FilmOut San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival
About This Event
FilmOut San Diego is the city's LGBTQ+ film festival, run by a nonprofit of the same name. The 2026 festival was billed as the 26th annual edition.
It runs for four days in Balboa Park, which borders Hillcrest, San Diego's gay neighbourhood. In 2026 screenings and panels were split between The NAT (San Diego Natural History Museum) and the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art. Opening night had a film and an after-party at The NAT. The programme mixes international features, documentaries, shorts and cult films, with filmmaker Q&As. A local preview counted 41 films in 2026. Juried awards include Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary and a Freedom Award.
FilmOut also holds single screenings during the year. One was a double feature set for 14 October 2026 at UltraStar Cinemas The Landing.
The 2026 festival ran 20 to 23 August. The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during FilmOut San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival
via Stay22Our three picks · San Diego
via Stay22Budget-to-mid-range inn on 5th Avenue in Hillcrest, a short walk from the neighbourhood's gay bars and restaurants.
Restored 1940s hotel on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park, San Diego, with a large pool. Gay-friendly and close to Hillcrest.
Historic 1910 luxury hotel on Broadway in downtown San Diego, part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, by the Gaslamp Quarter.
Videos
San Diego LGBTQ+ film festival showcases queer horror
