Q-Fest: Where's the Party?

Now titled Q-Fest, the annual gay and lesbian film festival draws talent from across the country -- so the celebrations must live up to the hype. Here’s where you can go to get your party on.

I Could Have Danced All Night

This is the party that follows the opening night film, “Hollywood Je’ Taime,” and that means it will be huge. The event takes place at Hamilton Hall in the University of Arts building. Hors d’oeuvres will be served, as well as a bar featuring Smirnoff vodka, Bluecoat gin, Smart Water, Vitamin Water and wine from Iatesta Imports and World Shippers and Importers. Each party-goer will be awarded three drink tickets. A DJ provides the music (spinning mostly house), plus cast and crew from the film usually stop by for a celebratory drink. Head down to the star studded affair.

$45 at the door or $55 in advance (included a ticket to the movie)
Hamilton Hall at UArts
320 South Broad Street
Thursday, July 9
10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Grrrl Watch Party

Marathon Grill is hosting a special party after the screening of  “And Then Came Lola.” Join DJs BeFree, JD and KiT spinning hip-hop, house, funk, crunk, Latin, reggaeton and electro all night.

$5 or free with festival badge 
Marathon Grill
10th and Walnut Streets
Saturday, July 11
9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Queer Fest Queer Idol Karaoke

Forget Adam Lambert! Kris Allen who? The place to really shine is at Knock, where you can sink or swim based on your true karaoke talents. There will be an extensive collection of music -- from Sondheim to Judy Garland to Madonna -- so come on down. A special group of celebrity judges will be on hand including H.P. Mendoza and the director of the festival film “Fruit Fly.” There will also be prizes awarded, courtesy of homopop.com. Oh, and there’s no cover.

Practice your vocal exercises and come show Philly who the next American Idol really is.

Knock
12th and Locust Streets
Thursday, July 16
9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Sisters Turns 13

Sisters -- possibly the most iconic gay bar in the city aside from Woody’s -- celebrates it’s 13th birthday during the festival and she doesn’t look a day over 10. Come join the party after your favorite screening and enjoy discounted Smirnoff drinks and non-stop dancing.

$5 or free with badge or ticket stub
Sisters
1320 Chancellor Street
Friday, July 17
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Big Closing Gay Night Party

Of course, the most important rule of any festival is that you go out with a bang and this is a pretty big bang. After 12 straight days of films, Q-Fest will be ready to rock out in a huge way, so bring that raucous attitude to the 33rd floor of the Loews Hotel for the closing party. Stars of the film “Big Gay Musical” will likely be in attendance, as well as Smirnoff, Bluecoat, Smart Water, and Vitamin Water (three drink tickets per person). Stop by the snack and desert table too.

$35 at the door or $45 for combination tickets in advance
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Monday, July 20
10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
 

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