ShortFest 2025 Events
Check out all the events happening at this year's ShortFest!
Opening Night:
TURN OUT, TURN UP!
Show up in your best—or show up the best you can! Turn out and turn up with your festival friends. Meet your community and kick the week off right! Let's celebrate film and being here together in person—with great music, drinks, and company.
When: Tuesday, June 24th
Time: 8:30pm - 11:30pm
Where: Boozehounds 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.
COWBOY KARAOKE
Saddle up for a rootin’-tootin’ good time in the iconic desert oasis of Palm Springs! Mosey on over to the semi-psychedelic Saguaro watering hole for a night of poolside croonin’, moon-howlin’, and story-swappin’ under the stars. Dress to impress in your best cowboy getup—there’s a lil’ souvenir prize for the most on-theme outfit!
When: Wednesday, June 25th
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Admission: Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
GAYLA
Everyone’s favorite party is back at it again. The Iconic Palm Springs International ShortFest GAY!LA is a once a year incubator for all the best energy and brightest stars coming together to DANCE and celebrate your work. Show your love by showing up and having FUN!
When: Thursday, June 26th
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: Reforma
Sponsored By: SAGIndie
Admission: Party Ticket or Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
STARLIGHT + SPARKLES
The effortless fun and elegance of a classic Palm Springs evening cannot be duplicated! There is nothing like it. And there is nowhere better to experience it than under the stars at the beautiful Avalon hotel. Join us for a sparkling night of cocktails and music in a special and historic Palm Springs space. A special festival souvenir for the most sparkly outfit of the night.
When: Friday, June 27th
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
Admission: Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD
Cocktails, handshakes, and a dance floor! Bring yourself and your dreams and dance the night away. Make some friends while you're at it! Wear your vintage hollywood best for a chance to be noticed.
When: Saturday, June 28th
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Where: Hilton Palm Springs, Horizon Ballroom
Admission: Filmmaker, Industry, and Patron passes accepted for entry.
AWARDS BRUNCH
Join us to celebrate these renowned short films and honor all the filmmakers’ hard work! There will be an awards presentation, along with a lovely brunch by the Renaissance Hotel.
When: Sunday, June 29th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: The Renaissance Palm Springs
Admission: Filmmaker only event
Closing Night:
DANCE PARTY
Let’s cut loose and make sure to be remembered. This is a true dance party and we want to see you light up!! But don’t you worry… LuLu’s is coming in with their signature taco bar if that’s more your vibe! Join us at the beautifully welcoming Flannery Exchange Building for a fun night of tacos, cocktails, and dancing.
When: Sunday, June 29th
Time: 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Where: Flannery Exchange
Sponsored By: 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.