The 29th annual Texas Book Festival brought literary energy to downtown Austin on November 16–17, 2024, with a star-studded lineup that included Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and acclaimed director Richard Linklater. Their joint appearance on November 17 at the historic First Baptist Church was a major highlight, drawing a packed audience of literature and film enthusiasts eager to hear the longtime collaborators in conversation.
McConaughey, a Texas native and University of Texas alumnus, spoke candidly about his memoir Greenlights, sharing reflections on his personal journey, life philosophy, and career milestones. Linklater, who famously cast McConaughey in his breakout role in Dazed and Confused, led the discussion, offering an intimate glimpse into their shared experiences in Hollywood and how storytelling transcends mediums.
Beyond celebrity draw, the festival showcased a robust lineup of over 280 authors participating in approximately 220 sessions across the weekend. Attendees engaged in panel discussions, author readings, and book signings that spanned genres from fiction and memoir to poetry and children’s literature. Among the featured authors was Malcolm Gladwell, who discussed his latest work, Revenge of the Tipping Point, and poet Naomi Shihab Nye, who received the 2024 Texas Writer Award.
True to its mission, the festival emphasized accessibility and community engagement. Most events remained free to the public, continuing the tradition of inclusivity that has defined the Texas Book Festival since its founding in 1995. A handful of ticketed sessions, including those headlined by McConaughey and Gladwell, were priced at $35 and included a signed copy of the author’s book.
Organizers also spotlighted underrepresented voices through bilingual programming and a dedicated poetry tent, enriching the festival’s cultural diversity. This year’s programming reflected a conscious effort to bridge literature with other creative forms, particularly through events that explored the interplay between books, film, and digital media.
The 2024 edition reinforced the Texas Book Festival’s status as one of the nation’s premier literary events, fostering a love of reading and offering a vital platform for authors and publishers. As Texas continues to grow as a hub for creative arts, the festival remains a cornerstone of the state’s cultural calendar.
