Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival Announces Inaugural Event
International Short Horror Festival Comes to Ocean Shores, WA – October 17–18, 2026
Ocean Shores, WA — Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival, a new international short horror film festival founded by filmmakers, is proud to announce its inaugural event taking place October 17–18, 2026, in the misty coastal town of Ocean Shores, Washington.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Washington coast, Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival invites audiences and filmmakers alike to spend a few dark and stormy nights celebrating horror storytelling from around the world. The festival will showcase international short horror films, alongside a special “Home Grown” Pacific Northwest block, highlighting regional talent.
Submissions are now open, with a special discounted entry fee of $10 using code DSNMM.
What sets Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival apart is its filmmaker-first approach. As filmmakers themselves, the festival’s organizers have built an experience that prioritizes artist support, community, and immersive atmosphere.
Filmmaker Benefits Include:
FREE lodging for all selected films
• One single or double-occupancy hotel room per selected film
• Check-in Friday, check-out Monday (subject to filmmaker confirming attendance)
Two passes to the film’s screening block
Discounted tickets for additional cast and crew
Filmmaker reception and networking event
Screenings held in a professional movie theater venue
Beyond the screenings, Ocean Shores transforms into a festival-wide experience. Filmmakers and attendees will enjoy city-wide spooky events and activities throughout the weekend, along with six miles of beaches, coastal shops, and 39 restaurants and specialty food and drink establishments, many within walking distance of the venue. Selected filmmakers will also receive Key to the City–style perks during the event.
The festival’s location makes it an ideal launching point for exploration of the Olympic Peninsula, with nearby attractions including the Olympic National Forest, temperate rainforests, world-class fishing, the International Mermaid Museum, the legendary Tree of Life (or possibly the Tree of the Dead by 2026), Cape Flattery, and Forks—home of Twilight lore.
Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival aims to become a destination event where horror cinema, community, and coastal atmosphere collide.
Dates: October 17–18, 2026
Location: Ocean Shores, Washington
Submission Discount: $10 with code DSNMM
For submission details, festival updates, and announcements, filmmakers and fans are encouraged to follow Dark and Stormy Nights Film Festival online.
https://www.darkandstormyllc.com/film-festival
