FUTURE ANCESTORS: Black Creators on Bluebonnet Hill
Join Us!
Future Ancestors: Black Creators on Bluebonnet Hill is a three-day celebration of Black creativity, culture and community at Huston-Tillotson University.
From Oct. 30-Nov. 1, experience a weekend of film, live music and performances, panels, oral histories and more. Discover the stories that shaped Black Austin and meet the creators shaping what comes next.
Saturday also brings Reggie Rap’s House Party: Beats & Treats, a free family-friendly celebration with trick-or-treating, live entertainment, a costume contest and creative activities. Day, weekend and VIP passes are available, along with free and discounted admission options.
Austin Film Festival Presents
Future Ancestors is proud to welcome Austin Film Festival as a programming partner. On Saturday, Oct. 31, Austin Film Festival Presents brings select Six Square programming to Bluebonnet Hill, including Six Square Industry Roundtables: The Art, Craft, and Business of Writing as a Career, followed by First 3 Pages, Live!, where writers and audiences can experience the creative process in action.
Programming is included with eligible Future Ancestors admission. Stay tuned for more Austin Film Festival programming and opportunities.
Agenda
- 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Open the Archive
Opening night connects Huston-Tillotson University’s history with contemporary Black creative work. Program highlights include an alumni vignette showcase, guided conversations, live artistic performances and an opening gathering on Bluebonnet Hill.
- 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Live Inside the Archive
The festival’s central day offers continuous programming across campus, featuring film screenings, creator panels, guided campus memory walks and live music. Attendees can move between indoor and outdoor experiences throughout the afternoon.
- 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Reggie Rap’s House Party: Beats & Treats
Reggie Rap’s House Party: Beats & Treats brings a free community celebration to campus for children and families. The event features designated trick-or-treat stops, live performances, and a costume contest where youth dress as historical Black figures and adults dress as iconic Black media characters. Free RSVP is required for general admission. Optional activities, including face painting, canvas painting, and Affirmation Station recording sessions, are available for purchase or included with VIP festival passes.
- 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Return Something
The weekend closes with intergenerational reflection and creative expression centered on legacy and preservation. Program highlights include a Chapel gathering, live poetry and music, oral history recordings and a closing artistic presentation.
FAQs
- Where is Future Ancestors?
Future Ancestors takes place at Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin, TX 78702. Programming will take place across select indoor and outdoor spaces on campus. Additional wayfinding and location details will be shared with registered attendees before the event.
- Where should I park?
Future Ancestors will take place at Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St. Street parking is available in the surrounding area on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be mindful of posted parking signs and neighborhood restrictions.
Other Transportation Options
Rideshare and carpooling are encouraged when possible. Guests using rideshare services should coordinate with their driver for a safe drop-off and pick-up location near Huston-Tillotson University. Other transportation options including Capital Metro Bus System, METROrail, Taxis, CharterUp Group Transportation, Charter Bus, Zip Car, & ride-sharing, can be found here. - Is Future Ancestors all ages?
Yes. Future Ancestors is open to the Austin community and welcomes guests of all ages. Children 12 and under receive free general admission with registration and must attend with an adult.
Saturday’s Reggie Rap’s House Party: Beats & Treats is a free, family-friendly outdoor event with RSVP.
- I have an Austin Film Festival badge. Do I need to purchase a ticket?
No. Austin Film Festival badgeholders receive free general admission to Future Ancestors with advance registration. Please bring your AFF badge with you for check-in.
AFF admission does not include VIP benefits, paid activities or merchandise.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
