NewFest has been running since 1988, which makes it older than most of the queer cinema it now premieres, and its autumn festival is the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ audiences in the city. The programme mixes festival-circuit features that will not get a wide release with shorts blocks that are consistently the best value on the schedule, and filmmakers turn up for the Q&As. If you want to see the films before they are streaming and in a room that actually reacts to them, this is the eleven days.
What to expect
Screenings across several New York cinemas with introductions and post-film conversations, plus opening and closing night events with receptions attached. Shorts programmes and buzzy premieres sell out first. Members get advance access before general on-sale.
Good to know
- The lineup and full venue list are published in September, before tickets go on general sale
- Members get pre-sale access, which matters for opening and closing night
- Shorts programmes are usually the easiest tickets and often the strongest programming
- Check which cinema your specific ticket names - screenings are spread across venues
- Venues are wheelchair accessible; specific access details are listed per screening
- Good for anyone who wants queer cinema with an audience rather than at home
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Common questions
When is the 2026 lineup announced?
NewFest states the NewFest38 programme lineup is announced in September, ahead of the October festival dates.
Where are screenings held?
Across multiple New York cinemas rather than one venue. The specific venue list is published with the lineup in September.
How do I get tickets to opening night?
Members receive pre-sale access before general on-sale, and opening and closing night are the events that go first.
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