Editor's blog

What’s a film festival without a few parties? As the East Coast’s largest LGBT film festival, QFest is bringing the best. From poolside parties in Northern Liberties and glamour and glitz in the Gayborhood, to an evening with a few ‘bears’, QFest promises to keep you partying for 12 days straight.

Following the Opening Night film Elliot Loves (Thursday July 12th at 7:15pm Ritz East 1), festival goers will head over to Table 31, 32 N. 17th Street, from 9:30p.m.-12:30a.m., for the Official Opening Night Gala Party. Presented by TD Bank, the evening will feature DJ Jimmy DePre spinning Oldies and today’s house music, a spectacular sculptural ice bar will flow with Smirnoff’s Whipped & Fluffed, and food tastings from Scarduzio’s kitchen. Godfather Brittany Lynn and The Drag Mafia will be patrolling the plaza.

Tickets are $40 for combos (film and after-party); $35 for party only at the door, with three complimentary drink tickets for beverages from our generous sponsors.      

On Sunday, July 22, following the Closing Night film BearCity 2: The Proposal (7:15pm in Ritz East 1) festival attendees will dance the night away at SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue, from 9:30p.m. – 12:30 a.m. for the Official Closing Gala Night Party, featuring “MANdance: Rehoboth’s” DJ Stephen Durkin and Mr. Telly “Style” Simmons who will oversee the army from The Drag Mafia!

Tickets are $35 for combos (film and after-party); $35 for party only at the door, with three complimentary drink tickets for beverages from our generous sponsors.

Closing night festivities continue as an after-after party is hosted by Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.,12:30a.m.-2:00 a.m., as a fundraiser for Liberty Bears featuring DJ Barney Medunic. Hosted by BearCity 2 director Tom Caggiano and his partner William DeTurck, it's going to be so hot - some may even check their clothes upon arrival. Who knows?  206 South Quince Street, 215-627-1662.

Other QFest event highlights include:

Friday, July 13: Post-Reception for East Coast Premiere of Beauty
Tavern on Camac will host a reception for the premiere of Oliver Hermanus’ haunting film, Beauty. No Cover. 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900

Saturday, July 14: Three-Way Night Out!
• Dinner and Drinks in honor of Dirty Poole: A Work In Progress, 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m. at Café Nole, 414 South 2nd Street, 215-574-1687
• Stud Life Party & Women's Gala, 10:00p.m.-2:00a.m. at Arouse @ Voyeur, 1221 St. James Street, 215-735-5772. $10 Cover.
• After party for World Premiere of Saltwater, and The Men Next Door,  9:00p.m.-2:00a.m. at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900.

Sunday, July 15, 9:00p.m.-2:00a.m.:  ‘Way Gay Sing-Along’ Live Showcase
RuPauls' Drag Race cannot compare to Philly’s infamous drag queen of the Mafia's Gayborhood: Ian Morrison/Brittney Lynn ala "Drag Mafia" - MC and Host of the “Karaoke of the Wannabe Stars”, with his own campy version of "Way TOO Gay Sing-A-Long". No Cover. Ascend at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street, 215-545-0900.

Monday, July 16 and Tuesday, July 17: Dish the dirt and talk film – with no cover!
In the Gayborhood? Stop by Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street, 4:00p.m.-2:00a.m. In Old City? Stop by Mac’s Tavern, 226 Market Street, 11:00a.m.-2:00a.m.

Wednesday, July 18, 9:00p.m.-midnight: After-Parties and an Open House!
There's a new gym in the Gayborhood and all festival ticket holders, VIP badge holders, gym members and event guests are invited to check it out! Optimal Sport Health Club is so fab, we decided to bring two film after parties to this shindig: Our Paradise and Nate & Margaret. Sponsored by Breaking Glass Pictures and The Contarino Association. No Cover.1315 Walnut Street, 215-735-1114.

Thursday, July 19, 10:00p.m.-2:00a.m.: Café Nole Goes Gay!
Following the screening of Bad Boy Street, join director Todd Verow and DJ’s Reenie Kane and Zathan Radix at Café Nole. Presented by The Contarino Association and Twisted Life. No Cover. 1315 Walnut Street, 215-735-1114.

Friday, July 20, 9:00p.m.-11:00p.m.: Up Close & Personal with David W. Ross
QFest will host an evening for 25 guests who would like to meet David W. Ross, recipient of this year’s ‘Rising Film Star Award’, in a private room at one of the city's swankiest locations, The Prime Rib, 1701 Locust St. Advance tickets are $100 per person with proceeds benefiting QFest 2012. Call QFest Box Office For Reservations (267-765-9800, ext. 4)

Friday, July 20: 10:00p.m.-2:00a.m.: Black, Blues and Other Hues After-Party
Morgan Levine and Amber Hikes of Stimulus Philly are at it again, hosting another women’s night out – this time, at North Shore Beach Club at Piazza at Schmidt’s! Join special guest directors tiona. m. of Bumming Cigarettes and director Robert Phillips of T’Aint Nobody’s Biz-Ness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920's. $10 Cover. 1031 Germantown Avenue, 215-600-2584.

Saturday, July 21, 9:00p.m.-2:00a.m.: Celebrity Women’s Festival - After-Party All Star Gala
Sisters Nightclub hosts the most anticipated women's party for QFest. Guests in attendance include A Perfect Ending Director Nicole Conn, Executive Producer Marina Rice Bader, Lead Actress Barbara Nevin, and Producer Melanie Rice. DJ’s will be spinning on both levels to keep guests dancing until the wee hours. Free Cover with QFest VIP Badges or ticket stubs.1320 Chancellor Street: 215-735-0735.

Saturday, July 21, 9:00p.m.-2:00a.m.:  Annual Men’s Event: "Project Go-Go Boy" World Premiere Tour Kick-Off
QFest invites guests to I-Candy, the hottest new spot in the Gayborhood, that will be filled to the rafters with madness and mayhem on three levels. The Cocky Boys' World Tour Exclusive "Project Go-Go Boy" will feature live-and in-person appearances by Cocky Boys' Exclusives Jake Bass and Max Ryder, along with some very special surprise guests. Presented by Cocky Boys, tlagay.com and The Contarino Association. Call for Cover: 254 S 12th Street, 267-324-3500.

For more information on events taking place during QFest, vist www.qfest.com.