Best of GayCities: Best Festival nominees

For over a decade, Best of GayCities has recognized and celebrated excellence in LGBTQ+ travel.

We want you to join our celebration by voting for your favorite places, experiences, and people across the globe. You can vote once per day per device through December 20 to help crown the winners in each category. We’ll announce our winners on January 6.

Party, parade, and pride! Our Best Festivals nominees are everything we love about LGBTQ+ celebrations. Which one is your favorite?

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Best Festivals

Bushwig

Bushwig is a vibrant celebration of drag culture, featuring performances from legendary and emerging queens across the spectrum of gender expression. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a sense of community where creativity and individuality are embraced. Live music, art installations, and boundary-pushing fashion make it a feast for the senses. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s a powerful reminder of the artistry and resilience that define drag culture.

The Dinah

The Dinah is the largest lesbian and queer women’s event in the world, offering a dynamic mix of pool parties, live music, and celebrity appearances. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Palm Springs, it radiates an infectious energy and spirit of sisterhood. Attendees enjoy an environment where queer women’s stories and experiences take center stage. The festival’s uplifting, joyous vibe provides a safe space for celebration and connection.

Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a sprawling global talent showcase featuring diverse theater, comedy, and art performances. LGBTQ+ artists frequently use this platform to share bold, authentic stories, making it a haven for queer perspectives. Its inclusive environment fosters open dialogue and creativity, drawing audiences from around the world. The eclectic mix of performances ensures every visitor finds something that speaks to their identity.

Honcho Campout

Honcho Campout blends electronic music and nature in a three-day celebration of queer liberation and underground culture. Set in the serene forests of Pennsylvania, the festival offers a rare opportunity to dance freely under the stars. Its carefully curated lineup highlights diverse LGBTQ+ DJs and artists, creating a communal dance floor of acceptance. For travelers, it provides an intimate, immersive escape into the heart of queer creativity and community.

ELLA International Lesbian* Festival

Set on the beautiful island of Mallorca this year, ELLA Festival combines cultural events, beach outings, and live performances for queer women and non-binary people. Workshops and talks empower attendees with discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The stunning Mediterranean setting creates a perfect backdrop for connection and celebration. Its focus on inclusivity and empowerment fosters global community and solidarity.

NewFest

NewFest, NYC’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival, showcases groundbreaking films that reflect the diversity of queer experiences. Screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As offer opportunities to engage deeply with creators and stories. The festival highlights both emerging and established LGBTQ+ voices, fostering a sense of shared history and identity. For travelers, it provides an enriching cultural experience at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Provincetown Carnival

Provincetown Carnival transforms this seaside town into a week-long extravaganza of parades, costume parties, and themed events. Known for its rich LGBTQ+ history, Provincetown offers a welcoming environment filled with creativity and exuberance. The festival’s highlight is its parade, a dazzling display of self-expression and camp. Attending Carnival means immersing oneself in a joyous celebration of queerness and community spirit.

Folsom Street Berlin

Folsom Street Berlin is Europe’s largest fetish festival, celebrating diversity in sexuality with events ranging from dance parties to fetish fairs. The festival is known for its open, judgment-free atmosphere, welcoming all identities and expressions. Its vibrant street fair brings together a global crowd, fostering connections across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. For travelers, it offers a unique opportunity to explore Berlin’s rich queer history and boundary-pushing nightlife.

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