Austin Film Festival

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Arts & CultureAustin
Dates29 October–5 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsWhere most film festivals treat the script
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Austin Film Festival in Austin

Austin Film Festival is an eight-day Oscar-qualifying event held each October, paired with a Writers Conference that makes it unusual among film festivals for centering screenwriters as much as directors. Founded in 1994 by Barbara Morgan, it screens roughly 175 features, documentaries, and shorts, hosts industry panels, and runs one of the largest screenplay competitions in the country.

Its writer-centered identity makes it distinct from generic film events.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Where most film festivals treat the script as a step toward the finished film, Austin Film Festival builds its entire identity around the writers who create it, pairing screenings with a four-day Writers Conference that includes script-to-screen breakdowns, panel discussions, and pitch sessions with working professionals

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Screenplay and Teleplay Competition is among the largest of its kind by entry volume and has served as a career launchpad, with past entrants going on to sell scripts or sign with agents directly through festival connections

03

The city starts moving

A signature culinary gala at the historic Driskill Hotel brings together dishes from roughly twenty Austin restaurants to fund the festival's Young Filmmakers Program for ages nine to eighteen

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Driskill Hotel culinary gala

Water and renewal

Living ritual

sometimes called the festival's signature party night

The sacred route

Living ritual

has long served as its main fundraiser for youth filmmaking education

The local code

Living ritual

The Screenplay and Teleplay Competition remains the festival's structural core

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and Conversations in Film sessions pairing established writers and directors with audiences are a recurring feature every year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

29 October–5 November 2026

Getting around

Venues cluster around central Austin.

What to wear

Business-casual to smart-casual works for panels and daytime screenings; the Driskill Hotel gala calls for cocktail attire. October in Austin is usually warm by day and cooler at night, so a...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Downtown Austin

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map30.27 N, 97.75 WOpen in Google Maps

Austin, TX

TransportVenues cluster around central Austin.
Stay areaDowntown Austin

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Austin via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Austin, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearBusiness-casual to smart-casual works for panels and daytime screenings; the Driskill Hotel gala calls for cocktail attire. October in Austin is usually warm by day and cooler at night, so a layer for evening events is useful.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Austin Film Festival?

Austin Film Festival is listed for 29 October–5 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Austin Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Austin, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Austin, TX

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLaustinfilmfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates29 October–5 November 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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