AUSTIN: The Austin Film Festival is returning for its 28th year from Oct. 21-28. The hybrid event will feature both in-person and virtual programming, including panel discussions and film screenings. This year’s talent lineup includes Sera Gamble, Meg Lefauve, Derek Kolstad, Glen Mazzara and Kemp Powers, and Scott Frank will be honored as the 2021 Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting recipient.
CHICAGO: Le Meridien Essex Chicago has opened a new two-level event venue from LM Catering & Events. LM Studio has over 12,000 square feet of space in an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows. The main space features a built-in sound system and customizable hologram and seats 200 or holds 250 for receptions. The smaller Atrium space holds 150 for receptions.
LAS VEGAS: MGM Resorts has created the Bud Light Beer Garden, intended for pregame tailgating and located on the Strip between the Mandalay Bay and Luxor resorts. The new 130,000-square-foot venue features interactive football challenges, BetMGM sports-betting suites, life-sized Jenga and chess, live DJ entertainment and pop-up stands from MGM Resorts restaurants.
After selling out within one hour, the Lovers & Friends Festival, scheduled for May 14, 2022, has been extended for a second day, May 15. The festival will feature the same lineup on both dates, including acts like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Usher, Ludacris, TLC, Ciara, Nelly, Ashanti, Ne-Yo and more. The Live Nation-produced event takes place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
NEW YORK: Rockwell Group, TAIT, OpenCultureWORKS and Moët Hennessy USA are teaming up to bring live performing arts programs and events to streets, parks, plazas and other public spaces around the city from now through October. The 10 “Open Boulevards” locations will span throughout the five boroughs, with live performances by local artists.
BizBash Buzz is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
Feed the Sheet: [email protected]
Subscribe: bizba.sh/subscribe
Advertise with BizBash: bizbashlive.com/advertise
