Banff Mountain Film Festival Lands in Downieville, CA This Weekend
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
This weekend, April 4–6, the quiet mountain town of Downieville, California, comes alive with stories that soar — on the screen and on the trails. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is rolling into the Yuba Theatre, bringing with it a celebration of adventure, resilience, and wild places that mirrors the very soul of this iconic Sierra Nevada town.
For anyone craving a spontaneous escape filled with inspiring films, small-town hospitality, and just maybe your first ride of the spring season, Downieville’s got your number.
Films that Stir the Soul in a Town that Feeds the Spirit
The Banff Mountain Film Festival isn’t just another night at the movies — it’s a global celebration of the outdoors, featuring jaw-dropping cinematography, human-powered stories, and glimpses into corners of the earth few ever reach. Experiencing Banff in Downieville, surrounded by towering pines and historic Gold Rush charm, is the kind of weekend that reminds you why you fell in love with the mountains in the first place.
This year’s Downieville screenings stretch across three evenings — April 4, 5, and 6 — inside the cozy and character-rich Yuba Theatre. It’s intimate, it’s passionate, and it draws a community that loves wild places just as much as you do.
Start the Weekend with a Ride — Because It’s Downieville
You can’t talk about Downieville without hearing the call of the trail. And yes — for the faithful few watching the forecast and checking trail reports — this might just be the weekend to sneak in your first 2025 ride.
While high-elevation singletrack like the Butcher Ranch descent might still be snow-capped, the lower trails around town and stretches of the North Yuba Trail could be good to go, especially for gravel and early-season flow lovers. Bring your bike. Bring your stoke. Even a couple of hours spinning along the river before the film starts will make you feel like you just scored the first lap of the season.
If you’re not quite ready to ride, take a hike along the river or explore the historic footbridges and mining-era paths. Downieville always delivers, on or off the saddle.
Stay in Style: Cozy Comfort Meets Mountain Culture
Turn the Banff Film Festival into a full-blown mountain retreat with the Banff Film Festival Lodging Package available through the Carriage House Inn and Riverside Mountain Lodge. Packages are available according to the Website.
- A Queen Suite for the weekend
- Two Banff Film Festival tickets
- Friday evening charcuterie board from Boomtown Lounge
- Cold Rush Café gift card for movie intermission pick-me-ups
- And a welcome basket with local treats and handpicked Downieville charm
It’s the perfect setup for a weekend that’s equal parts adrenaline, relaxation, and local flavor.
Food, Film, and Fresh Air: The Perfect Trio
Here’s how the weekend could look:
- Friday afternoon: roll into town, check into your suite, stretch the legs with a riverside walk or shakeout ride, and enjoy a curated charcuterie plate before the lights dim at the Yuba Theatre.
- Saturday: Start the day with coffee and breakfast from Cold Rush, then hit a local trail or explore the town’s backstreets and historic bridges. Grab tacos from La Cocina De Oro, which reopens just in time for the weekend, and catch round two of Banff’s inspiring film selections.
- Sunday: Enjoy a relaxed morning with a short hike or riverfront stroll before heading home — minds buzzing with film-fueled wanderlust and hearts refreshed by Sierra serenity.
Where to Stay in Downieville
You’ll find plenty of lodging options and places to stay in and around Downieville that offer the amenities and conveniences you’re used to at home. No matter where you decide to stay, you’re guaranteed to experience and enjoy the historic charm of our community that was established during the gold rush of the mid-1800s. While much has progressed since then, the old-world feel of this original settlement is still very much a part of our town.
Don’t just watch the adventure — live it.
This weekend, Downieville delivers on every front: world-class films, small-town soul, trailhead temptations, and a reminder that the best stories are the ones you experience for yourself.
