Summer and fall mark peak season for LGBTQ+ film festivals, and we’ve rounded up the ones you’ll want on your radar. From indie gems to major cultural staples, there’s something here for every queer cinephile.
FilmOut San Diego (San Diego, CA)
Now in its 25th year, FilmOut San Diego (also known as the San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival) showcases international, documentary, short, and feature films with LGBTQ+ themes across multiple venues in Balboa Park, including The Natural History Museum and the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA). Headliners this year include Brazil’s ‘80s and ‘90s set romance, The Best Friend and the Rep. Sarah McBride documentary State of Firsts.
When: August 21–24, 2025
Atlanta’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival, running for nearly 40 years. Screenings include around 150 films—narratives, docs, shorts, web series—plus filmmaker panels and industry events. It’s both Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying and part of Out on Film’s year-round programming. This year’s festival theme is “Queer Propaganda.” Features include Exit Interviews, a dramedy about a gay man named Robert who sets out to interview his former lovers. The rest of the selections to be announced soon.
When: September 25–October 5, 2025
Reeling: Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
Chicago’s storied queer festival, running for over 40 years, mixes features, shorts, and community events. While the lineup hasn’t been announced yet, the festival will offer some virtual screenings as well as in-person.
When: September 19-28, 2025
Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
Cinema Diverse is Palm Springs’ premier LGBTQ+ film festival, showcasing global queer cinema. Each year, it brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences to celebrate stories that reflect the LGBTQ+ experience and inspire change both within and beyond the community.
When: September 18-28, 2025
NewFest is New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media presenter and the city’s largest gathering point for queer audiences.Founded in 1988 in response to the AIDS crisis, NewFest has grown into a cornerstone of New York’s queer culture, now offering year-round film and media programs that serve the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. Film selections for this year are still in the submission process, so check back soon.
When: October 9–21, 2025
Utah Queer Film Festival (Salt Lake City, UT)
Formerly known as Damn These Heels, this festival marks its 22nd year with a lineup of both international and regional LGBTQIA+ cinema, plus workshops and community events. Announcements regarding feature films and more will begin in mid-July, so check back soon.
When: October 24–26, 2025
MIX NYC / New York Queer Experimental Film Festival
Founded in 1987 as the New York Lesbian & Gay Experimental Film Festival, MIX is the longest-running queer experimental cinema festival in the U.S. For nearly 40 years, the festival has championed queer creators and stories that challenge convention, uplift community, and reimagine what LGBTQIA2S+ media can be.Right now, Mix is currently accepting film submissions for the 2025 festival.
When: Late fall 2025