Short 'n' Curlies | Newcastle Pride Festival 2026

Get ready to soak up the sparkle, laughter, and heartwarming stories at Short 'n' Curlies — a curated selection of the finest international short queer films brought to you by the brilliant team at Queer Screen Sydney.

This is your evening escape into the vibrant world of LGBTQIA+ cinema — think love, identity, joy, and the unexpected magic that happens when stories are told with honesty and flair. Whether you're coming with your crew, your date, or flying solo to meet new friends, this night is all about celebrating who we are, how we love, and the beautiful communities we build together.

Roll up your sleeves, dust off your favorite glitter jacket, and settle in for a double feature with a mid-film interval — perfect for sipping your drink and chatting about what you just saw. Arrive at 6.30pm, films begin at 7pm sharp. The second half kicks off at 7.55pm and wraps at 9pm — just enough time to soak it all in without cutting into your weekend plans.

Grab your ticket — $25 includes a small drink and popcorn — and enjoy a relaxed, accessible night out with your community. Rated MA 15+, this cinematic experience is curated for everyone who’s ever laughed, cried, or fallen in love with a queer story on screen.

This event is part of the larger Newcastle Pride Festival, proudly presented by Newcastle Pride Inc — a charity dedicated to making Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Region a safer, louder, prouder place for every LGBTQIA+ person. Big thanks to our partners: City of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, and Beyond Bank.

As we gather to celebrate, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and rightful Owners of these lands — the Awabakal and Worimi people. We extend our respect to Elders past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ community members who have paved the way before us.