RIFF’s closing dayis Sunday, November 8, 2026, in downtown Rome, GA, beginning with RIFF Awards and Biscuits at 10:15 a.m. at Rome City Auditorium. Afternoon screenings take place at SPAM Studios and the Historic DeSoto Theatre, before a 7 p.m. Dolly Parton tribute concert at the auditorium.

Georgia-made documentaries, student films and narrative shorts give the afternoon several distinct directions. Some programs start at nearly the same time, so choosing a favorite matters more than trying to see everything.

The DeSoto’s 4:40 p.m. screening of Frogtown provides a late-afternoon anchor before the closing concert. The tribute features performers celebrating Dolly’s music; it is not an appearance by Dolly Parton.

This guide follows the day from awards to the final gathering, with times, venues and overlapping choices. Check the official RIFF schedule and each event’s admission requirements before reserving.

The first stop is RIFF Awards and Biscuits, scheduled for 10:15 a.m. at the Rome City Auditorium.

The gathering includes the 2026 jury awards and the festival's Sylvia trophies, with coffee, biscuits and mimosas setting a relaxed tone.

It is a chance to recognize the filmmakers whose work filled the weekend, and to hear which projects earned the jury's attention.

Confirm the event's ticket or pass requirements rather than assuming an awards gathering is automatically open to everyone.

The afternoon splits between two shorts programs at different venues.

At 12:15 p.m., Peacocks & Piledrivers screens at SPAM Studios, collecting Georgia-made documentary shorts.

At 12:30 p.m., Cinema South Bound and Down brings Sapir College student shorts to the Historic DeSoto Theatre.

These programs overlap, so choose between regional documentary storytelling and a student-film collection rather than trying to catch both beginnings.

For visitors who attended mostly features earlier in the weekend, either block offers a welcome change in pace and perspective.

At 2:30 p.m., Prophets of the Top Rope screens at SPAM Studios.

The same start time belongs to The Red Clay Rumble, a Georgia shorts program at the DeSoto.

That is another genuine choice, with the Georgia collection an appealing place to look for filmmaking connected to the state.

Leave room to compare reactions afterward: a shorts block can produce as much conversation as a feature because everyone leaves with a different favorite.

Sunday's red carpet begins at 4:15 p.m. outside the DeSoto.

At 4:40 p.m., Frogtown screens there, exploring the people and beliefs of a small North Florida community.

Its scheduled end is 6:30 p.m., which creates a tight transition for anyone also attending the closing concert.

Plan the meal before that screening if you want both events, and allow time to reach the auditorium and take your seat.

At 7 p.m., Rome Remembers Dolly closes the festival at the Rome City Auditorium.

Whiskey Revival and singers from Rome and Northwest Georgia will perform the Dolly Parton tribute, presented by RIFF and Live at The Partridge.

The listing describes a tribute concert, not an appearance by Dolly Parton herself.

Sunday restaurant hours deserve attention, especially when fitting dinner around the final screenings.

Harvest Moon and Moe's Original BBQ currently list Sunday evening service, while several other downtown options close early or remain closed that day.

All times here are local, and the festival's live schedule remains the place to confirm changes and event-specific admission.

Reserve your screenings and be seated 15 minutes early so the weekend ends with a movie or a song rather than a scramble.

See the official RIFF schedule for updates.

For Tickets click HERE.