There’s nothing quite like seeing the Capital City mentioned on TV — new seasons of “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us” feature characters from Austin — but the stars show up in person at ATX TV Festival.
From Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 1, Season 14 of the ATX TV Festival will host industry professionals such as Jon Hamm, Seth Meyers, Christine Baranski, and Mike Judge.
Single-event tickets and GP Badges for the four-day festival are still available, so let’s peek behind the scenes at what’s coming to town.
Before we tune in, a few quick tips from the festival’s organizers:
- Bring some friends, but don’t forget to chat with other attendees.
- Diversify your must-watch list with shows, actors, or creators you’ve never seen.
- Google the folks or show you’re about to see — it will make the experience more entertaining.
Parking + where to go
ATX TV Base Camp (where attendees will find registration, lost and found, and maybe a surprise or two) will be at 612 Brazos St., but the rest of the festival takes place along Congress Avenue at the following venues:
- 800 Congress
- Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue
- The Paramount Theatre
- State Theatre
- The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
If walking, biking, or ridesharing isn’t an option, you can book a parking space through SpotHero. Parking spots can be reserved days in advance.
What to see
Programming runs 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. or later Thursday, May 29-Saturday, May 31 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. There’s no way to catch all the programming, so here are a few of our picks.
Thursday, May 29
- Welcome to TV Camp | 11 a.m. | Hyatt Centric - Living Room | Kick off the festival with remarks from co-founders Emily Gipson & Caitlin McFarland.
- The Pitch Competition Finale | Hyatt Centric - Den | 12 p.m. | Finalists (narrowed from hundreds of applicants) will pitch their series to a panel of judges — one will get a connection to network partners.
- TSTV Student Pilot Showcase |12:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | Catch five projects created by students of UT’s Texas Student Television Incubator Program.
- “Andor” Panel | 3:30 p.m. | 800 Congress | Listen in on a conversation between executive producer Tony Gilroy and writer Beau Willimon about the creation of this “Star Wars” extended universe.
Friday, May 30
- “We Are Austin” Live | Stephen F’s Bar | 9 a.m. | Watch CBS Austin’s morning show with hosts Trevor Scott and Chelsey Khan live in the heart of Downtown Austin.
- “We Were Liars” Conversation & Sneak Peek | 4 p.m. | Hyatt Centric - Living Room | Based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling thriller novel, this series follows 17-year-old Cadence’s battle with amnesia.
- “King of the Hill” Revival Sneak Peek | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | Ho yeah. Reunite with the beloved characters of Arlen, Texas, after a 15-year hiatus from the small screen.
Saturday, May 31
- “The Gilded Age” Preview | 12 p.m. | The State Theatre | Get a peek at the upcoming third season of this period piece with cast members Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, and Morgan Spector.
- “Mad Men” Revisited with Jon Hamm & John Slattery | 6:15 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | Hear from the actors behind Don Draper and Roger Sterling about the show’s cultural impact even 10 years off the air.
- Murder & Mystery with Acorn TV | 7:30 p.m. | 800 Congress | Actor Jane Seymour and writer Paul Powell will join forces for an advance screening of “Art Detectives,” complete with themed snacks, drinks, and fun.
Sunday, June 1
- Texas Made Award: “Landman” | 11:45 a.m. | 800 Congress | ATX TV Festival and the folks behind Media for Texas will present the first Texas Made Award to this Lone Star State production.
- “The Golden Girls” 40th Anniversary Script Reading & Conversation | 1:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | Thank the girls for being friends with a live reading of two episodes of this iconic show.
Where to eat + rest
You can hit pause and rest at the badgeholder lounge inside the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Inside, you’ll find snacks, photo opportunities, and activations.
If you’re looking for more than just a bite, check out our guides to coffee shops, happy hours, and $10 lunches.
