Steam Next Fest: Dates, Demos, and What to Know

Steam Next Fest is a week-long event on Steam where players try free demos of upcoming games. The February 2026 edition is held from February 23 to March 2, a great opportunity to discover both major and indie titles.

Dates and schedule for Steam Next Fest

Steam Next Fest is held several times a year; the confirmed dates for 2026 are Feb 23–Mar 2, Jun 15–Jun 22, and Oct 19–Oct 26. Each edition usually starts at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time) and lasts seven days.

Are Steam Next Fest demos free?

Yes. All demos during Steam Next Fest are free. You only need a Steam account to download and install demos; you can try as many as you want. Recent examples include indies like Constance and previews like Pragmata.

Is Steam Next Fest a sale? Will there be deals?

Technically, Steam Next Fest is not a sale: it focuses on demos and developer streams. However, discounts may appear close to the event; the Steam Spring Sale is scheduled from March 19 to March 26, 2026, so add games to your wishlist if you plan to buy them.

Test demos, participate in streams, and add to wishlist the titles that interest you. Which demo will you try first this edition? Try one and find out if it deserves a spot on your wishlist.