Queer festivals are places where many people feel free to be fully themselves—joyful, bold, creative, and connected. Whether it’s a film festival, a pride march, or a full-blown glittery rave, queer festivals offer moments of belonging, resistance, and celebration.
Looking to attend one yourself? Here's a list of standout queer festivals around the world that are worth adding to your calendar.
Pink Dot – Singapore
Held annually in Singapore’s Hong Lim Park, Pink Dot is both a celebration and a peaceful act of protest. In a country where LGBTQIA+ rights are still under pressure, this event gathers thousands who wear pink in support of love, equality, and visibility. It’s a heartfelt and powerful reminder that change can start with showing up.
Outfest – Los Angeles, USA
Outfest is one of the most prominent LGBTQIA+ film festivals in the world. Taking place in LA, it brings together hundreds of films, talks, and community events. If you’re passionate about queer storytelling or want to see stories you don’t often find on mainstream screens, this is a must-visit.
Milkshake Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Milkshake is a music and dance festival known for its bold outfits, boundary-breaking energy, and radically inclusive vibe. Based on the idea that "love has no boundaries," it blends club culture with community care. Think loud music, big statements, and all the glitter you could ask for.
Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest – London, UK
This London-based festival celebrates queer film, performance, and art with a strong DIY spirit. It offers experimental films, thought-provoking installations, workshops, and more. Fringe! is perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of queer identity, creativity, and activism.
Mardi Gras – Sydney, Australia
Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ festivals globally. It started as a protest and continues to honour its activist roots, with a combination of parties, parades, talks, and cultural programming. The colourful parade might get the spotlight, but the whole festival is filled with events that highlight diverse queer experiences.
Trans Pride – Brighton, UK
Trans Pride Brighton focuses on trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people and is one of the few events in Europe to do so exclusively. It combines visibility with advocacy and creates a supportive environment that centres the voices and needs of the trans community. It’s usually less commercial than many pride events and offers a space to feel grounded and heard.
Glitterbox – Various Locations
Originally launched in Ibiza, Glitterbox is now an international series of queer-friendly nightlife events. Expect disco, house, fabulous fashion, and a strong focus on body positivity and self-expression. If you enjoy club culture but want a safer and more affirming space, Glitterbox delivers.
Why It Matters
Queer festivals can be spaces of healing, joy, protest, or all of the above. For some, they are the first place to truly feel seen. For others, they’re a yearly tradition or a way to connect with community across borders. Whether you're there to dance, watch films, march, or just exist freely, these festivals remind us of the power of visibility and shared celebration.
Planning to go to a festival soon?
Consider what makes you feel good and safe—whether it’s the clothes you wear, the people you go with, or knowing your rights. Some queer-specific shops and platforms offer festival-ready outfits that are gender-affirming, body-positive, and built for comfort. A little preparation goes a long way.
