The new bayfront Bijou by the Bay movie theatre will kickoff an official grand opening week off on Friday, November 22 with a seven-day celebration featuring ceremonies, tours, and free movies.

"Our doors will open, free of charge, for anyone to stop by, take a peek, watch a movie, or try our world-famous popcorn -- and it's all on us!" says Film Festival Founder Michael Moore. "We hope to see literally thousands of our fellow Michiganders during this Open House Week, just as we did when we opened the State six years ago."

The week will begin with an Opening Ceremony on November 22 at 5:30 pm, after which the Bijou marquee will be unveiled and lit.

Opening night on November 22 will honor the donors and volunteers largely responsible for opening the Bijou. The group will see a sneak preview screening of the new, critically-acclaimed Robert Redford film, "All Is Lost."

"This night," says Film Fest Executive Director Deb Lake, "will be the festival's way of saying 'thanks' to those who have contributed significantly to this effort. Without our donors and volunteers, none of this would be possible."

On Saturday from 9:30 - 11:30 am, the Bijou's doors will be open for a free open house, tours, and tastes of the theater's popcorn and drinks.

Evenings during week, the Bijou will present special screenings of films that have not yet been shown at the State Theatre -- all at regular admission prices: "Prisoners" (Saturday at 8:30 pm), "The World's End" (Sunday at 7:00 pm), "Kill Your Darlings" (Monday at 6:30 pm), "Machete Kills" (Tuesday at 7:00 pm) and "Don Jon" (Wednesday at 7:30 pm). State Theatre members will have the first chance to purchase, in advance, the limited number of tickets that will be available for these premiere films.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the second film the popular series, will then open on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.

The daytime and early evening movies at the Bijou during the Grand Opening week will be free::

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23: "MIKE'S MOVIE DAY!"
Michael Moore will introduce 3 of his favorite movies:
"The Shawshank Redemption" - 12 noon - FREE
"V for Vendetta" - 3:00 pm - FREE
"Almost Famous" - 5:45 pm - FREE
"Prisoners" - 8:30 pm (Regular admission prices)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24: "STONER SUNDAY COMEDY"
Bijou Family Surprise (Rated G) - 11:00 am - FREE
"The Big Lebowski" - 2:00 pm - FREE
"This is the End" - 4:30 pm - FREE
"The World's End" - 7:00 pm (Regular admission prices)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25: "MONDAY MOVIES FOR SMART PEOPLE"
"Election" - 1:00 pm - FREE
"The Social Network" - 3:30 pm - FREE
"Kill Your Darlings" - 6:30 pm (Regular admission prices)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26: "TESTOSTERONE TUESDAY"
"Jack Reacher" - 1:00 pm - FREE
"Man of Steel" - 4:00 pm - FREE
"Machete Kills" - 7:00 pm (Regular admission prices)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27: "WILD WEDNESDAY!"
Bijou Family Surprise (Rated G) - 11:00 am - FREE
"Inglourious Basterds" - 1:30 pm - FREE
"Pacific Rim" - 4:45 pm - FREE
"Don Jon" - 7:30 pm (Regular admission prices)

On Thanksgiving Day, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" begins a run at the Bijou and will screen at 7:30 pm Thanksgiving night, and at 2:30, 5:30, and 8:30 pm beginning Friday, November 29.

Tickets will be available on Tuesday, November 19 at 12 noon at the State Theatre box office downtown and by phone at 231-947-3446. Click here for more information.

The City of Traverse City owns the former Con Foster building which houses the Bijou. The City Commission this summer unanimously approved renovation of the building and its use as the theatre.