Frequently asked questions

GETTING THERE

Whether you arrive by car, TRAX, bike or rideshare, there are several ways to get to the Backyard Film Bash. With thousands of guests expected, we strongly encourage carpooling and public transportation whenever possible.

TRAX

The easiest way to get to the BFB! And TRAX is FREE all weekend 

Smith’s Ballpark is just steps from the Ballpark TRAX Station, served by the Red, Blue and Green lines. Get off at Ballpark Station..

Driving & Parking

Event parking is available in the area surrounding Smith’s Ballpark, including lots near the venue. 

North Parking Lot: The North Parking Lot is located directly across 1300 South from Smith’s Ballpark. Parking is first-come, first-served. If you’re driving, we recommend arriving early, carpooling with friends and family, and allowing extra time to find parking and walk to the venue. Do not park in restricted areas or neighboring private lots.

Bike

Biking to the Bash? Bike parking is available near the Ballpark. Please bring your own lock and secure your bike before heading inside.

Accessible Arrival

Smith’s Ballpark is ADA accessible, with accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and designated accessible parking/drop-off areas. Guests who need assistance should follow accessibility signage or speak with an event staff member when they arrive.

Plan Ahead

Gates open at 3:00 PM. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, park or take TRAX, get through entry, and settle in. Come early and make an afternoon of it—there will be live music, food, activities, art and plenty happening before the films begin.

WHAT TO BRING

Here is our recommended checklist to have the best day at BFB:

  • Low back chairs or blankets
  • Warm clothes for after dark
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Sunscreen and sunhat
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Snacks

FIELD SEATING

  • The BFB is general admission and guests are encouraged to enjoy the films and entertainment from the ballpark field. You can pick your spot as soon as you enter and then go enjoy the festival. The stadium stands will be available if needed.  
  • Guests should bring their own low-profile seating, such as a blanket, picnic blanket, low-back lawn chair, or other low seating designed for outdoor events.
  • Please keep chairs and other seating low enough that they do not obstruct the view of guests behind you.
  • Oversized chairs, high-back chairs, loungers, inflatable furniture, or anything that significantly obstructs sightlines are not permitted.
  • Please keep blankets, chairs, and personal belongings within a reasonable space for your party.
  • Accessible seating and pathways will be available for guests who need them.

COME PREPARED FOR THE WEATHER

Backyard Film Bash takes place outdoors, so come prepared for an evening at the ballpark.

Consider bringing:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hats and sunglasses
  • Layers for cooler evening temperatures
  • Blankets
  • Low-profile lawn chairs
  • Water bottles
  • A light jacket or rain layer if needed
  • Compact or folding umbrella

The event will take place rain or shine unless weather conditions become unsafe. Event organizers will communicate any significant weather-related changes.

PACK A PICNIC

We encourage families and groups to make an evening of it!

Guests may bring a limited amount of food and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption, including the following allowed:

  • Reusable water bottles (encouraged!)
  • Picnic snacks: fruit, vegetables and small meals
  • Snacks and drinks for children
  • Baby formula, bottles and baby food
  • Food required for medical or dietary needs

Please keep food and beverages to a reasonable amount for your group. Backyard Film Bash is not intended for large coolers, catered meals, or group picnics.

BEVERAGES

  • Glass bottles and containers are not permitted. Reusable water bottles are encouraged.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages are welcome in reasonable quantities. You may not bring alcohol into the venue.
  • Alcoholic beverages may only be purchased and consumed in areas designated by Smith’s Ballpark and Backyard Film Bash.

FAMILIES & YOUNG PEOPLE

Kids, teens, and families are a big part of Backyard Film Bash. Bring what you need to keep your family comfortable.

Permitted family items include:

  • Diaper bags and essential baby supplies
  • Baby food, formula, and bottles
  • Small coolers for food and beverages
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal medications and necessary medical supplies
  • Strollers and child carriers, subject to venue approval and designated areas

Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children and young people in their care. Please use designated activity areas for active play and keep aisles, pathways and viewing areas clear.

PHONES, CAMERAS & RECORDING

Personal photography and short social-media videos are welcome, as long as they do not interfere with other guests’ experience.

Please do not use tripods, large camera rigs, professional recording equipment, or drones without prior authorization.

PLEASE LEAVE THESE AT HOME

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the following items are not permitted:

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Firearms, knives, or other items that could be used as weapons
  • Pepper spray
  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances
  • Fireworks, sparklers or pyrotechnics
  • Glass containers
  • Drones
  • Laser pointers
  • Large or oversized coolers
  • Grills, camp stoves or open flames
  • Large tents, canopies or structures
  • Oversized chairs, high-back chairs or loungers
  • Large umbrellas that obstruct the view of other guests
  • Portable speakers or amplified sound equipment
  • Dog (except service dogs)
  • Air horns, whistles or other noisemakers
  • Skateboards, scooters, bicycles or similar equipment
  • Balls, Frisbees or other recreational projectiles on the event field
  • Confetti, glitter or similar materials
  • Professional photography or recording equipment without authorization
  • Large signs, banners or poles that obstruct views
  • Any item that event or venue staff determine may present a safety concern or interfere with the event

BAGS & SECURITY

All guests and personal items are subject to security screening upon entry. To make entry easier, please bring only what you need and use smaller bags whenever possible. Diaper bags, small coolers, and bags containing food, beverages, or necessary family items will be subject to inspection.

DURING THE FILMS

Backyard Film Bash showcases the creativity of filmmakers from our community and beyond. 

Please help us give every film the audience it deserves.

During screenings:

  • Please keep conversations at a considerate volume.
  • Silence or minimize phone use.
  • Avoid walking directly in front of the screen whenever possible.
  • Please keep children supervised and within your group.
  • If you need to step away, use designated pathways and exits.
  • Be respectful of filmmakers, performers, and fellow audience members.

BE KIND. HAVE FUN. MAKE ROOM FOR EACH OTHER.

Backyard Film Bash is designed to feel like a great big community backyard—somewhere you can spread out a blanket, share some food, watch great films, listen to music, and spend time together.

Thanks for helping us create a safe, welcoming, and memorable night for filmmakers, families, young people, and our entire community.

See you in our Backyard!