Casino Royale
Opening night at Rivers Casino – Entertainment Center | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Badge Pick-Up – 12PM
Doors for VIP – 6PM
Doors for GA – 7PM
Close – 11PM
The Midwest Film Festival launches its 2026 season, Midwest Royale, with a high-profile Opening Night at The Event Center at Rivers Casino—setting the tone for one of its most elevated seasons to date.
A full-scale celebration of cinema, culture, and community, Midwest Royale builds on more than two decades of championing Midwest storytelling. Opening Night features a red-carpet premiere, curated screenings, filmmaker appearances, and a VIP kickoff reception bringing together artists, industry leaders, and Chicago’s creative community.
As Midwest filmmakers continually gain national recognition, the festival remains a key platform for discovery and visibility - serving as an early spotlight for work that moves on to broader industry attention.
Opening Night is expected to sell out. Limited tickets available.
Event Date: Wednesday, July 22
Time: 7:30PM
Must be 21+ to enter.
Program of the Night
Opening Program
Host of the Night and “Heartland to Hollywood”
Joe Miñoso
Grand Prize Nominations for the BMAs
All of the Above (Trailer)
Dir: Allison Walsh, Lily Qi
ABEL
Dir: Brian Zahm
First Winter
Dir: Schantelle Alonzo
CAKE
Dir: Erick Suarez, Joe Miñoso, Lori Singleton
After Party Celebration
Music By
DJ Lady D
The July 22 Opening Night event at Rivers Casino is open to guests 21 and older. Not valid for any participant of the Illinois Gaming Board Statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. Must be 21 years of age or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).