ground control to Major Tom, Prepare for launch

The 2026-27 film and event series sponsorship party is on the launch pad, and you don't want to miss out!
If you've wondered how to get your name or your business on the marquee, this is where that happens!

We'll see you on Saturday, February 7, 2026!

Tickets will be available for purchase until January 26, 2026!

What is it?

The Artcraft Sponsorship party is our largest fundraiser held to announce the upcoming year's 2026-27 film and event series at the theatre. The funds raised are used to offset costs such as film licensing, production costs, equipment rental, talent fees, and more. 
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Admission to this ​21-and-over event is $50.

Tickets sales for this are on sale now and will end January 26.

Online bidding

After a succesful switch to GiveButter last year, we will again be using the bidding software this year.

​A link will be provided upon check-in and will go live once the bidding begins. ​​

​You can bid from home as well! You do need to register, though.

Blast off for fun!

This year's space-themed party should be an out-of-this-world adventure for everyone! We encourage you to get in the spirit and deck yourself out your orbital gear of all kinds - NASA? yep! Sci-Fi movies? yep! Space boots and moon shoes? Sure!

Your outfits make the evening that much more eventful!​

How does the sponsorship party work?

Attendance for this event is limited to 400 and traditionally sells out! Don’t forget to charge your smart phone or tablet as we’ll be bidding online again this year! It's launch time! Take your protein pills and put your helmets on!
Plan on filling up with a great round of food from Iozzo's on Jefferson. Plus, complimentary beer and wine served up by our friends from Greek's Tapp Room; and a cocktail cash bar. Of course, we'll have plenty of fresh popcorn and desserts to enjoy, too!
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening from Past Tense.

Doors open Saturday, February 7, at 6 p.m. When you arrive, you will be greeted inside the door, checked in, and given your name tag and a packet with the breakdown of the night. Get ready orbit off into adventure!

Food and drinks are in the theater auditorium with traditional theater concessions at the concession stand. The Artcraft Cottage will be open for a quieter place to orbit for a while. Just go through the left chute (check out the new safety lights while doing so) up the three steps, turn left.

​At 7:30 p.m., we'll deliver some year-end highlights, and unveil the 2026-27 series in the auditorium. 
Prepare for lunar landing and cheer loudly for your favorites as they're revealed!

At 8 p.m., we invite you to start bidding. Bidding will be done via smart phone / tablets. We are using the Givebutter platform again this year.
A link will be provided when you check in.
​
Bidding starts as low as $50 (prize sponsorship level). We'll also be asking for donations toward theatre needs. You can even participate in our 50/50 raffle benefitting Franklin Heritage, Inc. and the Artcraft and maybe win something, too!
Volunteers will be at the contol tower ready to answer questions and assist with bidding. We will have dedicated volunteers bouncing around the room to help out. 

The bidding stops promptly at 9:30 p.m.
We ask that you grab another drink or snack and have a seat in the auditorium. The bids will be compiled at the end and top bidders announced.

When the party ends around 10 p.m., we will have volunteers set up in the lobby for checkout. Payment is expected the night of the event. Cash and major credit cards are accepted.

Please note, we will no longer be taking sponsorships for political endorsements or campaigns. We reserve the right to decline sponsorship. We cannot accommodate split bids. Thank you.
OPENING BIDS
Film sponsorship
Film sponsor for the weekend’s movie. See your name on both sides of the marquee!

Cartoon Sponsorship
Sponsor for the classic cartoon for the whole month - see your name on the theatre's front marquee!

Showcase Sponsorship
Quarterly ad on the bottom of the large poster schedule posted in front of the theatre - visible to all foot traffic!

Program Sponsorship
Sponsor the program handout
for the weekend - have your business's ad in the hands of our entire audience with your ad on the back of the program.
Starting at $250*

Backstage Sponsorship
Sponsor the weekend's stage activity including film delivery and on-stage antics.

Concession Sponsorship
Your favorite candy featured
for the entire month! See your business name listed at the concession stand!

Prize Sponsorship
Mesmerize the crowd
with on-stage giveaways.

See what you missed in 2025

Thanks to photographer Mark Freeland for capturing the activity from the 2025 sponsorship party.
Get an idea of the decor, outfits, food, and fun that happened last year.

We'll see you on Saturday, February 7, 2026!