What to know before going to ACL Music Festival
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Austin skyline behind ACL Fest last year. Photo: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images
Austin City Limits Music Festival is due to kick off Friday, but a forecast of heavy rains could make it a slick mess.
Why it matters: The festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each fall and brings thousands of music fans to Austin.
- This year's lineup runs from local artists to big names like Lorde, Charli XCX and Kings of Leon.
State of play: The National Weather Service put Austin under a flood watch from 7pm Wednesday through 7pm Friday, forecasting at least two inches of rain in the area.
What they're saying: "We're closely monitoring the weekend forecast, and our production teams are preparing for a range of weather conditions," festival organizers said on Tuesday.
The big picture: We've rounded up all you need to know before you head to the festival.
👟 What to bring
- Bags must be clear and smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or you can bring a small clutch or fanny pack (6 by 9 inches) with one pocket.
- Hydration packs are allowed but should be empty when you enter the park. Or bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled at water stations inside the park.
- Don't forget sunscreen, but make sure it's 3.4 ounces or less and in a non-aerosol container.
- Chairs are allowed and can be checked at the main Guest Services booth, or bring along a blanket to sit on.
✅ Also allowed: Hand sanitizer, point-and-shoot cameras, factory-sealed Narcan kits and binoculars.
Pro tip: Comfy shoes are a must, and be sure to pack a portable phone charger so you can get home safely after a long day, or look out for charging stations at booths around the park.
🚍 How to get there
Don't plan to drive, but if you do, ACL Fest has partnered with Laz and Austin High School to help attendees find parking spots near the park.
- The complimentary festival shuttle takes attendees to and from Sand Beach Park at the corner of Walter Seaholm and Electric Drive and the Barton Springs west festival entrance.
- Hop on your bike or walk. There are spots to lock up your bike on Stratford Drive after crossing the MoPac pedestrian bridge.
- Check CapMetro bus routes for other options to get you close to the festival.
- Take a Lyft or Uber from the park, but prepare for an expensive ride home as demand surges.
📱 More tips
- Pick a meeting spot with your friends at the beginning of each day in case you get separated. Cell service gets spotty as the park gets more crowded in the evenings.
- Download the ACL mobile app to set your schedule, to use the park map to find each stage and to receive updates regarding weather conditions.
- Link your credit card to your wristband to easily tap and pay for food and drinks. Plus, add your emergency contact information when you register your wristband.