2015 Schedule

Special Events

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue Feast - SOLD OUT!

Skip the line and join us at the legendary Franklin Barbecue — winner of Texas Monthly’s coveted “Best Barbecue Joint in Texas” award — for an intimate dinner and a lively discussion about the upcoming 2016 presidential election with political commentators Paul Begala, Matthew Dowd and Mark McKinnon. This event is not included in the regular Festival badge and requires an extra ticket. There will not be tickets available for purchase at the door.

Presented by The Monument Group

• Paul Begala /

• Matthew Dowd /

• Mark McKinnon /

• Evan Smith (mod.) 

Special Events

AT&T Center Courtyard

Pre-Festival Student Summit

Enjoy a kickoff session with fellow #ttfstudents. Meet Tribune staff and Festival attendees, and find out how to get the most out of your Festival experience. Free appetizers and refreshments will be provided.

Learn more about the full #ttfstudents experience.

Presented by the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life and the Hatton Sumners Foundation 

Special Events

AT&T Center, Amphitheater 204

Live TribCast Recording

Before the opening keynote, Festival attendees are invited to grab a cocktail and join us for a special pre-Festival live recording of the Texas Tribune TribCast podcast, featuring special guests from our presidential podcast — The Ticket 2016 — and Reveal, a program from the Center for Investigative Reporting. After the recording, catch the shuttle located on the hotel-side of the AT&T Center and head over to the Hogg Memorial Auditorium for the opening keynote.

This event is open to all Festival attendees.

Special Events

Main Mall

Opening Night Party

Join us for a welcome reception under the tower lights on the UT Main Mall directly after Friday’s opening keynote. Mingle with the Festival’s speakers and moderators and the Tribune’s writers and editors while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails provided by some of Austin’s favorite local vendors. 

Bites provided by Sway, Due Forni and Fêté Event Solutions at Austin Community College. Beverages provided by the Beer Alliance of Texas, Messina Hof Winery and Deep Eddy Vodka. This special reception is open to all Festival attendees.

Presented by Toyota

Special Events

Student Activity Center, Fireside Lounge

#ttfstudents Lounge

Located near three program tracks, the #ttfstudents Lounge is the Festival headquarters for students. Take advantage of Festival speaker appearances and valuable networking opportunities with sponsors, or just drop by to rest and connect with other students. Free drinks, snacks, phone charging and fun activities provided!

Learn more about the full #ttfstudents experience.

Presented by the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life and the Hatton Sumners Foundation 

Special Events

Main Mall

Food Truck Lunch

Austin may be known as the live music capital of the world, but it’s also known for its diverse and gourmet food trucks. The Texas Tribune Festival is providing the adventure of eating at a food truck court. Be sure to bring cash for lunch and dessert from some of Austin’s most iconic food trucks at this special lunch curated by Austin’s own Tiffany Harelik, author of the Trailer Food Diaries Cookbook series.

During the lunch, check out hands-on demonstrations of the latest research and technology on campus at the UT Innovation Showcase, happening on the Tower plaza!

Presented by St. David's HealthCare and St. David's Foundation

Special Events

AT&T Center Courtyard

Courtyard Reception

Join your fellow Festival attendees directly after Saturday’s last session in the AT&T Center’s Center Courtyard. Discuss the day and enjoy the outdoor setting to unwind after the day’s discussions and debates. This special reception is open to all Festival attendees.

Presented by The Boeing Company