It came down to the wire, but it appears that Austin really loves girlie movies and rom-coms. Earlier this month, CultureMap chatted with the founders of Forever Fest, a weekend devoted to girlie pop culture. Over cupcakes and “champers,” creators Brandy Fons and Sarah Pitre talked about their favorite chick flicks and top five Hollywood beefcakes, all while hoping that their Kickstarter fundraiser would help them to make the festival as big as possible during its inaugural year.
Though Fons and Pitre said that Forever Fest would go on even if the fundraiser came up short, bringing in an additional 15 grand will not only help pay for special guests and covering the cost of renting venues, it also demonstrates that the fest already has fans and may have some staying power.
The menu of specialty cocktails available during the festival has also been finalized, with drinks including The Awkwardtini and Danceoke-ade.
"We are absolutely thrilled by the funding completion of the Forever Fest Kickstarter. Even more, we're truly touched by this incredible level of support, and we can't wait to celebrate with everyone next week at the fest! It will be the weekend of our dreams, and it's all possible thanks to our Kickstarter donors," according to Pitre and Fons's statement.
Tickets are still available if you want to enjoy girls’ night out for three nights straight, or if you’re dudes who just want to enjoy Sixteen Candles in a judgment-free zone. Some of the headlining events include a screening of Empire Records followed by a “Rex Manning Day” Party, The Cutest Show on Earth presented by BuzzFeed Animals, a YA Book Panel with the Fug Girls, Megan McCafferty and Kirsten Smith. An advance screening of The Book Thief is another highlight, with author Markus Zusak signing copies of his book the film is based on at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel.
The menu of specialty cocktails available during the festival has also been finalized, with drinks including The Awkwardtini and Danceoke-ade. It was also announced that the Blo Dry Bar of Austin will be set up in the Ritz lobby on Saturday, November 2, 5 pm - 7 pm to offer guests free blow-outs so they can get all gussied up for the big '80s dance.
Just like Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles, get ready for Forever Fest to make your dreams come true.
The founders of Forever Fest, Sarah Pitre (left) and Brandy Fons (right).
