Celebration Events and Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a series of festival happenings, including a DJ night, a guided hike, and Chinese New Year & International Women’s Day celebrations, bringing together MINTers and the whole town—a full festival extravaganza in Kendal!

Here is a taste of what is offered by our festival team and local organisations. Scroll down to discover more!

1. Outdoor Adventure: A Guided Hike in the Lake District with MINT
8 AM – 2 PM, Friday, March 6
Gather at Kendal Train Station at 8 AM
Participant Limit: 15 people

Important Information:
This is a group-paced activity, and participants cannot leave or pause for extended periods during the hike. Please be responsible for your own safety and the group experience. As the hike involves a moderate physical challenge, participants should confirm that they have a regular exercise routine and possess the fitness to walk continuously for 8–10 km.

To ensure safety, please wear proper hiking boots and wind- and waterproof outerwear, and bring your personal supplies. Participants without appropriate outdoor gear will not be allowed to join. By registering, you confirm that you are in good health, fit for moderate-intensity outdoor exercise, and free from any relevant medical conditions.

This activity is free of charge. Train tickets (approx. £5 round trip) and personal insurance are the responsibility of participants. Registration details will be updated soon at here.

2. MINT Chinese Film Festival presents Why Women Dance? A Cinematic-Themed DJ Night Celebrating Women from East to West

10:40 PM Saturday to 12:40 AM Sunday

Kendal Ruskins Bar

We are delighted to invite the fashion journalist and DJ Gemma Winter to bring you a live DJ set. As a music enthusiast over the years, she has cultivated her craft through regular gigs and residencies, at iconic venues such as Trash Palace and Ghetto in London, with several appearances at London Fashion Week and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. Expect a set that blends East and West, Balearic vibes, and the very best of East Asian house and techno music, taking you on a cinematic journey to remember and a dance-filled night in celebration of International Women’s Day!

Ticket Information:

• On-Door Tickets: £8

• Festival pass holders: Free entry

• Audience with any film ticket: 50% discount

3. Festival Afterparty
Sunday night, March 8

MINT will host a relaxed and enjoyable Afterparty at the Festival Lounge for filmmakers, guests, and festival team members. This event is also open to festival pass holders and Minters staying at the festival’s Kendal Hostel! We look forward to chatting about films and enjoying a magical cinematic night together. For full details, please check on-site.

4. MINT CFF Pop-Up Merchandise Booth ON-SITE ONLY!
During the festival, the main venue will feature MINT’s exclusively designed pop-up merchandise booth, offering limited editions of specially designed 2026 MINT CFF merchandise for you to purchase!

5. Celebrate Chinese New Year and International Women’s Day in Kendal

Family-oriented Chinese New Year celebration events will be hosted by local organisations and communities throughout Kendal.

To specially celebrate International Women’s Day, MINT will also organise a festival-long Secret Sister Surprise Lottery, featuring prizes such as a signed book by this year’s competition jury member Professor Dai Jinhua, director-signed film posters, and carefully curated gifts from other festival filmmakers, guests, and the festival team. Come join us and see who will be the lucky winner!

For full details, please check on-site.