Major Film Festivals in 2026
Mark your calendar: a fast, festival-by-festival cheat sheet for 2026. Dates may shift—always double-check the official site before booking. (Festival names below link to their official websites.)
The 2026 Calendar At a Glance
Below are the headline festivals (plus a few key industry cornerstones). If a date is still pending, it’s labeled TBA with a best-guess window (clearly marked).
| Festival | 2026 Dates | Where | What it’s known for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sundance Film Festival
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Jan 22 – Feb 1, 2026 | Park City + Salt Lake City, Utah (plus online window) | Breakout indies, buzz premieres, discovery titles |
|
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Jan 29 – Feb 8, 2026 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Bold new voices, experimental cinema, Tiger Competition |
|
Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Feb 12 – 22, 2026 | Berlin, Germany | Prestige competition, major European industry market |
|
SXSW Film & TV (SXSW)
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Mar 12 – 18, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Pop-culture premieres, TV launches, high-energy discovery |
|
Tribeca Festival
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Jun 3 – 14, 2026 | New York City | NYC premieres, documentary + narrative mix, creator culture |
|
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF)
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Jul 3 – 11, 2026 | Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic | Major European “A-list” festival, strong competition slate |
|
Locarno Film Festival
Listed
Official site →
|
Aug 5 – 15, 2026 | Locarno, Switzerland | Piazza Grande screenings, auteur cinema, discovery |
|
Telluride Film Festival
Expected
Official site →
|
Expected: Sep 4 – 7, 2026 (Labor Day weekend) | Telluride, Colorado | Secretive lineup, awards-season launchpad, cinephile favorite |
|
Venice International Film Festival
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Sep 2 – 12, 2026 | Lido di Venezia, Italy | Top-tier premieres, awards-season momentum, prestige |
|
TIFF: The Market
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Sep 10 – 16, 2026 | Toronto, Canada | Industry marketplace (sales, deals, networking) |
|
San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF)
Listed
Official site →
|
Sep 18 – 26, 2026 | San Sebastián, Spain | High-caliber competition, European prestige, coastal glamour |
|
BFI London Film Festival (LFF)
Confirmed
Official site →
|
Oct 7 – 18, 2026 | London, UK | Major fall festival, UK premieres, awards-season corridor |
Las Vegas Celeb Spots
Las Vegas Celeb Spots
Vegas is one of the easiest cities in America for celebrity sightings — because stars are often there for residencies, fight weekends, conventions, and VIP nightlife. This guide focuses on public venues and event-driven sightings (no stalking, no private info).
Start With “Vegas Zones” That Actually Deliver
In Vegas, celebrity sightings cluster around casino resorts (restaurants, pools, VIP entrances), major arenas (fight nights + concerts), and high-end nightlife. Think “where an event is happening” more than “random luck.”
The Strip Most Reliable
Power dinners + post-show meals
The Strip’s high-end restaurants are prime spotting territory, especially on show nights and big event weekends. Celebs often move in small groups with discreet security.
- Best timing: 7–10pm (show nights), late dinners after performances
- Look for: private room holds, black-car arrivals, small security detail
- Don’t: hover near entrances or interrupt meals
Lobbies, luxury shops, and pool clubs
- Resort lobbies become “arrival zones” on event weekends
- Luxury shopping corridors sometimes have spontaneous sightings
- Daytime: pools/pool clubs can be celeb-heavy (public areas only)
Residencies Celeb Guests + After-Parties
When the guest list is half the show
Residencies pull in celebrities as fans. You’ll often see surprise VIP attendees, “friends of the artist,” and social media moments in and around major venues.
- Best timing: arrivals before showtime + immediate post-show exits
- Most likely sightings: VIP entrances, lounges, resort restaurants after the show
- Best strategy: go to the show (don’t loiter outside)
Fight Weekends UFC/Boxing = VIP City
Celeb row is very real
- VIP sections and suites attract athletes, musicians, actors, and influencers
- Media week events create additional “scheduled sightings”
- Best timing: pre-fight arrivals + broadcast cutaways
Where the night continues
- Big fight nights funnel talent into clubs and private dinners
- Stick to public sidewalk moments—don’t try to crash anything
- Respect staff and security (they’re not your enemies)
Downtown Vegas Low-Key & Random
Comics, musicians, and surprise drop-ins
Downtown is less glossy, more spontaneous: smaller venues, comedy nights, and artists who want a break from Strip chaos. Sightings here skew “unexpected.”
- Best timing: Thursday–Saturday nights
- Best behavior: stay cool; don’t announce it; let them be off duty
The Most “Guaranteed” Vegas Plays If You Want a Real Sighting
Ticketed = reliable
- Residency shows
- Major concerts
- UFC/boxing cards
- Big conventions with public panels
How not to get escorted out
- One photo request max (and accept “no” immediately)
- Never follow, corner, or crowd
- No filming up close without consent
- Don’t share real-time locations
Current Must-Watch Big Screen Releases
🏆 Current Must‑Watch Big Screen Releases
Theaters are packed with sequels, spectacles, and surprise gems right now — and it can be tough to know what actually deserves your ticket. From horror hits and animated crowd‑pleasers to prestige dramas and anime events, here’s a quick guide to the big‑screen releases most worth seeing.
👻 Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Why it’s a must‑watch: The animatronics are back and even more nightmarish in this sequel to the 2023 game adaptation. Expect jump scares, creepy lore deep dives, and a rowdy crowd experience that’s way more fun in a packed theater.
🦊 Zootopia 2
Why it’s a must‑watch: Nick and Judy return for a new case that takes them into fresh corners of the city, with sharp jokes, clever world‑building, and vibrant animation. It’s the big four‑quadrant family movie that actually has something to say.
✨ Wicked: For Good
Why it’s a must‑watch: The second half of the Wicked adaptation delivers the emotional payoff fans have been waiting for — massive musical numbers, full tragic arcs, and the kind of soaring songs that sound incredible in a theater sound system.
🛸 Predator: Badlands
Why it’s a must‑watch: This new Predator chapter strands an outcast Predator and a human‑built android on a brutal “death planet,” mixing tense sci‑fi action with a surprisingly character‑driven story. It’s one of the tightest, most effective entries in the franchise.
💫 Eternity
Why it’s a must‑watch: An off‑beat A24 afterlife rom‑com where Joan dies, lands in a bureaucratic way station, and has one week to choose who to spend eternity with. It’s funny, strange, and unexpectedly moving — ideal for date night or anyone who likes their romance a little weird.
🎩 Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
Why it’s a must‑watch: The Horsemen are pulled out of retirement for a globe‑trotting diamond heist that forces them to team up with a new generation of illusionists. Slick, fast, and delightfully implausible, it leans into flashy “how did they do that?” set pieces.
🎭 Hamnet
Why it’s a must‑watch: Chloé Zhao adapts Maggie O’Farrell’s novel into an intimate, visually rich drama about Shakespeare, his wife Agnes, and the grief that reshapes their lives after the death of their son. It’s a slow‑burn, awards‑season heart‑breaker with powerhouse performances.
🌀 Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution
Why it’s a must‑watch: This theatrical event recaps the explosive end of the “Shibuya Incident” arc and teases the upcoming “Culling Game” storyline. For fans, it’s a chance to see the series’ wildest battles and new footage on the big screen with a cheering audience.
🧽 The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Why it’s a must‑watch: The fourth SpongeBob feature dives to the ocean’s deepest depths as he faces the Flying Dutchman. It’s loud, colorful, and stuffed with gags, making it the go‑to family option in a crowded holiday release window.
🌋 Avatar: Fire and Ash
Why it’s a must‑watch: The third Avatar film continues Jake and Neytiri’s story as their family confronts a fierce new Na’vi faction known as the Ash People. It blends grief‑driven character drama with massive, meticulously crafted action — the kind of world‑building that really only makes sense on the biggest screen you can find.
The Hottest Games to Play Right Now
The Hottest Games to Play Right Now
Gamers, grab your controllers. Whether you’re into story-rich RPGs, multiplayer mayhem, or cozy indies, the current lineup of new and trending titles is absolutely stacked. These are the must-play games lighting up screens in late 2025:
1. Starfield: Deep Rift
The massive expansion to Bethesda’s open-world space RPG adds new alien civilizations, interstellar politics, and a darker storyline that’s being praised as the franchise’s best writing yet. A must for exploration fans.
2. Grand Theft Auto VI
Still dominating charts months after release, Rockstar’s GTA VI has set new sales records. Players are hooked on the dual-protagonist story set in a reimagined Vice City, plus the game’s ultra-realistic physics and evolving online mode.
3. Hollow Knight: Silksong
After years of anticipation, this beautifully challenging indie metroidvania finally dropped and lived up to the hype. Gorgeous visuals, tight combat, and rich lore – it’s a gem for fans of precision platforming and dark fantasy.
4. Call of Duty: Echo Strike
The latest installment in the franchise delivers next-gen graphics and a globe-trotting campaign. Multiplayer introduces new team dynamics and map design praised for its balance. It’s CoD redefined for a new era.
5. Animal Crossing: Coastal Life
This surprise sequel brings a new seaside setting, enhanced customization, and an even deeper social sim. Fans of the franchise are loving the relaxed vibes and fresh design tools.
6. Alan Wake II
Remedy’s psychological horror sequel blends haunting narrative with breathtaking visuals and cinematic flair. It’s spooky, surreal, and storytelling at its most interactive. Not for the faint of heart – but highly recommended.
7. Fortnite: Neo Age
The battle royale juggernaut enters a cyberpunk era with neon-soaked maps, tech-infused skins, and collabs with top sci-fi franchises. New game modes keep things fresh and the cultural dominance continues.
8. Lies of P II
This soulslike sequel improves on the original with smoother combat, branching narratives, and eerie fairy tale-inspired environments. It’s tough-as-nails gameplay with artistic flair.
9. Marvel’s Midnight Sons
Superhero fans are loving this strategy RPG where you build a dream squad of dark-side Marvel characters. Deep combat, meaningful choices, and top-tier fan service make it a sleeper hit.
10. Among Us VR 2.0
The hit social deception game’s VR sequel brings bigger maps, new mechanics, and even more hilarious chaos. With improved movement and voice chat upgrades, it’s a top choice for party gaming sessions.
🎮 Whether you’re a solo quester or squad-up type, these games are making 2025 unforgettable for players. Power up and dive in.
London Celeb Spots
London Celeb Spots
The best places to spot celebrities in London — West End stage doors, premieres in Leicester Square, fashion-week dinners, and the hotel lobbies where global stars cycle through on tour. This guide focuses on public venues and scheduled appearances only.
Start With Areas That Actually Deliver
London sightings cluster around the West End (theatre), Mayfair (luxury + hotels), Soho (nightlife), and Notting Hill (quiet-famous daytime). Think events first, then neighborhoods.
West End Stage Doors & Openings
The most respectful celeb encounter
After performances, some actors sign programs or take quick selfies. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s legit, organized, and (when done right) low-drama.
- Best timing: right after curtain (be patient)
- Etiquette: one item max, ask once, accept “no” instantly
- Don’t: block exits or push into crowds
More celebs per square meter
Press, guests, and famous friends tend to show up on opening nights. Arrivals can be photo-heavy, especially near major venues.
- Best timing: 60–120 minutes before showtime
- Expect: cameras, security, quick waves
Leicester Square Premieres
London’s most “classic” celebrity sighting
Film premieres in and around Leicester Square are your best bet for a planned, high-visibility celeb moment. Check official event listings for public viewing areas, times, and crowd rules.
- Best timing: arrive early (crowds pack in fast)
- Best strategy: choose one premiere and commit rather than bouncing around
- Stay respectful: keep your distance and follow staff instructions
Mayfair Hotels, Fashion, and Power Dinners
Lobbies become showbiz HQ
- During fashion/film weeks, celebs cycle through hotel lobbies and bars
- Best timing: late morning (meetings) + early evening (dinners)
- Only public areas, always (no elevators, hallways, private lounges)
Runway-adjacent sightings
- Brand dinners, launches, and after-parties often create sidewalk photo moments
- Watch for: “guest list” whispers + black-car arrivals
- Don’t: push into entrances or try to crash private events
Notting Hill Quiet Famous
Coffee runs, shopping, markets
Notting Hill and nearby areas are classic “celebs being normal” territory. Sightings are casual, quick, and usually not photo-friendly — which is kind of the point.
- Best timing: late morning to mid-afternoon (weekends especially)
- Best behavior: treat it like you saw someone in your neighborhood — brief, respectful, move on
Most Reliable London Plays For Real Sightings
See them on purpose
- West End shows (stage door chance)
- Screenings + Q&As
- Book talks + moderated conversations
When global stars are in town
- Concert weekends (VIP guests often visible)
- Major matches (VIP boxes are real)
- After-parties (public sidewalk moments only)
NYC Celeb Spots
NYC Celeb Spots
The best places to spot celebrities in New York City — Broadway stage doors, late-night TV tapings, Tribeca/SoHo dinners, and the event circuit that turns Manhattan into a moving red carpet. This guide focuses on public venues and scheduled appearances only.
Start With Neighborhoods That Actually Deliver
NYC sightings cluster around showbiz schedules: Broadway call times, TV studios, PR dinners, fashion events, and hotels that host the entire orbit. Use this as your “where to hang” map (without making it weird).
Midtown Broadway + TV
The most legit “hello” in NYC
Stage door is where performers sometimes greet fans after the show. It’s not guaranteed, but when it happens it’s one of the most respectful ways to meet stars.
- Best timing: right after curtain (be patient)
- Etiquette: one item max, quick photo request, say thanks
- Don’t: crowd the exit or block sidewalks
Guests are literally scheduled
Want a “guaranteed” celeb sighting? TV studios are your best bet. If you can snag tickets, you’ll see the guest list play out in real time.
- Where: studio entrances + audience lines (public areas only)
- Best timing: check ticket instructions; arrive early
- Bonus: you may spot multiple guests in one day
SoHo / Tribeca Dinners + Brand Events
Where you’ll spot “quiet famous” celebs
Downtown is where a lot of celebs actually live their lives: low-key dinners, gallery openings, brand pop-ups, and private events that spill into public sidewalks for a moment.
- Best timing: weeknights 7–10pm; weekend brunch for casual sightings
- What to watch: black-car arrivals + small security teams
- How to behave: don’t hover — NYC is about minding your business
Upper West Side Parks + Daytime
Bookish, low-key, surprisingly celeb-heavy
- Dog walks, coffee runs, bookstores
- Central Park / Riverside Park edges
- Best timing: late morning → mid-afternoon
Classy events, classy crowds
- Performances + galas + film society nights
- Arrivals can be photo-worthy (public viewing areas)
- Best for: actors, directors, philanthropic circles
Brooklyn Indie Energy
Where creatives go to be “off duty”
Brooklyn sightings tend to be less paparazzi, more “oh wow, that’s them” — at smaller venues, comedy rooms, and film-friendly neighborhoods. It’s great for spotting musicians, comedians, and indie actors.
- Best timing: Thursday–Saturday nights
- Best behavior: don’t shout; keep it calm; let them enjoy the show
The Most Reliable NYC Plays For Real Sightings
Book talks, panels, and festivals
- Author events and moderated conversations
- Film Q&As and screening series
- Charity events with public arrival lines
When the whole city feels like a runway
- Brand pop-ups and launch events
- NYFW-adjacent dinners and after-parties
- Luxury hotel lobbies become HQ
LA Celeb Spots
LA Celeb Spots
The best places to spot celebrities in Los Angeles — from West Hollywood dinner hotspots to studio screenings and concert after-parties. This guide focuses on public venues and event-driven sightings (no private addresses, ever).
Start With Neighborhoods That Actually Deliver
LA sightings cluster by where people work (studios, agencies), where they eat (scene-y restaurants), and where they play (concert venues, sports arenas). Use this grid as a quick “where to go” map.
West Hollywood Hot Zones
Scene-y restaurants (go early, linger lightly)
- High-energy dining rooms where stylists, publicists, and talent rotate through
- Best timing: weeknights 7–10pm; weekends earlier for “quiet famous”
- Look for: private dining entrances + valet activity (don’t crowd)
Where celebs show up as fans (and sometimes pop on stage)
- Comedy nights: guest drop-ins and “friends of the show” seats
- Music lounges: album listening parties and low-key industry hangs
- Best timing: Thursday–Saturday, later hours
Beverly Hills Power Lunches & Hotels
The lobby is the runway (especially during awards season)
During award campaigns, premieres, and fashion events, major hotels become HQ: interviews, glam teams, business meetings, and private dinners often route through publicly visible spaces like lobbies and valet areas.
- Best timing: late morning (meetings) + early evening (dinners)
- Best approach: be invisible — watch from a distance, don’t hover
- Never do: follow into elevators, hallways, or restricted zones
Hollywood Premieres & Big Venues
For guaranteed sightings, go where they’re scheduled
- Big theaters host red carpets and photo lines
- Arrive 60–120 minutes early for public viewing areas
- Check official studio/event listings for rules
After-parties + VIP entrances
- Major venues attract celebs as guests — especially for “can’t miss” shows
- Watch arrivals (public areas only) and keep your distance
- Don’t camp. Don’t chase. Let the night breathe.
Malibu Daytime “Quiet Famous”
Brunch, ocean walks, and low-key sightings
Malibu sightings skew daytime: casual lunches, beach-adjacent restaurants, and wellness routines. It’s less “flash” and more “normal.”
- Best timing: late morning to mid-afternoon (especially weekends)
- What you’ll see: sunglasses, hats, and a “please don’t make this weird” vibe
The “Guaranteed” LA Plays If You Want Real Sightings
Guests are literally scheduled
- Late-night shows and talk show tapings
- Special holiday/award season episodes
- Arrive early, follow venue rules
Industry events = concentrated talent
- For Your Consideration (FYC) events and Q&As
- Premiere week cast + creator appearances
- Public ticketed events are the best option
Where to See Celebs
Where to See Celebs
A practical (and polite) guide to celebrity sightings — where they actually show up, how to time it, and how to keep it respectful. Think: premieres, stage doors, festivals, sports, and the restaurants that become unofficial red carpets.
The Best Places to Spot Celebs Legally & Respectfully
If you want to see celebrities in the wild, your best bet isn’t “random chance” — it’s public events and professional venues where appearances are expected. Below are the top categories that consistently deliver sightings, plus tips to do it without crossing any lines.
Big arrivals, quick hellos, lots of photos
Film premieres, album release parties, and awards-season screenings are reliable. The key is tracking venue announcements and showing up early — public viewing areas fill fast.
- Where: theaters, museums, major screening rooms
- Best time: 60–120 minutes before start time
- Expect: quick waves, press lines, security
The closest you’ll get to a real hello
After shows, some performers come out to greet fans. Not every night, not every cast member — but it’s one of the most genuine celeb encounters you can have.
- Where: Broadway/West End, touring theaters
- Best time: right after curtain (be patient)
- Etiquette: one item max, quick thanks, no crowding
Week-long celeb density
Festivals concentrate actors, directors, and musicians into a few walkable blocks — plus Q&As and press moments are common.
- Hot zones: theater corridors, sponsor lounges, Q&A venues
- Best move: buy tickets to screenings/Q&As (don’t lurk)
Celeb row is real
Courtside and VIP sections attract celebs, especially in LA/NY/Miami. The best “spot” is often the broadcast cutaway.
- Where: NBA games, big soccer matches, boxing/PPV
- What to watch: entrances + halftime
Lobbies are the runway
During award season, festivals, or tour stops, celebs cycle through major hotels for meetings, glam, and private dinners.
- Where: lobbies, bars, valet zones (public areas only)
- Don’t: block elevators or followpham
City Cheat Sheet Where to Look
Use these as “hub” links on ShowBiz (separate posts per city). Keep it broad: neighborhoods + venue types, not private addresses.
How to Do It Right Etiquette & Safety
Be cool, be quick, be human
- Ask once, politely: “Hi — quick photo?” (and accept “no” immediately)
- Keep it short: compliment + thanks + move
- Use public spaces and follow posted rules
- If kids are present, don’t approach
Don’t turn a sighting into a chase
- Don’t follow, block paths, or crowd them
- Don’t share live location or hotel info
- Don’t film up close without consent
- Don’t treat staff/security like obstacles
Best “Guaranteed” Options If You Want a Real Sighting
Go where they’re scheduled to be
- Live TV tapings: late-night shows, morning shows, award specials
- Book events: signings, moderated talks, festival panels
- Concerts/residencies: VIP arrivals are common (but keep distance)
- Charity galas: often photographed arrivals, sometimes public viewing
TV Watch Recommendations
TV Watch Recommendations
What should you watch tonight? Start with our mood picks, then jump into genre stacks and “if you liked that…” recs. (Spoiler-light, binge-friendly.)
Genre Stacks That Never Miss
When you want laughs fast
- Pro move: Lead with the “easiest” show first, then graduate to darker/smarter picks.
When you want twists
- Prestige mystery: True Detective (select seasons), Mare of Easttown
- Whodunit vibes: Only Murders in the Building
- High-stakes binge: Money Heist
When you want a world to live in
- Accessible sci-fi: Stranger Things
- Big brain: Black Mirror (anthology)
- Epic fantasy: Game of Thrones (with caveats), The Witcher
When you want drama, stakes, and quotes
- Strategy: Survivor, The Traitors
- Social chaos: Real Housewives (pick a city), Vanderpump Rules
- Talent comfort: The Great British Bake Off
If You Liked That… Watch This
Easy “next show” recommendations
- If you liked: Succession → Try: Billions, Industry
- If you liked: The White Lotus → Try: Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers
- If you liked: Stranger Things → Try: Dark, The Umbrella Academy
- If you liked: Only Murders in the Building → Try: Poker Face, The Afterparty
Top TV Series Reviews
Top TV Series Reviews
The shows critics are debating (and recommending) right now — with spoiler-light notes and quick links so you can decide what to start tonight.
Editor’s Picks This Week
Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 1): huge swings, mixed reactions
The final run is being praised for scale and endgame momentum — but some critics argue the supersized approach can feel crowded or oddly smaller than expected, depending on the episode. (Keep this one spoiler-safe by sticking to “Volume 1” coverage.)
- Good for: big-lore finales, monster horror, “everyone’s watching” TV
- Critic vibe: thrilling and immersive for fans, but not universally beloved
Fallout (Season 2): darker, weirder, still hilariously brutal
Reviews highlight the show’s sweet spot: gory spectacle and deadpan satire, anchored by the Lucy/Ghoul dynamic and deeper lore. The weekly rollout also keeps conversation alive episode-to-episode.
- Good for: post-apocalyptic chaos, gallows humor, game-adaptation skeptics
- Critic vibe: funnier (and sharper) than a wasteland should be
The Studio: Hollywood satire with real bite
A fast, sharp comedy about the machinery of “the business,” boosted by star cameos and a love-hate relationship with the industry it’s roasting.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Season 2): confident return
Early reviews call it a stronger start, with bigger energy, cleaner momentum, and more comfort with the show’s tone and scale.
Andor (Season 2): prestige sci-fi with political teeth
Critics continue to single it out for patient storytelling, grounded performances, and a resistance narrative that feels unusually adult for the franchise.
Tea With Judi Dench: the warmest watch of the week
If you want a break from plot-heavy bingeing, this one-off conversation special is being praised as gentle, funny, and unexpectedly emotional.
Landman (Season 2): the “what just happened?” drama everyone recaps
Even when reviews aren’t the headline, the episode-by-episode coverage shows the show’s strength: big character moves, big consequences, and plenty of cliffhanger fuel.
How We Picked These Reviews
We prioritized (1) shows currently airing or newly reviewed, (2) major conversation drivers, and (3) reputable review outlets so you can cite, summarize, and link out cleanly.