Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. June 16, 2026 – Get excited as Beep Boop, Beep Boop: A Sci-Fi Film Festival makes its much-awaited return to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas this July. Running from Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, attendees this year can expect yet another out-of-this-world experience with twelve electrifying films and events alike over four action-packed days.
Whether it’s extra-terrestrial visitors from Mars or futuristic societies where humans and robots co-exist, Beep Boop, Beep Boop brings to the screen some of science fiction’s most imaginative creators — with opportunities to hear directly from the filmmakers themselves.
Highlights include the area premiere of “Between Two Waves,” a haunting drama about a woman who returns home after her mother’s death, only to find the house harboring secrets she isn’t ready to face. The film’s directors, Mark Sposato and Lehigh Valley native Courtney Sposato, will lead a live Q&A talkback following the screening. A Clio-winning, Emmy-nominated director, editor and producer, Courtney has worked with Paramount, Showtime Networks and Google’s Creative Lab, with her work featured at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Science fiction has always been a genre built on imagination and innovation. I think that’s what makes programming this year’s festival so much fun. This year’s lineup really showcases how wide-ranging sci-fi can be. We have everything from landmark anniversaries to cult classics and even local filmmakers creating exciting new stories. We hope that this festival brings people together to celebrate the wonder and creativity that makes science fiction so special,” said Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest’s Senior Programming Manager, Cinema.
Festival passes and individual tickets are on sale now – don’t miss your chance to grab a seat now! Tickets can be purchased at https://www.
Schedule:
Thursday, July 23: For the Love of Film
- 7:30 p.m. – Blade Runner: The Final Cut followed by a Q&A talkback with Gregory Reihman, Vice Provost for Arts and Libraries at Lehigh University.
Friday, July 24: Friday Night Camp
- 7:00 p.m. – Mars Attacks
- 9:30 p.m. – Barbarella
- 11:30 p.m. – The Rocky Horror Picture Show featuring a live performance from the Spaced Out Sensations shadowcast
Saturday, July 25: Sci-Fi Milestones
- 1:00 p.m. – Forbidden Planet (70th Anniversary) featuring a special introduction from the PA Shakespeare Festival highlighting how the sci-fi classic reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest
- 3:30 p.m. – Logan’s Run (50th Anniversary)
- 6:30 p.m. – Aliens: Director’s Cut (40th Anniversary)
- 9:45 p.m. – Metropolis (2001) (25th Anniversary)
Sunday, July 26: Community Day
- 12:00 p.m. – 48-Hour Film Challenge: Sci-Fi Edition – Finished Films Screening
- 2:00 p.m. – Between Two Waves featuring a Q&A with Directors Courtney & Mark Sposato
- 4:30 p.m. – Sunday Night Staff Picks: Treasure Planet selected by Production Manager Scott Dean
- 7:00 p.m. – Sunday Night Staff Picks: District 9 selected by Customer Experience Supervisor Nick Carrodo
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tehani Boyer
