Austin Texas Film Festival: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Every October, downtown Austin transforms into a vibrant hub of storytelling and cinema for the Austin Film Festival (AFF). Known as the “Writers’ Festival,” this acclaimed eight-day event runs from October 23 to 30, 2025. It uniquely blends red-carpet film premieres with a comprehensive four-day screenwriters’ conference, attracting emerging writers, veteran filmmakers, and passionate movie fans from around the world.

Set against Austin’s renowned live-music scene and its eclectic food-truck culture, AFF is part industry summit, part Texas-sized celebration—ideal for anyone who loves a compelling story told on screen.

Where the Magic Unfolds

History meets Hollywood in downtown Austin’s walkable theater district. Austin Film Festival – AFF’s screenings and panels take place in iconic venues such as the historic Paramount Theatre at 713 Congress Ave., Austin and State Theatre at 719 Congress Ave., Austin with additional satellite venues scattered throughout the walkable downtown area.

This compact layout allows attendees to easily move from morning panels to lunchtime short-film blocks and evening premieres without needing transportation, enhancing the festival’s intimate and accessible atmosphere.

Dates to Script-Lock

Block your calendar for eight days of panels, premieres, and pitch sessions.

• Festival Dates: October 23–30, 2025
• Opening Night Gala: Thursday, October 23
• Screenwriters Conference: October 24–27
• Film Screenings, Q&As & Parties: Daily through October 30

Who Should Attend (Spoiler: Everyone)

Writers, watchers, wanderers—this festival speaks your language. AFF offers something for every type of film lover:

• Families: Kid-friendly short films and family programming
• Cinephiles: A curated selection of features and documentaries
• First-time Screenwriters: Opportunities to workshop with industry pros
• Genre Fans: Special spotlights for horror, sci-fi, and more
• Casual Moviegoers: A chance to meet filmmakers in a relaxed setting

Highlights Worthy of a Standing Ovation

• Over 175+ screenings including features, docs, shorts, and animation
• The Script Competition: the world’s largest, helping writers get agents and deals
• “On Story” Panels: Line-by-line analysis of hit films with Hollywood insiders
• Nightly parties on Sixth Street with music, food, and filmmaker mingling
• Texas showcases featuring local documentaries, shorts, and animations
• Pitch sessions, masterclasses, and meetings with top producers and execs

Plotting Your Parking

Festival-worthy parking tips to keep you in the action, not the lot:

• Street Meters: Around $2/hour (1st 2 hrs), rising to around $5/hour (8th hr); free Sundays
• 600 Congress Garage: Around $10–$15 after 5 p.m.; ideal for Paramount Theatre
• Overflow Garages: 503 Colorado and 119 E 6th St (Around $18–$24 evening cap)
• Transit: Rideshares and CapMetro buses drop off near key venues

Press Play on the Perfect Austin Getaway

Why let the credits roll after the festival when you can turn it into a full adventure? Tripster makes it easy to bundle your Austin Film Festival pass with nearby hotels and memorable attractions—all in one seamless booking.

With exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and mobile-friendly planning, you’ll spend less time organizing and more time soaking up stories on screen—and off. Whether you’re here for the films, the food, or the fun, Tripster helps you make it a reel getaway worth remembering.