Two Major Queer Arts Festivals Open Submissions for 2026

Two prominent East Coast LGBTQ+ arts festivals are now accepting submissions for their 2026 seasons, offering queer creators multiple platforms to showcase their work this spring.

The Fresh Fruit Festival, entering its 24th year as New York City's premiere year-round LGBTQ+ theatre festival, has opened submissions for its MainStage programming, scheduled to run April 20—May 3, 2026, at The Wild Project. The festival seeks full-length plays, one-act plays, and musical events that are LGBTQ+-themed or include elements of interest to the community.

"The Fresh Fruit Festival is a vital platform for queer voices, and we are thrilled to bring the MainStage back to The Wild Project," said an All Out Arts spokesperson. "We invite playwrights, composers, and performers to join us in making the 24th year one of our most vibrant and inclusive festivals yet."

The festival is offering an Early Bird submission window through December 8, with scripts read first and early acceptances receiving more time for casting and promotion. Regular submissions run mid-December through mid-January, with notifications at the end of January. Complete guidelines are available at freshfruitfestival.com/mainstage26-app.

Meanwhile, the Newark LGBTQ Film Festival has launched submissions for its fourth annual event, taking place April 30—May 4, 2026. The festival, which saw audience participation double in its most recent edition, focuses on elevating Queer BIPOC films and filmmakers.

"We are excited to continue elevating the work of BIPOC Queer filmmakers, actors, and creatives from across our city, state, and country—right here in Newark," said Festival Director Denise Hinds.

The Newark festival accepts short films, documentaries, experimental works, student projects, and select feature-length films via FilmFreeway. Deadlines are: Early Bird (December 18, 2025), Regular (January 21, 2026), and Late (February 11, 2026). Filmmakers will be notified by March 7, 2026.

For more information: Fresh Fruit Festival (freshfruitfestival.com/contact-us) or Newark LGBTQ Film Festival (newarklgbtqcenter.org/newarklgbtqfilmfestival).