Anyone thinking about the Culver City Film Festival this December should know what they’re getting into before they book anything.
The indie film celebration returns for its 12th year from December 4–12, 2025. It screens over 400 independent films across features, documentaries, shorts, horror, comedy, and music videos. The main venue is The Culver Theater on Culver Boulevard. It features Dolby Atmos sound and Art Deco architecture from the golden age of cinema.
Past festivals have handed out awards to Lori Loughlin and Sean Young, so you never quite know who might show up for a post-screening Q&A. Yet attending the fest unprepared can turn an exciting weekend into a stressful one. Here’s what you actually need to expect before planning a trip.
Getting There
LAX is about 6–7 miles from Culver City. Traffic can make that distance unpredictable, though. Here’s what it will cost you to get to Culver Boulevard:
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uber/Lyft from LAX | ~$30 |
| Culver CityBus Line 6 | ~$1 per ride |
| Metro E Line | $1.75 per ride (the daily fare cap is $5) |
We advise you to skip the car rental. Parking hassles and traffic make public transit and rideshares the better option. Downtown Culver City has a 93/100 walkability score, so you won’t need a car once you’re there.
Where to Stay
Budget hotels are worth looking for if you’re planning to spend most of your time at screenings anyway. If you want a luxury experience and great memories outside the festival, consider the more expensive locations:
The festival sometimes offers discounts at Hotel June. Check the official website closer to December for promo codes.
Tickets and Merchandise
VIP passes and filmmaker dinners may tempt you once you’re there. Decide what matters most for you before you arrive:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Individual screening | ~$15–$25 |
| Opening/closing night event | ~$25–$50+ |
| Festival posters, shirts, merch | ~$50–$100 |
Daily and Unexpected Expenses
Festival budgets have a habit of growing beyond what you planned:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking facility | ~$12 |
| Street parking | ~$0.50–$1.50/hour |
| Casual lunch | ~$15–$25 |
| Dinner with drinks | ~$50–$80 |
| Coffee and pastry | ~$8–$12 |
Parking in downtown Culver City isn’t terrible, though. Most facilities offer the first hour free, then charge modest rates up to a reasonable daily maximum.
Food is where your wallet takes the real hit. Culver City has a strong restaurant scene, and prices reflect that. Pack some granola bars and save money for restaurants that you actually want to visit.
It is also important to keep in mind that an unexpected expense can pop up right before or during the festival. For example, your phone might need repair, or you might realize you forgot medication or some other necessity. If something catches you off guard and your regular budget can’t cover it, a quick way to manage sudden expenses might keep your plans on track. Prepare a safety net before attending the festival to enjoy the screenings without financial stress. Just make sure you realize how and when you’ll pay back before you choose any kind of financing, as it is always a commitment and responsibility.
How to Make Festival Trips Work Long-Term
You don’t need to drain your savings or max out a credit card to attend future film festivals. A little planning throughout the year can make your trips much more manageable:
- Set aside a fixed amount each month into a separate festival fund.
- Book flights and hotels early when dates get announced. Prices only go up closer to the event.
- Share hotel rooms. Split a two-bedroom rental and cut your lodging costs in half.
- Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle. Festival food prices can be devastating to your wallet.
- Sell old festival merch, posters, or box sets you no longer need.
- Use credit card points or airline miles if you’ve been collecting them.
- Follow the festival on social media for discounts and promo codes.
What to Pack
December weather in Culver City stays pleasant, but don’t let that fool you. Highs reach 64–67°F, and lows drop to 48–51°F. Theaters blast the air conditioning, outdoor events get chilly at night, and you’ll move between both throughout the day.
Your festival kit should include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned venues
- Portable phone charger
- A small bag for programs and merch
- Sunglasses (it’s still sunny California even in December)
Dress code depends on the event. Daytime screenings work fine with jeans and a nice top. Evening premieres or award ceremonies call for cocktail attire or smart business casual.
Tips for First-Time Festival Visitors
If the Culver City Film Festival will be your first ever fest, here is our advice:
- Arrive early for screenings because lines may get really long.
- Download the festival app. This way, you can track ticket updates in real-time.
- Aim for second screenings instead of premieres. It’s easier to get in, but the experience is almost the same.
- Don’t overpack your schedule and be realistic. Festival fatigue hits around the 4th movie.
- Leave some time for the Arts District galleries between films. It’s worth it.
Price of Several Days at the Culver City Film Festival
Here’s what a realistic long weekend will cost you (approximately):
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Total (3–4 days, before tickets) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget approach | ~$125–$190/day | ~$500–$750 |
| Mid-range experience | ~$240–$330/day | ~$950–$1,300 |
| Luxury trip | ~$400–$650/day | ~$1,600–$2,600 |
| Screenings and events | — | ~$100–$300 additional |
Travel feels very different when you arrive prepared and know what to expect. We hope our article will help you plan your trip. The Culver City Film Festival takes place in early December 2025, just before the end of the year, so have a great holiday and enjoy your time off! We’ll see you there!