Before the ATX Television Festival, we listed the five things we were most looking forward to. Now, we’re talking about the five best things we saw/ did/ experienced at the fest.

You already heard from Sofia, who experienced her very first fest. Second timer Lola also shared her experience. Now, it’s time to hear from the vet, who’s been attending the festival off and on since season one.

Dani’s Five Favorite Things

• Listening to Cole Hauser Fawn Over Matthew McConaughey

During our interview with Matthew McConaughey’s Dazed and Confused co-star, Hauser mused about his time in Austin and went on and on about his best pal. Honestly, I thought it seemed a little much. Like, sure, you’re friends but besties? Well, I sure was proven wrong when Wooderson himself showed up the the Yellowstone afterparty, which was followed by the two buds going rogue from Hauser’s publicist and wandering through the streets of downtown Austin.

Photo by Jack Plunkett.

• Hearing Alright, Alright, Alright, Over and Over and Over

Speaking of McConaughey, we asked every person we interviewed which phrase they like better: Texas Forever or Alright Alright Alright. Every single person picked the later. Can’t wait to string those all together in one epic video. We really didn’t ask just to hear everyone utter the phrase. Honestly. We thought some would say “Texas forever.” But we’re guessing Kevin Bacon knew what we would ultimately end up doing with all the answers because he slyly replied, “I’ll go with Matthew on this one.”

• Snagging All the Photo Booth Pics from the Showtime Party 

At many of the official parties there were photo booths offering themed photos. The one at the Showtime party required you to email or text the photo to yourself. I couldn’t help but notice that the Roswell gang and Kevin Bacon and his City on a Hill crew had stepped into the booth prior to me. So I sent those to myself as well. Here they are for your viewing pleasure.

• Chatting with the Fear The Walking Dead Cast

As y’all probably know, I’m a fan of Fear the Walking Dead. I love following the adventures of the cast via their Instagram accounts, and even checking out some of the filming locations around town. But this was the first time I got to sit down and chat with cast members. Lennie James and new cast addition Karen David are delightful.  Maggie Grace is so sweet and soft spoken. And Alexa Nisenson is a doll. It also just so happened to be Alexa’s 13th birthday, though she’s much more composed that most girls her age and wise beyond her years.

• Watching the Younger Premiere

It will be hard to top the season 7 Younger panel as almost the entire cast attended. Though since that is my favorite summer series, I’m happy to have any kind of Younger presence at the fest. This year, Debi Mazar made an appearance following a screening of the season premiere, which wouldn’t air for the public until the following week. Seeing Debi again was great but I was even more thrilled to watch the much anticipated episode in a room full of other die-hard fans. We laughed together, we gasped together and we cried together. Oh, wait, was that just me? Yes, I am 100% positive I’m the only one who cried happy tears during the 9 to 5 scene. It just made me so happy!

I was recently asked which is my favorite Austin festival. While SXSW is always a super fun time, this event ranks right up there as my other fave. The ATX Television Festival is a keen reflection of what Austin is: a place where nobody is too cool and everybody is cool enough (I got that from Matthew McConaughey, who was actually quoting one of his pals when he said it). From crossing paths with seasoned celebs, to chatting with up-and-comers, and connecting with so many fellow TV fanatics, this is one production you do not want to miss. In fact, we’re already counting down to next year!

We hope to see YOU at ATX Television Festival Season 9, happening June 4 through 7, 2020.