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Events (What's On), LGBT
Popular LGBT Events and Festivals in USA
11
Jan
Jan
The LGBT community has plenty of festivals throughout the U.S. From events that focus on film to ones that are more about fun and music, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned vet, LGBT festivals are an excellent way to celebrate diversity and raise awareness. They’re also fun places to meet new people, learn about the LGBT community, or plan your next date night! Here’s a list of some popular events to check out if you’re looking for a great time:
Dallas Pride – Dallas, Texas
Dallas Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture and pride. It has been held each year since 1972 and is the largest LGBT pride event in Texas and the Southwest United States. The annual festival includes over 350 different activities including live music, concerts, dance parties, film screenings and more throughout the city of Dallas during Labor Day weekend.
The festival also features a parade that takes place in downtown Dallas on Saturday with hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets to watch floats and vehicles go by as well as entertainers perform along its route.
Los Angeles Outfest – Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Outfest, a celebration of LGBT culture, has been running since 1982. It features films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. The festival takes place in July and is held in Los Angeles, California.
Rehoboth Beach Film Festival – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Rehoboth Beach Film Festival is a four-day event held in June. It’s open to the public and held in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
OUTshine Film Festival – Miami, Florida
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Pride Month in the United States, one of the best places to go is Miami. This popular destination is home to many LGBT festivals and events, including the OUTshine Film Festival.
The event takes place over three days in late October, with screenings held at venues around town—including Coral Gables Museum and The Colony Theater—and parties held at local clubs like Mokai (pictured above). The festival’s aim is to promote LGBT artists through film screenings, panel discussions and other events.
NewFest – New York City, New York
NewFest is a New York City based LGBT film festival that has been running since 1990. It’s one of the largest LGBT film festivals in the world, with over 300 films submitted annually. The festival runs for two weeks in June and attracts thousands of visitors to screenings held at various venues throughout Manhattan.
San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is a film festival held annually in San Francisco, California. The festival is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, having been founded by Castro Street resident Robert Glaudini and his partner Michael Stabile.
The first festival was held in June 1981 at the Roxie Theater with approximately 1,800 attendees. It was sponsored by several businesses that were part of San Francisco’s gay community at that time: The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (a charitable organization), Berkeley Barb newspaper, and Bi-Rite Market (which later became Rainbow Grocery). The opening night film was “Making Love” starring Helen Shaver and Michael Douglas; other notable films shown included “Personal Best” starring Mariel Hemingway and Patrice Donnelly as well as On Golden Pond starring Katharine Hepburn & Henry Fonda which won an Academy Award for Best Actress for Katharine Hepburn at that year’s ceremony but lost out to Kate Nelligan who had won it for her role in “Agnes Of God” which also happened to be screened there earlier on during its run).
Provincetown International Film Festival – Provincetown, Massachusetts
The Provincetown International Film Festival is the oldest and largest LGBT film festival in the world. It takes place every year in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The festival was founded in 1990 by Jane Schoettle and James Franco (yes, THE James Franco). The first festival ran for two days at local bars and theatres, and attracted 40 attendees. This year, there were over 100 films shown by more than 200 directors from 30 countries around the globe!
The PIFF staff works hard to ensure that everyone feels welcome during their stay in Provincetown – whether they’re interested in attending a screening at one of our many venues or simply planning on visiting town while we’re running things! If you have any questions about our event schedule or volunteer opportunities please don’t hesitate to drop us an email – we’d love to hear from you!
Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival – Austin, Texas
The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival is a film festival held annually in Austin, Texas. The festival is held at the Paramount Theatre and Stateside Theatre.
Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival – Seattle, Washington
The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (SLGFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) films.
The festival is held annually in the spring and runs for 10 days. It features three programs: Out on Film Family Reel, Out on Film Spotlight Series and the Audience Choice Awards Program.
