The Only Festival Dedicated to Dance, Music, and Arts by Queer & Trans Artists! 

june 5th-8th, 2026 | san jose, ca

We are back!

QALDF is for those ready to experience the rhythm of dance, the power of music, and the brilliance of queer and trans artistry across every form.

From Afro-Latin roots to queer creativity everywhere, this is where we gather, shine, and celebrate.

THE RHYTHM SEEKERS AND THE BOUNDARY BREAKERS

THE MOVERs AND SHAKERs

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

QALDF is for

AS SEEN ON:

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PERFORMANCE 
SHOWCASE

MEET & GREET

Nightly
Theme Parties

POOL PARTIES

dance
workshops

What 's happening this edition

Salsa
Bachata
Cumbia
Wacking
HipHop
Line Dancing
Contemporary
Vogue
Heels
Afro-Cuban
Afro-Beats
Twerking
Reggaeton
Latin Jazz
Afro-Latin House
Perreo

Dance Workshops

Pool Parties

Dive Into the Magic of Our Pool Parties! 

Join us for three unforgettable pool parties throughout the festival weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These are some of the most popular moments of QALDF, featuring the Bay Area’s top DJs and surprise special artist hosts. Expect vibrant vibes, a splash of fun, and a chance to soak in the sun with our festival family. Stay tuned for the host announcements coming soon!

Nightly Theme Parties

Get ready for three unforgettable nights at QALDF!

Every evening—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—you’ll experience three vibrant dance rooms: a Bachata room, a Salsa room, and a Mix room playing Reggaetón, Perreo, and more. Our queer, trans, and allied DJs will be spinning all night long, keeping every room energized and alive.

Each night features its own theme, with our signature “This Is Me” party taking over Saturday night. Stay tuned for Friday/Saturday themes! Expect special hosts each night and dancing that goes strong until 4 a.m. across all three rooms.

Come ready to explore, express yourself, and celebrate with community all night long.

Meet & Greet

Join us Friday at QALDF for a vibrant, welcoming mixer where you'll meet fellow dancers, creatives, and friends in a relaxed, joyful space. Think of it as your festival kickoff party, hosted by some of our favorite community stars. More details coming soon—get ready to make new friends and start the weekend off with a whole lot of love and laughter!

🌈 Introducing Our First-Ever Queer Greet & Meet! 🌈



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Full Festival Pass

@the door

$385

$365

june

save $20

$345

may

save $40

$305

april

save $80

$285

march

save $100

$255

february

save $130

$235

january

save $150

$215

Nov 28th - dec 31st

best price

Watch Previous Festivals!

STAY TUNED AS WE RELEASE 
2026 FULL FESTIVAL DETAILS

Workshops, Lineup, Competition, Parties and much more...

Watch it all

the performances, competition, winners, parties, challenges, discussions panels and more. 

in the meantime...

Three extraordinary nights where Queer and Trans performers light up the stage — with dance, drag, music, and art that reflect the diversity and brilliance of our community.

Sip, savor, and celebrate with a dazzling drag brunch experience that blends performance, community, and unapologetic queer joy. (Brunch just hits different when it’s this fabulous!)

Whether through a fun speed dating session, a social “mingle & meet,” or just spontaneous moments on the dance floor — QALDF creates spaces to connect, flirt, and build community.

With over 60 hours of dancing, partying, and celebration, QALDF fills your days and nights with pool parties, electrifying socials, and themed events featuring local and international DJs.

Workshops for Every Body
Inclusive and beginner-friendly, QALDF invites you to move, explore, and play in a wide spectrum of queer-led workshops — from Bachata and Salsa to Vogue, Hip Hop, Heels, and more.

A Festival Like No Other
The only dance, music, and arts festival dedicated to Queer and Trans artistry. From Afro-Latin roots to queer creativity across every genre, QALDF is where we gather, shine, and celebrate.

6 reasons why you can't miss QALDF

@thetattedbachatera

"above all, it was just good vibes. i've never felt so much love and so much support from people i don't even know"

"every queer person who is into dance, no matter where you are in the country, you should go to the queer afro latin dance festival."

what they say...

"As a trans woman, I got to chill at a pool in a cute 2 piece bathing suit and people wanted to dance with me. It's an incredible feeling that I had yet to experience! I felt more than just tolerated at the festival as a whole, I felt desired and celebrated."

"I felt more than just tolerated... I felt desired and celebrated. "

"It was like a glimpse into the world we could create where everyone is safe and celebrated for showing up authentically"

"QALDF was such a special space "

"It's felt like a battle to just be gay and female presenting in this world, and your festival allowed me to feel safe, accepted, and celebrated. I'm in tears thinking of it. I talked to my therapist about it and truly you've raised the bar for all festivals but also just the space I create and participate in, in my life. Thank you for what you've created."

"your festival allowed me to feel safe, accepted, and celebrated. "

dancing with my corazón
45 usd

longline sports bra

QALDF PRINT
 50 usd

SPORTS SHORTS

qaldf print
55 usd

leggings w/ pockets

1/2

qaldf print
55 usd

track pants - UNISEX 

QALDF PRINT
 50 usd

Swimsuit

QALDF PRINT
55 usd

SWIM TRUNKS

2/2

qaldf print
55 usd

track pants - UNISEX 

QALDF PRINT
 50 usd

Swimsuit

1/6

QALDF PRINT
55 usd

SWIM TRUNKS

2/6

qaldf print
55 usd

track pants - UNISEX 

3/6

 QALDF 
55 usd

HOODIE - UNISEX

4/6

dancing with my corazón
45 usd

longline sports bra

5/6

QALDF PRINT
 50 usd

SPORTS SHORTS

6/6

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in San Jose, CA

stay at the festival

*LIMITED ROOMS AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL FESTIVAL RATE.

  3 days of DANCE, PARTY, SLEEP, REPEAT, deserve a well rested sleep. learn more about the venue AND BOOK YOUR STAY. 

Don't miss the opportunity to attend QALDF for FREE! Sign-up to volunteer and get a full festival pass! Please fill out our volunteer application below.

Volunteer for a full festival pass!

©queer afro latin dance festival. 2022 all rights reserved 

designed by brands that impact

Every dollar helps us keep this festival thriving and accessible. 

Your donation supports queer and trans artists, inclusive programming, and the continued expansion of QALDF into a home for queer arts. Be part of the legacy.

Donations are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, QCC: The Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Arts and Culture, which is a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area.  Thank you in advance for your invaluable support!

Help us grow the future of QALDF