Get Ready for a Party That Is Out of This World: The 2026 Artcraft Sponsorship Party

Mark your calendars and clear the launchpad, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, get ready to blast off with the Historic Artcraft Theatre's annual Sponsorship Party. This isn't just a fundraiser; this is the theatre’s largest party during which we announce our entire 2026–27 film and event series. This year, we’re heading for the stars, and we can’t wait to have you join us on a cosmic adventure.
 
Before you buy your tickets for a night of fun, you may have a few questions about what the Sponsorship Party is. Don't worry; we have you covered! We’ve brought you the inside scoop on all of the details you need for the Theatre's biggest bash of the year. 

What is the Sponsorship Party?
 
The Sponsorship Party is an annual event that enables you to get involved in the Artcraft Community.
 
Through sponsorship, you can help your local theatre do more programming within the Johnson County community.
 
The funds raised will go toward operating costs for the films that show during the following season. Each showing at the theatre has many associated costs, including film licensing, production costs, equipment rental, talent fees, and more. Sponsors support our efforts to offset expenses and keep our prices accessible.

What time should I arrive?
Doors open on Saturday, February 7, at 6 p.m. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and checked in. Relax! The 2026–27 series unveiling will begin at 7:30 p.m., and bidding starts at 8 p.m.
 
What food will be available?
This year catering will be provided by Iozzo's on Jefferson! Look forward to a large buffet of food and drinks in the theatre and auditorium and don’t think we forgot about the popcorn! There will be complimentary beer and wine, in addition to select cocktails available at a cash bar.
 
What sponsorship levels can I bid for?
The central part of the evening is a silent auction for each sponsorship category available. Attendees can place their bids through Givebutter online software. Several types of sponsorships are available and start on different levels. Weekend movies have at least seven levels of sponsorship, including the Film sponsorship (starting at $700), the cartoon sponsorship (starting at $300), and the Prize sponsorship (starting at $50). You can check out more about sponsorship levels here.
 
You also have opportunities to donate to the theatre’s general fund and to other specific projects that FHI is working on.
 
How can I get my name on the marquee?
The two main ways to get your name on the marquee are to sponsor a film for a weekend's movie or to be the Cartoon sponsor. Cartoon sponsors support the classic cartoons and have their name on the front of the theatre's marquee for an entire month.

Will we get to see the lineup of movies for the upcoming year?
Yes! One of the highlights of the Sponsorship Party is the movie season reveal, during which attendees get a sneak peek at the next season's tentative lineup of movies from April 2026 to February 2027. This is the only time when FHI releases the tentative schedule in its entirety.
 
Is there anything else that happens besides the auction?
The Sponsorship Party is an exciting event that offers much more than just the auction. Enjoy complimentary beer and wine, cocktails from the cash bar, and a fifty-foot buffet table of food and desserts. You can also take a snapshot at the a photo booth, test your luck with a 50/50 prize raffle, and enjoy music!
 
In the past, the party has featured bands or DJs to keep the attendees entertained. The Sponsorship Party is an excellent opportunity to meet people with a common bond. You'll mingle with local business owners, community leaders, families, and other supporters of Franklin Heritage, Inc.’s mission.
 
Do I need to bring anything to the party?
All you need to bring is yourself and a smartphone or tablet to bid on. The theme this year is outer-space, and we encourage all to get in the spirit and deck yourself out in astro attire that would make the Jetsons jealous. 

What projects have been completed from the funds raised at previous Sponsorship Parties?
Many projects have been completed with the help from the funds raised at the annual Sponsorship Party: the glittering marquee restoration, theater seat restoration, and the interior lighting project that helps illuminate the auditorium walkways and stairs in the lobby.
 
Who hosts the Sponsorship Party?
Franklin Heritage, Inc. hosts the party at the Artcraft Theatre. It goes off without a hitch every year thanks to the many volunteers who put so much time and effort into transforming the theatre into an experience—helping with the evening’s decor, art, food, and organization.
 
 
This sounds like so much fun! How can I get tickets?
 You can buy tickets for the Sponsorship Party here! Admission to this 21-and-over event is $50.