Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest
About This Event
Fringe! is London's volunteer-run queer film and arts festival. A group of queer creatives started it in 2011 in response to arts budget cuts. It is scrappier and more political than the big institutional queer film events. Screenings run alongside installations, workshops, debates and club nights, and many events are free or cheap.
It runs for about nine days in mid-September, mostly in East London. Recent editions used the Rio Cinema in Dalston, the Cinema Museum in Kennington and even the Hackney Wick Community Sauna.
The 15th edition ran 13–21 September 2025, with more than 100 films from 27 countries. It opened with Niñxs, a documentary about a young trans woman coming of age. The 16th edition followed in September 2026. Listings give 12–20 September, with partner screenings at UCL's Community Cinema and the Garden Cinema. The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest
via Stay22Our three picks · London
via Stay22Budget hostel on Greenwich High Road beside Greenwich station, with dorms and a bar downstairs. Gay-friendly mainstream, not gay-run.
Mid-to-upper-priced boutique hotel on Bermondsey Square, south of Tower Bridge, near Bermondsey Street and London Bridge; gay-friendly.
This traditional hotel is conveniently located in Westminster and offers free Wi-Fi. It is 10 minutes on foot from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Gallery, and showcases views of Somerset House. This 5-star hotel offers valet parking, a coffee bar and an express check-in and check-out feature. It provides babysitting services, a currency exchange and a reception that operates 24/7. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a rain shower, a mini bar and a flat-screen TV. The
Practical Tips
Accessibility
Many events have step-free access. Contact access@fringefilmfest.com for specific needs. Some venues offer accessible toilets and PA/companion tickets.
Volunteer-run
The festival is organized by an all-volunteer team, and many events are free or affordable.
East London Focus
The festival primarily takes place in cinemas, art galleries, pop-up venues, and basement clubs across East London.
Videos
Is this "The most influential stand up show from the Edinburgh Fringe" #standupcomedy #edfringe
