HOW TO FEST
Frequently Asked Questions about ACFF
TICKET INFORMATION
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes. We sell tickets at the box office until a screening is sold out. Please check the website before heading out. Remember, it’s a big help to our staff if you purchase your tickets online ahead of time. Purchasing ahead also cuts down on lines and wait times in the lobby.
Can I use a discount code from a sponsor or partner?
Yes. However, discount codes can only be used for tickets purchased online.
Where do I find my ticket or pass?
If you have bought a ticket or a pass, a confirmation email was sent to the email address you used. (search for an email from “2025 American Conservation Film Festival.”)
- Pass holders can pick up their printed badges with lanyards at the box office.
- Ticket holders need to bring the QR codes they were issued for each of the specific screenings. If you have misplaced your confirmation email, you can login here to find “My Tickets.” If necessary, we can look up your ticket order at the box office to give you access into a screening.
Do I have to print my ticket(s) ahead of time?
No. If you have a smartphone, you can pull up your QR code that is in the confirmation email and we’ll scan it at the door. There is a different QR code for each screening.
I bought a pass. Will I also get a printed badge?
Yes. We will have printed badges for everyone who has a purchased a festival or day pass. Just pick yours up at the box office when you arrive and wear it each time you go to a screening. It will contain a QR code that can be scanned by the ushers.
Can I reserve my seat?
All seats are general admission. Doors open 30 minutes before a film block, so arrive early if you would like to pick your seat.
Is it just films, or are there other events?
The festival has so much more happening than just films. We’ll have filmmakers and conservation experts offering Q&As after most of the screenings. ACFF is offering a special student screenings and programming in advance of the Festival. We are excited to host a number of conservation nonprofits as exhibitors in the concessions area. Organizations such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Bee City, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, Land Trust of Eastern Panhandle, Potomac Valley Audubon Society, Shepherd Life Long Learning, Shepherdstown Community Club, and Town Run Watershed will be there to discuss their conservation initiatives. In addition, Four Seasons Books will be selling a broad selection of conservation-related books. We’ll also be offering food and beverages for the first time this year in an effort to create an environment of conversation and community.
Where can I meet filmmakers?
Filmmakers will be attending screenings of their films and likely other screenings throughout the festival. They often hang out in the lobby and in the concession area in McCoy Hall between shows and are usually happy to answer questions. Here is a guide to our special guests so you can look for them as you’re mingling.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Those 18 and under are admitted free but please register for your free ticket with promo code STD25 in advance at ACFF’s website. Some films have scenes that may be uncomfortable for sensitive viewers, so please use your discretion or reach out to us with questions when making your plans.
VENUE AND PARKING
Where are the films being shown?
All screenings are at the Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive on the Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV.
Where do I park?
Parking surrounding the Frank Center will be FREE during all screenings. Preferred parking is in lot G which is the closest to the lower lobby and near the Wellness Center.
Is it accessible?
Yes. We have seating areas that will accommodate wheelchairs. Emailing ahead to reserve a handicap seat is helpful. There is an elevator in the entrance nearest the parking lot. Bathrooms are accessible too. All films are also open-captioned for those with hearing loss.
Will there be food?
Yes. This year ACFF will be offering concessions before and after the films. Mingle with other filmgoers, community members, filmmakers and special guests for lively conversation about the films. We will be offering a Taste of Shepherdstown with Alma Bea’s pepperoni rolls & mushroom buns, Mountaineer Popcorn, Bavarian Brothers craft beer, and Amy & Alex’s coffee & sweets. In addition, we will have drinks and snacks from sponsors including Country Vintner of WV, Jefferson Distributing, Reid’s Distributor, and Route 11 Chips. The concession area will be in McCoy Hall off the lower lobby of the Frank Center.
TRAVELING TO SHEPHERDSTOWN
Where should I stay?
There are a few interesting places to stay when visiting Shepherdstown. Consider a stay with one of our sponsors, Sundogs Bed & Breakfast an animal-friendly, eco-friendly, country retreat situated on 46 secluded acres. Or consider booking a room that overlooks the river at the Bavarian Inn, another sponsor, which is walking distance to the Frank Center where the Festival is being held.
Where should I eat?
Downtown Shepherdstown has a number of restaurants and bars. Here is a list of places to eat or drink.
What will be open late after the evening screenings?
We suggest you contact restaurants and bars in advance as hours differ during the week and weekend. (See list of places to eat in prior section). Many of the restaurants take reservations up to 9:00pm – like Bistro 112 (French), Alma Bea (Appalachian), Kome (Thai), and the Bavarian Inn (German). Panagiotas Taste of Greece is open until 10:30pm. The local pub, The Mecklenburg Inn, is open until 12:30am.
