ATX Television Festival Season 9 is going virtual!
Tune in from your living room as we celebrate #TVTogether June 5-7.

Waiting in line in the heat and struggling to decide which event to attend at the annual ATX TV Festival are things you won’t have to worry about this year, as this spunky fest brings the fun to you, right from your own TV screen. And you can register for free. As co-founder Caitlin McFarland says, “You get to stay in the air conditioning of your home, in your comfy pants, and see it all.”

Started in 2012, the festival has over 3,000 attendees each year. 2020 may be a bit different, but the many participants can still look forward to three days of celebrating TV from panels, sneak peeks, intimate conversations, special events, surprise guests and more. 

This year’s festival is, as McFarland explains, “really expanding our audience. We are intimate and small at the physical festival on purpose. Now, though, we want as many people to be able to share their love of TV with us as possible.”

Another exciting change this year is that the festival will be highlighting organizations such as The Actors Fund and Direct Relief, which work to provide global, regional and industry relief during the COVID-19 crisis.

Participants this year can look forward to “a brand new world of virtual.” The goal is “to make it feel as much like the in-person fest as possible…eating, drinking and celebrating #TVTogether,” says McFarland. “We’re excited for the Scrubs reunion, happy hour with Busy Phillips, a first look at HBO’s Perry Mason plus our President Panel with female presidents from all aspects of TV.” 

McFarland’s favorite part of the ATX TV Festival? “I just love watching everyone come together that weekend and share a love for TV…that truly makes it all worth it. From fans to the TV casts and creators, it is always a beautiful thing to watch.”

Those who tune in can also expect timely conversations on physical and mental health, moderated by the amazing Beau Willimon (yes, THAT Beau Willimon, of “House of Cards” fame), election year issues moderated by Dale Ho (Director, ACLU’s Voting Rights Project), a conversation on Latinx representation with moderator Maria Elena Fernandez, and a discussion on creating content during a pandemic.

There’s a ton more great programming coming up, so register here for free. Bonus: If you want to share a snack and drink with founders Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson, take a peek at the fun grocery list they have put together.

ATX TV Fest streams June 5-7 on YouTube. 

Cover photo courtesy ATX TV Festival.

Gracie Watt is the Digital Intern at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a junior at St. Edward’s University in Austin, studying Journalism. When she’s not writing, Watt enjoys singing, playing the guitar and doing volunteer work. @gracie.whatt