Pickford Film Center
Bellingham's nonprofit art house cinema, screening indie, international, and documentary films 365 days a year. A cultural cornerstone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Pickford Film Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bellingham's nonprofit art house cinema, screening indie, international, and documentary films 365 days a year. A cultural cornerstone.
"My favorite movie theater. The best movies, popcorn/toppings, drinks, and snacks. Kind and helpful staff."
🎯 Check the Schedule
Always check the Pickford Film Center schedule for showtimes and special events.
👂 Bring Ear Protection
Sound volume can be high; earplugs are recommended for sensitive ears.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Independent & International Films
Discover unique cinematic gems and global stories you won't see elsewhere. A true art house experience.
Special Screenings & Events
From horror classics to film festivals and Q&As, there's always something unique happening.
+1
Cozy Lobby & Concessions
Enjoy a selection of snacks, Jones sodas, and even beer & wine while relaxing before your film.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Indie Vibe
Plan Your Visit
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Schedule
Always check the Pickford Film Center schedule for showtimes and special events.
👂 Bring Ear Protection
Sound volume can be high; earplugs are recommended for sensitive ears.
🥤 Concession Delights
Try the Jones sodas and unique snacks; popcorn is good even without butter.
💖 Support Local Cinema
Your ticket purchase supports this vital nonprofit arts organization.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Schedule
Always check the Pickford Film Center schedule for showtimes and special events.
👂 Bring Ear Protection
Sound volume can be high; earplugs are recommended for sensitive ears.
🥤 Concession Delights
Try the Jones sodas and unique snacks; popcorn is good even without butter.
💖 Support Local Cinema
Your ticket purchase supports this vital nonprofit arts organization.
🚗 Parking Downtown
Street parking is available, but can be busy; consider nearby garages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pickford Film Center's commitment to independent and international cinema, friendly staff, and unique concessions. It's a beloved community hub for film lovers seeking an alternative to mainstream theaters. Some minor concerns include occasional loud sound volumes and past issues with ticket policies.
"We have seen about 20 movies here so far. We love supporting "art" movies, and we're happy that we can see the more esoteric independent films here. They also show some of the more artistic mainstream movies. Anyway, we love the Pickford for its offerings and its style. We love the Jones sodas (common flavors in the dispenser, less common ones in bottles at the concession stand) and, I confess, we even appreciated the peanut-butter filled pretzels, which are from Costco, but hey they tasted good! The staff were super friendly and helpful. If we arrive too early to be seated, we can hang out in the lobby (nice that they have tables and chairs) until it's OK to go into the theater. Prepare yourself for about the same number of previews and "ads" that you'd see at a mainstream theater, but you can feel good that your support stays in the community. Restrooms are not gender-based, you have a choice between "stalls" or "urinals". The only disappointment was the popcorn. Maybe because there were so few people in the theater, or the butter stirrer wasn't working, but the whey (watery stuff) had separated from the oil (the "ghee" part) so part of the buttered popcorn was wet. My habit now is to merely get it without butter, it tastes good without it. (You'll probably want to add salt.)
TIP: Take ear protection! Volume is sometimes too loud and the treble is sometimes painfully piercing. Still, highly recommended overall."
Emily Goodin
"My favorite movie theater. The best movies, popcorn/toppings, drinks, and snacks. Kind and helpful staff. Really fun special events. Great atmosphere. It's an all around wonderful place for movie lovers. You can even rent videos here from Film is Truth. The ads aren't obnoxious and only a few previews before the film. PFC forever!"
Haley Jarret
"Great selection of movies and such friendly staff and volunteers. Can always count on to be surprised by a movie we have never heard of.
Also a big fan of their concessions! All the favorites and butter is real!"
Gerry Santillan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pickford Film Center is located in downtown Bellingham. Street parking is available, though it can be competitive during peak times. Several public parking garages are also nearby.
Yes, Bellingham's public transit system serves the downtown area, with several bus routes stopping within walking distance of the Pickford. Check the local transit schedule for routes and times.
Street parking is available on Bay Street and surrounding downtown blocks. For longer stays or when street parking is full, consider the nearby Parkade or other public parking garages.
Absolutely! Bellingham is a bike-friendly city, and there are usually bike racks available downtown. It's a great way to arrive if you're coming from a nearby neighborhood.
Yes, the Pickford Film Center is designed to be accessible, with accessible seating in theaters and accessible restrooms.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can find the most up-to-date Pickford Film Center schedule and showtimes on their official website or by visiting the theater in person.
Ticket prices vary depending on the film and any special events. Check their website for current pricing. They also offer memberships for frequent moviegoers.
Yes, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended, especially for popular films or special screenings, to ensure you get a seat.
The Pickford Film Center sometimes offers discounts for students, seniors, or members. They also have special events and film festivals that may have unique pricing.
Policies on expired tickets or gift certificates can vary. It's best to contact the Pickford Film Center directly to inquire about specific situations, as some users have reported issues with older, unexpired tickets.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The Pickford Film Center specializes in independent films, documentaries, international cinema, and cult classics. They are known for showing movies you won't find at mainstream multiplexes.
They offer a good selection of snacks, including popcorn (which reviewers say is good even without butter), Jones sodas, and other treats. They also serve beer and wine in the lobby.
Some visitors have noted that the sound volume can be quite loud, and the treble can be piercing. Bringing ear protection is a recommended tip for sensitive individuals.
Yes, the Pickford Film Center has a comfortable lobby area with tables and chairs where you can relax before your movie or after.
The Pickford Film Center frequently hosts special events, including horror film series, film festivals, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers or subjects.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is not permitted inside the theaters during screenings to avoid disturbing other patrons and to respect copyright. However, you can usually take photos in the lobby area.
The Pickford Film Center's marquee and lobby can be photogenic, especially during special events or film festivals. The surrounding downtown Bellingham area also offers many photo opportunities.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or before a screening to capture the ambiance of the lobby without large crowds. Evening shots with the marquee lit up can also be striking.
For special events or film festivals, it's always best to check with the venue or event organizers regarding their specific photography policies. Some events might allow limited photography for social media sharing.
You can find photos of the Pickford Film Center on their social media channels (Instagram, TikTok), local tourism websites, and through user-generated content on platforms like Google Maps and Yelp.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎬 Film Enthusiasts & Cinephiles
+2 Don't miss the chance to explore their home rental collection for even more cinematic discoveries. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Bellingham's Indie Cinema Scene
It's a nonprofit organization, meaning that your ticket purchase directly supports its mission to tell powerful stories, champion underrepresented filmmakers, and foster community connection through film. This commitment to independent cinema means you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of films that often go unseen at larger multiplexes. Visitors often praise the Pickford for its great selection of movies and its role in introducing them to films they might never have discovered otherwise.
Volunteers: The Backbone of the Pickford
These individuals contribute to various roles, from scanning tickets to serving popcorn, and are essential to the theater's smooth functioning. The Pickford actively works to ensure its volunteers feel valued and seen, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. This community-driven approach not only supports the cinema but also creates opportunities for intergenerational friendships and connections that might not otherwise form. The reliance on volunteers contributes to the overall friendly and helpful staff that many visitors commend.
Beyond the Screen: Film Rentals and Special Events
This initiative provides another avenue for patrons to engage with cinema and support the Pickford's mission. Furthermore, the Pickford is renowned for its special events and film festivals. These can range from themed movie months, like horror classics,
to Q&A sessions with filmmakers and documentary subjects, or even collaborations with local organizations for cultural celebrations. +1 These events transform the Pickford into a dynamic hub for cinematic discussion and engagement, offering unique experiences that go beyond a typical movie outing. Checking their schedule for these special happenings is highly recommended for a truly memorable visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit