A new Las Vegas film festival is coming to the Arts District, and THIRD Street Arts & Media Incubator is helping build it. Neon Sky Film Festival holds its inaugural edition May 7–9, 2027.
Submissions are open now to filmmakers everywhere.
A New Las Vegas Film Festival Built for Independent Voices
Neon Sky positions itself as a bold new voice in independent cinema. The inaugural program will feature independent features, short films, filmmaker Q&As, and networking sessions.
Co-founder and festival director Rose Watson framed the vision this way:
“Neon Sky Film Festival was created to be a space where the electric energy of Las Vegas and the bold storytelling that’s always been here can meet.”
Las Vegas already draws productions from around the world. However, few local platforms exist for the filmmakers who actually live and work here. Neon Sky aims to close that gap.
Notably, the festival arrives as Southern Nevada’s independent scene keeps growing. Film crews, editors, and animators have quietly built careers here for years. Until now, though, they have had to travel to premiere their work.
Why THIRD Street Partnered on the Festival
THIRD Street exists to develop artists, not just host them. Neon Sky Film Festival is being built here rather than imported, a Las Vegas festival for Las Vegas filmmakers and filmgoers, starting from scratch in the Arts District.
“Las Vegas has always entertained the world,” said Daz Weller, CEO of THIRD Street Arts & Media Incubator. “Now it’s time to become a city that develops, supports, and exports extraordinary artists as well.”
How Filmmakers Can Submit
Submissions are open now, and the festival welcomes work from filmmakers globally. No residency requirement applies. Local, national, and international creators can all enter.
For guidelines, categories, and deadline dates, visit the Neon Sky Film Festival website. The site lists current deadlines and fee tiers, and it updates as the submission season progresses.
Festival Details
- Dates: May 7–9, 2027
- Location: THIRD Street, 814 S 3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Programming: Independent features, short films, filmmaker Q&As, networking
What Happens Next
We will share programming news the 2027 edition takes shape. In the meantime, follow Neon Sky for submission updates. You can also check our events calendar for workshops and screenings at THIRD Street.
Follow the Neon Sky festival on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
