Get ready for some fun – the 16th Port Townsend Film Festival is this weekend, Sept. 25-27, bringing hay bales, celebrities, free movies and other downtown activities.

The opening ceremony is 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25 at Haller Fountain, at the corner of Taylor and Washington streets downtown. A parade of classic cars, driven by members of the Rakers Car Club, escort special guest stars Beau Bridges and Chris Cooper to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Locals should keep in mind that the one block of Taylor Street is closed to traffic all weekend (starting Thursday for setup, and part of Monday for takedown).

FREE MOVIES

There are free outdoor movies on Taylor Street each night of the festival, each starting at 7:30 p.m. and each inspiring a different contest before the film, at 7 p.m., led by host Joey Pipia.

Friday night’s outdoor movie is “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and the contest is open to anyone who can speak like Mrs. Doubtfire. First-place winner is to be decided by audience vote.

On Saturday, test your knowledge of famous rats before the outdoor movie “Ratatouille.” Regardless of the answer given, everyone up there gets a prize.

Sunday night's free outdoor movie is the Italian classic “Cinema Paradiso.” A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies at his village's theater and formed a deep friendship with the theater's projectionist. Kissing plays a big part in this movie. Sunday's contest is the best “puckerer," so bring your best kissing lips. The contest is open to all, and audience vote decides the winner.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Film festival passes may be purchased at the new hospitality location at Northwind Arts Center, 701 Water St. One pass costs $35, a six-pack pass is $100, and a festival pass is $185.

"Will call," pass upgrades and concierge service for those holding Mogul ($1,250) and Director ($650) passes are also available at Northwind. Seating is guaranteed for Director and Mogul pass holders who reserve with concierge service.

Also, "rush" tickets ($12) are sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those who aren't pass holders waiting in the rush-ticket line. When a theater does not fill up, tickets are sold 10 minutes before showtime.

The official film fest program was published in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader's Sept. 16 edition; copies are available at film fest headquarters, the Leader office and many other locations.

NEW FOOD VENUES

PTFF offers a number of opportunities for food and drink downtown during the festival: The Food Co-op Cafe and the Magic Lantern Beer & Wine Garden are located under the big white tent on Taylor Street; Mo Chilli BBQ Wagon is to be parked at Pope Marine Park; and Area 51, the festival bar on the dock, is at the Pope Marine Building at City Civic Plaza.

NEW THEATERS

This year, PTFF is showing films in two new theaters. The festival's largest screen is now at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St., with 250 comfortable seats. The Peter Simpson Free Cinema, open to all, has moved to the Cotton Building, 604 Water St., redesigned as a 100-seat theater. No pass is required; admission tickets are given out at the door one hour prior to each film.

For more information, visit

ptfilmfest.com.