The 2026 Austin American Advertising Awards are officially open for submissions, and this year we’re bringing the Cowboys and Cocktails energy to the creative scene. Whether you’re wrangling killer campaigns, bold branding, or slick design—this is your moment to shine.
Enter your work, earn recognition, and ride into Bar Marlow this February for a night of celebration, style, and standout talent in our industry.
We’re locking in the details, but like any good rodeo, things can shift. Keep an eye out for updates—if anything changes, you’ll be the first to know.
Submit your entries now and stake your claim in Austin’s biggest night in advertising!
Address: Bar Marlow, 700 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Hour: 6-10PM
Early Entry Deadline:
January 3, 2026 (by 11:59 PM)
Late fees apply starting:
January 4, 2026 (12:00 AM)
Final Entry Deadline:
January 16, 2026 (by 11:59 PM)
The American Advertising Awards competition begins at the local level with AAF Austin. This is your opportunity to showcase your work and compete against the best in your market. Winning a local ADDY is more than just recognition; it’s the first step in a three-tiered competition that could see your work advance to district and, ultimately, national stages. Local winners move on to the District 10 competition, where they vie against other top entries from clubs across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. From there, district winners are forwarded to compete on the national level, aiming for the highest honors in advertising excellence.
Entering the American Advertising Awards supports the entire advertising community. The proceeds from the competition help fund AAF’s initiatives, including public service programs, internships, advocacy efforts, advertising education, and consumer awareness. By participating, you’re not only putting your best work forward but also contributing to the growth and future of the industry.
Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts who assess all creative dimensions of each submission. A Gold ADDY represents the highest level of creative excellence in the category and is considered superior to all other entries. Silver ADDYs are awarded to entries that are outstanding and worthy of recognition. The number of awards in each category is at the judges’ discretion and is based on the overall quality of work submitted.
The American Advertising Awards also includes a Student Division, providing a platform for the next generation of creative talent to showcase their work. This unique program is designed specifically for college students, allowing them to compete at the local level with the possibility of advancing to regional and national judging. Eligible students must be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited U.S. educational institution and not employed in the advertising industry, though student interns are welcome to participate.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring student, the American Advertising Awards is your chance to gain recognition for your creative work. Join AAF Austin in celebrating the art of advertising by entering your best work and take your place among the industry’s elite.
For more information and to enter your work, visit our AAF Austin American Advertising Awards page.
You can find additional resources from AAF here: https://www.aaf.org/Public/Events/American-Advertising-Awards/Resources.aspx
Check the list of member companies or contact us for membership status.
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