Queer Creatives Fest 2026 is October 10 and 11!
Join us for our annual two-day writing festival designed to celebrate and amplify the stories and voices of LGBTQIA+* writers and creatives. No matter what writing project you’re working on, our experienced faculty will work closely with you during classes throughout the weekend to support your writing process. The Fest also features community-building events and panels for all LGBTQIA+ writers and creatives, even if not attending classes. Our intention is to center LGBTQIA+ people at the festival. We also welcome folks who are questioning their gender or sexual orientation and those who are in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities.
*LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more.
2026 Fest Schedule
Check out the schedule for our 2026 Queer Creatives Fest which includes class and evening event descriptions, pass breakdowns, and financial assistance information!
Passes
Passes are a great fit for writers who want to attend multiple Queer Creatives Fest offerings throughout the weekend. Signing up for a Gold, Silver, or Saturday/Sunday Bronze Pass will allow you to get the full experience of the festival at a discounted rate.
While tuition assistance is not available for passes, we do encourage you to look at our payment plan options which you can find on our Financial Assistance page.
Craft Seminars
Craft seminars are one-time workshops that focus on developing and learning about a specific skill or particular element of a genre or writing technique. This year’s craft seminars will be taught by Dusty Brandt Howard, Aerik Francis, Negean Mohi, and Mac Crane.
Two-Day Intensives
Wanting to dig a bit deeper into your writing during the Fest? Check out our two-day intensives taught by Sarah Elizabeth Schantz and Jesaka Long!
Afternoon Panels
After grabbing lunch with your new Fest friends, join us for our afternoon panels featuring Lighthouse faculty members discussing topics like adding nuance to Queer narratives and how to build (and maintain) a creative life.
Evening Events
At the end of each day during this year’s Queer Creatives Fest, we’ll come together as a community to discuss our artistic practices, nourish our creativity, and connect as LGBTQIA+ writers and creatives. This year's lineup of evening events includes crafts and community, a sliding-scale Halloween Community Dinner, and more!
Accessibility Guide
Attending the retreat in person? Check out our Accessibility Guide for an overview of the space. Contact us if you would like to request specific accessibility accommodations or visit the info booth for staff/volunteer support.