ShortFest 2026 Events
Check out all the events happening at this year's ShortFest!
Opening Night:
ShortFest Summer Soiree!
Kick off the festival with a night poolside with all your festival friends! Enjoy an evening under the stars as we celebrate our rising stars. A night full of great music, drinks, and light bites as we celebrate coming together for another year.
When: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Where: Hilton Palm Springs
Admission: Filmmaker, Industry, Patron, and Insider passes accepted for entry. All others must present a ticket(s). Tickets and passes grant access to both screening and reception.
Coachella Karaoke
Have you ever thought what was missing from the Coachella lineup was you? Now’s your chance to show your inner diva at our annual karaoke night! You can shine like a star or chill with your fellow filmmakers. Special prizes will be given to those first to perform as our “openers” for this event. Sponsored by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
When: Wednesday, June 24
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Admission: Party Ticket or Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
Sponsored By
GAY!LA
Baby, you were born this way! The Iconic Palm Springs International ShortFest GAY!LA celebrates all that you are. A night full of dancing, energy, and all the joy of what you bring to our festival. Just love yourself and you’re set! Reforma will be staying open after our event officially ends for you to continue celebrating!
When: Thursday, June 25
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: The Sonoran Palm Springs
Admission: Party Ticket or Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry. 21+ Only
It’s Time to GLOW!
Ready to Dance? Meet us at Palm Springs at the newest underground club where the beat takes control! Grab your crew, dress to glow, and let’s dance the night away to the best house and techno tracks around. Altitude will be staying open after our event officially ends if your energy is still pumping.
When: Friday, June 26
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: Altitude Palm Springs
Admission: Party Ticket or Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry. 21+ Only
Cowabunga!
Time for some gnarly fun next to the waves at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Get stoked for a night of drinks, dancing and friends in our poolside suite. If you’re feeling a wipeout, just chill in our special atrium cabana. This night will be totally tubular!
When: Saturday, June 27
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: Palm Springs Surf Club
Admission: Party Ticket or Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
Closing Night Party: This Is Your Round of Applause!
We couldn’t do ShortFest without you, so let’s give you one final round of applause! Come for the thunderous ovations, stay for the drinks, dancing, and LuLu’s signature mashed potato bar! Join us for one final goodbye and hopefully see you soon.
When: Sunday, June 28
Time: 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Where: Lulu's California Bistro
Admission: Filmmaker, Industry, Patron, and Insider passes accepted for entry. All others must present a ticket(s). Tickets and passes grant access to both screening and reception.