Atlanta, February 4, 2026
The SCAD TVfest is set to light up Atlanta’s Midtown, connecting television megastars and emerging talent. This premier festival highlights the power of local engagement and creative education, providing networking opportunities and insight into the television industry. Scheduled from February 4 to 6, the event showcases notable honorees including Quinta Brunson and Jeff Probst, while offering panels and master classes to enrich aspiring professionals. With a firm focus on celebrating creativity and economic development, SCAD TVfest reinforces Atlanta’s significance in the entertainment landscape.
Atlanta: SCAD TVfest Returns to Midtown, Igniting Creative Futures
Atlanta’s creative landscape is set to shine brighter this week as the SCAD TVfest kicks off in Midtown, bringing together industry leaders and emerging talent. This premier event underscores the power of private initiative and local engagement in fostering a vibrant cultural and economic hub.
The festival, a testament to the Savannah College of Art and Design’s commitment to creative education and industry connection, offers a unique platform for individual achievement and professional networking within the television sector. Its consistent presence in Atlanta highlights the city’s growing importance as a center for innovation and opportunity in the entertainment world, driven by a blend of academic excellence and community-minded event planning, effectively stimulating economic activity and cultural enrichment.
A Hub for Television Excellence in the Heart of Georgia
The 14th annual SCAD TVfest is scheduled to take place from February 4–6, 2026, in Midtown Atlanta’s SCADshow theater. This yearly gathering is Georgia’s only festival dedicated to connecting audiences with television megastars and the top talent behind beloved shows from network, cable, and streaming studios. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to engage with the creative forces shaping the entertainment industry. The festival’s enduring success speaks volumes about the vision and personal initiative of its organizers in building a significant cultural institution that consistently brings the best in television and streaming to the city.
This year’s festival is set to host a distinguished lineup of honorees and guests. Among the prominent figures expected to headline are Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary,” who will receive the Variety Creative Showrunner Award, and Jeff Probst of “Survivor,” honored with the Legend of Television Award. Other acclaimed artists include Aldis Hodge, Ali Larter, Lili Reinhart, and Jackson White, receiving various awards for their contributions to television. Additionally, the festival will celebrate the ensembles of critically acclaimed series such as “Bridgerton,” “Scrubs,” and “The Pitt.” This star-studded roster underscores the festival’s prestige and its ability to connect audiences directly with the creators behind their favorite shows.
Connecting Creativity and Commerce
Beyond the spotlight on celebrities and popular shows, SCAD TVfest serves as a vital bridge between aspiring professionals and established industry figures. The event curates a robust program featuring a series of panels, discussions, screenings, premieres, and master classes that delve into the craft and business of television. This expansive slate of programming covers content from across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, including featured series from major networks and studios such as ABC, Adult Swim, Apple TV, CBS, Fox, HBO Max, Hulu, Mubi, NBC, Netflix/Shondaland, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Sony Pictures Television, Universal Studio Group, and Warner Bros. Television.
Such platforms are crucial for students and local creatives, offering insights into pathways for individual achievement and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit necessary for success in competitive fields. SCAD, a private, nonprofit, accredited university, is renowned for preparing talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning, with over 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs. A 2025 study found that 99% of recent SCAD graduates were employed or pursuing further education within 12 months of graduation, demonstrating the university’s commitment to career success. The festival provides students with a front-row seat to top performers and direct access to decision-makers, giving them practical lessons and meaningful connections as they begin their careers.
The Vision Behind the Festival
Christina Routhier, the Executive and Artistic Director of SCAD TVfest and Senior Executive Director of SCAD Theaters and Festivals, has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s mission and offerings. With over 25 years of experience with SCAD and involvement with TVfest since its launch in 2013, her leadership highlights the benefits of dedicated, long-term personal initiative in cultural programming. Her insights emphasize the festival’s role in celebrating cinematic creativity, a tradition that extends from the SCAD Savannah Film Festival’s over 25 years of success in honoring award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers.
This long-standing experience demonstrates SCAD’s proven capacity for organizing large-scale, impactful events that benefit both the academic community and the broader public. The consistent execution of such high-caliber events reflects a strong organizational structure and a clear vision for fostering creative talent without excessive external oversight, evolving with the dramatic shifts in the television industry towards streaming and platform-driven storytelling.
Community Engagement and Accessibility
Engaging the wider Atlanta community is a cornerstone of the SCAD TVfest. While drawing international talent and national attention, the festival maintains a strong local focus, making it accessible to residents interested in the television industry. This commitment strengthens Atlanta’s identity as a place where creative careers are launched and nurtured. Tickets for the event are currently on sale, with festival passes priced at $125 for the general public and $90 for SCAD Card holders and SCAD alumni. Daily passes are also available. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of all scheduled festival events to ensure a smooth experience. This structured approach to event management ensures optimal participation and enjoyment for everyone involved, from industry insiders to local enthusiasts.
Atlanta has emerged as a powerhouse for television production, with many shows filmed in Georgia and featuring the creative ingenuity of numerous SCAD alumni. The festival highlights these Georgia-filmed productions and local talent, further connecting what students learn in the classroom to real career opportunities within the state.
Investing in Atlanta’s Creative Future
The continued growth and success of events like SCAD TVfest reinforce Atlanta’s position as a leading city for creative careers and cultural innovation. By providing a platform for education, networking, and celebration, the festival not only enriches the lives of attendees but also significantly contributes to the local economy. It supports local businesses, creates opportunities for students and alumni, and enhances Atlanta’s reputation as a dynamic hub for film and television production. This event exemplifies how strategic local initiatives, driven by dedicated leadership and personal initiative, can significantly contribute to community growth and the cultivation of individual achievement.
As the SCAD TVfest prepares to unfold, it reminds us of the positive impact that focused initiative and local leadership can have on a community. We encourage all interested residents to explore the offerings of this year’s festival and participate in an event that truly celebrates individual achievement and collective passion in the world of television. Stay engaged with Atlanta GA events and contribute to the flourishing cultural landscape of our city, recognizing how private institutions can lead in cultivating vibrant community events.
Frequently Asked Questions about SCAD TVfest
What is SCAD TVfest?
SCAD TVfest is an annual festival that connects audiences with television megastars and top talent from network, cable, and streaming studios.
When and where does SCAD TVfest take place?
The 14th annual SCAD TVfest takes place from February 4–6, 2026, in Midtown Atlanta’s SCADshow theater.
Who organizes SCAD TVfest?
The SCAD TVfest is organized by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
What makes SCAD TVfest unique in Georgia?
SCAD TVfest is Georgia’s only festival dedicated to connecting with TV megastars and the talent behind beloved shows.
How can I attend SCAD TVfest?
Tickets for SCAD TVfest are on sale, with festival passes priced at $125 for the general public and $90 for SCAD Card holders and SCAD alumni. Daily passes are also available. Attendees should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of scheduled events.
Who are some of the notable guests and honorees at SCAD TVfest 2026?
Prominent figures include Quinta Brunson, Jeff Probst, Aldis Hodge, Ali Larter, Lili Reinhart, Jackson White, and cast members from “Bridgerton,” “Scrubs,” and “The Pitt.”
Key Features of SCAD TVfest 2026
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | SCAD TVfest |
| Year | 14th Annual |
| Dates | February 4–6, 2026 |
| Location | Midtown Atlanta, SCADshow theater |
| Organizer | Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
| Primary Focus | Connecting with TV megastars and top talent from network, cable, and streaming studios; celebrating design, creativity, and innovation in television, streaming, and digital media. |
| Uniqueness (State-level) | Georgia’s only festival dedicated to television. |
| Key Activities | Panels, discussions, screenings, premieres, conversations, master classes, and honors. |
| Notable Honorees/Guests (2026) | Quinta Brunson, Jeff Probst, Aldis Hodge, Ali Larter, Lili Reinhart, Jackson White, and cast members from “Bridgerton,” “Scrubs,” and “The Pitt.” |
| Ticket Information | Festival passes: $125 (general public), $90 (SCAD Card holders/alumni). Daily passes available. Arrive 15 mins prior to events. |
| Impact on Atlanta | Bolsters creative economy, fosters networking, supports local businesses, creates opportunities for students/alumni, enhances city’s reputation as a film/TV hub. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SCAD TVfest Celebrates Television Excellence in Atlanta
Savannah’s Cultural Calendar Highlights Community Events
Atlanta’s Storytellers Unite: Songs That Shape Us
Atlanta’s Creative Pulse: Unique Art Event at The Supermarket
Atlanta Welcomes 14th Annual SCAD TVfest
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
