Your Guide to OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival

After the festival events are over, rub elbows with like-minded folks at queer-owned and queer-friendly local bars and restaurants like –

• The Pinhook – a community-forward bar and venue with live events like local and touring bands and drag shows.
• Velvet Hippo – a recently opened rooftop bar offering good vibes and drinks for everyone.
• Rubies on Five Points – a casual bar and venue with nightly events like live music and dance parties.
• Arcana – an intimate bar with a tarot theme & loungey decor known for draft cocktails and mocktails and a variety of artistic events.
• Queeny’s – a uniquely Durham gathering place with casual vibes, serving good food and drinks until late.

There will also be three invite-only events held over the course of the weekend.

2026 EVENTS ARE TBD

Learn more about LGBTQIA-owned businesses in Durham and find out how Durham celebrates queer culture all year round.

This incredible festival dates back to 1995 when it debuted as the QFest. That was the same year the NC Pride Parade approached the Carolina Theatre with the idea of hosting a gay and lesbian film festival in conjunction with Pride’s annual parade and festival.

Regarding the festival held the following year, now the NCGLFF, the Carolina Theatre proclaimed:

The festival attracted a few hundred people in its first year, but now it attracts over 15,000. “The lobbies are packed. The screenings are packed,” said Jim Carl, the Senior Director of Programming at the Carolina Theatre.

In 2023, the festival hosted filmmakers from New York and L.A. as well as international filmmakers from Estonia, Chile, Mexico and Canada. The 2024 festival welcomed international artists from Italy, Canada, Mexico and Romania.

"Coming Together as a community is powerful." says Carolina Theatre CEO Randy Mckay. "It's a political statement and a stand. In a world more emboldened than ever to marginalize, to minimize, to say that different voices should not be heard, OUTSOUTH is a welcoming space and a reminder that we each deserve the rights guaranteed to all Americans."

Chuck Wheeler, Festival Coordinator since its inception in 1996, was recognized in 2024 by Out Magazine's OUT100 list of artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators and storytellers making the world a better place for the LGBTQIA community.

OUTSOUTH allows visitors to see a variety of films they most likely won't find in a theater elsewhere. Screenings range from programs of short films and international films to screwball comedies, dramas, and more.

Don't miss out on the special events OUTSOUTH will host this year:

• Saturday Morning Panel (Aug 16) – “Made in NC”: This panel, hosted by filmmakers from Chicago and San Francisco, will feature local panelists. At Fletcher Hall, the panelists will discuss how filmmaking and post-production are increasing in the region.
• Drag Story Hour with Stormie Daie at Cinema One: Head to Cinema One for a story read with cinematic charisma by Stormie Daie.

OUTSOUTH allows visitors to see a variety of films they most likely won't find in a theater elsewhere. Screenings range from programs of short films and international films to screwball comedies, dramas, and more.

2026 Films are TBA

Get Tickets

When you come to OUTSOUTH, don't forget that the Carolina Theatre is situated in the heart of downtown Durham, a walkable district with plenty of new things to see and do. There are five hotels within walking distance of the Carolina Theatre:

• Durham Marriott City Center Marriott City Center is connected to the Carolina Theatre, offering easy access to festival activities.
• 21c Museum Hotel Explore the hotel’s art collection and snag a selfie with the 21c mascot – a hot magenta penguin (.2 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• The Durham Hotel A mid-century boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and rooftop bar (.2 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Aloft Durham Downtown Located near the American Tobacco Campus, Aloft offers a modern aesthetic, heated pool, and proximity to plenty of dining and entertainment options (.5 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Residence Inn Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area The newly constructed Residence Inn has apartment-style suites, heated pool, and fitness center near the Brightleaf District (.6 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Unscripted Durham An eclectic hotel with a rooftop deck, pool and unique cocktail and cuisine options. (.1 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Springhill Suites by Marriott City View A stylish, all-suite hotel with modern amenities and sustainable practices. Enjoy free breakfast and bring along the pup for a pet-friendly stay. (.8 miles from the Carolina Theatre).

You’ll also find various restaurants and bars in downtown Durham, ranging from grab-and-go options to snag between films to celebrated hot spots where you can unwind after a film-filled day. (Check out our comprehensive list of downtown restaurants.)

• Mothers & Sons Trattoria Specializing in handmade pasta, antipasti, and traditional Italian dishes. Dinner only (.2 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• M Sushi An upscale sushi restaurant that offers an authentic Omakase dining experience (.2 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Bulldega A neighborhood grocery that offers the essentials alongside grab-and-go meal options (.2 miles from the Carolina Theatre).
• Remy's Lounge This casual cocktail bar serves food from Lady Gold Tacos like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls and more.
• NanaSteak A modern steakhouse in a chic space with abundant natural light (.4 miles from the Carolina Theatre).

Between the films, the special events, and a great location downtown, OUTSOUTH is an excellent opportunity to experience Durham!