, and endless food stands. It’s the signature event of the Detroit Month of Design, drawing the city’s artistic and design community together in one unforgettable night. While not hosted by BCFF, we’ll be there for dinner and wandering.
When: 7:30 - Till Late
FRIDAY
Noodles and New Urbanism
Where: Get a free ticket for this event at our ticketing page and location will be email to you.
When: 12:30 - 3:00 PM
Presented by: Josh Paget, the director of Better Cities Film Festival
Before it was a film festival, BCFF began as a book group called “Noodles & New Urbanism.” Join us for a bike ride, a PARK(ing) Day stop, and a shared meal of noodles and conversation.
Friday Night After Party
Where: Café d’Mongo’s Speakeasy, 1439 Griswold St, Detroit
When: 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Presented by: CNU Michigan
A BCFF tradition! Unwind at Detroit’s legendary Café d’Mongo’s, hailed as “the best bar in the world.” With live music and unforgettable vibes, it’s the perfect spot to cut loose after a full day of screenings.
SATURDAY
Unofficial State of the City: Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with Mark Nickita
Where: Tour starts at Siren Hotel,1509 Broadway When: 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Presented by: CNU Michigan
Take a witty and hopeful walk through downtown with architect Mark Nickita. Hear stories of Detroit’s remarkable revitalization, the visionaries behind it, and why this city’s heart was never lost — only waiting to be revived.
Workshop: Beyond the Frame
Where: Cabana 313, Campus Martius, 2nd floor.
When: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Presented by: Josh Paget, the director of Better Cities Film Festival
Films don’t just tell stories — they spark change. This workshop brings together filmmakers, advocates, and community leaders to explore screenings, partnerships, and storytelling strategies that move audiences from awareness to action.
Filmmaker Networking Event
Where: Where: Campus Martius, Cabana 313, 2nd Floor.
When: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Detroit Film Outreach
Filmmakers of all genres — local and visiting — are invited to connect, share projects, and spark collaborations. Hosted with Detroit Film Outreach, this casual mixer is a great way to meet peers before the evening screening.
Grab a drink or bite to eat on the 1st floor then come upstairs to the BCFF reserved 2nd floor to meet other attendees and filmmakers before its showtime.
Saturday Night After Party
Where: TBD - Watch this space
When: 10:00 PM till late
Saturday night is all about casual connection. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and trade stories with filmmakers, audiences, and community leaders. Expect conversation, laughter, and festival reflections that stretch long into the night.
SUNDAY
Church Service: Guest Preacher BCCF’s Festival Director
Where: Christ Church Detroit, 960 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48207
When: 10:00 AM
Worship at Christ Church Detroit, where Festival Director Josh Paget will be guest preacher. This historic congregation has stood at the city’s heart for over a century and is committed to rebuilding community and compassion today.
Closing Night Dinner
Where: Niki’s Pizza, 1735 Beaubien Blvd. Greektown, Detroit.
When: 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Celebrate the end of the festival at Niki’s Pizza, named one of Detroit’s best by GQ and the Free Press. Share slices, laughter, and gratitude with filmmakers, volunteers, and friends as we toast to next year.