Each October, music moguls and starry-eyed fans flock to Zilker Park for Austin City Limits. The festival promises two weekends full of fantastic headliners, emerging artists and delectable Austin eats with the city skyline as its backdrop, making it one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year.
Whether you're an ACL veteran or a first-time visitor looking to experience what the buzz is all about, it can be overwhelming to prepare for the festival. We're here to tell you everything you need to know about surviving and thriving this year, giving you insider tips about everything from the music to the food and more.
Who to See
- Headliners — Jay-Z, The XX, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Gorillaz
- Main Stages — Spoon, Foster the People, Vance Joy, The Head and the Heart, Tove Lo, Milky Chance, A$AP Ferg, Hamilton Leithauser, The Revivalists
What to Eat
- If you want something savory — Chi'Lantro, Lonesome Dove, The Peached Tortilla
- If you're feeling sweet — Amy's Ice Creams, Bananarchy, Goodpop,
- If you want to try an Austin Classic — Torchy's, P-Terry's, Trudy's, The Salt Lick
- If you want to cool off with a drink — Shade Tree Organic Lemonade, Maine Root Beverages, High Brew Coffee
Where to Relax
- ACL Wine Lounge — Relax in the shade near the HomeAway Stage and sip you way through reds, whites, rosés, and other specials. (21 and over.)
- Barton Springs Beer Hall — Choose from different craft brews and catch the biggest NCAA and NFL games on the jumbo screen between sets. (21 and over.)
- Austin Kiddie Limits — Get your kids moving and grooving at this creative, interactive addition to the festival! Visit the Tag-a-Kid tent when you enter the park for an RFID wristand. (Kids 10 and under get in free with a parent.)
Make the most of your weekend
- Keep hydrating — Visit the Camelback hydration stations throughout the course of the day to refill your water bottle
- Pace yourself — Don't feel like you need to be there at the start of each morning. The more popular bands tend to play starting in the early afternoon.
- Stay in one area — If you aren't dead set on seeing certain shows, stay in one general area of the park. Shows alternate on nearby stages, so you can easily pivot from one set to the another(without having to trek back and forth through the crowds.)
What to bring
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A small bag, outdoor blanket, sealed sunscreen, and an empty hydration pack or water bottle.
What to leave at home
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Aerosol containers, camping setups, coolers, firearms, outside food or beverage, pets, and a few other things you can find here.
Haven't bought your ticket? There's still time! We're looking forward to seeing how you spend your ACL weekends!
