Austin City Limits Music Festival kicks off today, with performances from local artists to big names like Dua Lipa, Chris Stapleton and Tyler, The Creator.

Why it matters: The festival takes over the city for two weekends each year and rakes in millions of dollars for Austin's parks.

👟 What to bring

• Bags must be clear and smaller than 12x6x12", or you can bring a small clutch or fanny pack (6x9") with one pocket.
• Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, 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.
• Chairs are allowed and can be checked at the main Guest Services booth, or bring along a blanket.

✅ Also allowed: Hand sanitizer, point-and-shoot cameras, Narcan kits and binoculars.

Pro tip: Comfy shoes are a must, and be sure to pack a portable phone charger to 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, Ticketbud and SpotHero and to help attendees find spots near the park.

• The complimentary festival shuttle takes attendees to and from Republic Square 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 pedestrian bridge under MoPac.
• Take a Lyft or Uber from the park, but prepare for an expensive ride home as demand surges.

More tips

There's another key lineup to note at ACL: the stacked list of local food vendors.

State of play: Don't expect ballpark hot dogs and nachos.

• The festival's food court shines each year, showcasing local restaurants and all that Austin has to offer.

Dig in: A dozen new vendors will be at the fest, per organizers, including BBG's, CM Smokehouse, Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken, La Taquicardia, T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs and The Wurst Place, all located at ACL Eats.

Noteworthy: Don't miss a brand-new food court, La Pachanga eatery, curated by the Taco Mafia crew.

• The new spot will feature standouts including Con Todo, Norte ATX, Discada, Veracruz All Natural and Cuantas Hamburguesas.
• Find the eatery near the IHG Stage.

Plus: The former beer hall is now called The Big Tent, with a lineup of canned craft beers, kegged cocktails and Bambino pizza.

🔌 The U.S. Department of Energy plans to spend $360 million to help connect the Texas power grid to Mississippi and the larger national power grid. (DMN)

👀 Citing security issues and staffing requirements, Austin post offices have dropped out of a plan to host a voter registration drive Monday. (KUT)

🎓 Concordia University Texas, located in northwest Austin, held a ribbon-cutting Thursday for its Center for Belonging and Faith, which aims to advance accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion. (Austin American-Statesman)

💃🏽 Round Rock's Ballet Folklorico is celebrating its 35th anniversary — and will perform tomorrow from noon to 1pm at the free Round Rock Arts Festival. (Fox 7 Austin)

Austin City Limits Music Festival is a chance to see big names, but it's also jam-packed with local and Texas-based artists.

By the numbers: More than 30 Texas artists will perform at this year's ACL Fest, including recognizable names like Leon Bridges, Norah Jones and Khruangbin.

Zoom in: Austin's Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel will kick things off at 1pm Friday at the Honda Stage. They've performed at almost every ACL festival since its inception.

• Plus, at least 10 Austin artists will take the stage each weekend.

Bob Schneider: A pillar of the Austin music scene, Schneider has regularly performed at the city's premiere venues for years.

• Find him Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Tito's stage.

Chief Cleopatra: Soul rock singer Jalesa Jessie, aka Chief Cleopatra, moved to Austin and released her debut EP in 2019.

• Don't miss her this Sunday at the IHG stage.

West 22nd: This indie rock band made up of five UT students formed in West Campus in 2021 and recently released their latest single, "Hangman."

• Catch them Sunday on the Tito's Stage.

More local acts

There are tons of ways to make the most out of the festival.

Driving the news: Each year, brands offer giveaways, merch and drinks at various stations around the park.

Here's what we're eyeing:

🍹 Aperol Spritz Piazza: Find this Italian oasis for photo ops and interactive experiences.

🍸 Hendrick's Grand Garden Bar: Find Hendrick's in general admission for the first time, featuring plenty of flowers and flowing cocktails.

🛍️ Amex Experience: All festivalgoers can visit this disco cowboy-inspired bar featuring local small businesses. Plus, Amex cardholders get complimentary merch.

🎶 That Tito's Lounge: Hometown vodka company Tito's returns to ACL with its stage and lounge. Plus, it's added sparkling lemonade to the festival's menu and rolled out Tito's x ACL merch to give back to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians with every purchase.

• For a chance to score a ticket to the private lounge, head to their tent near the Tito's stage to spin the wheel and try to win.

🧸 Austin Kiddie Limits: Perfect for families, this special section of ACL has music and activities for the kids.

📷 Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina: Grab a Tajin-rimmed seltzer while snapping a photo in their Lone Star-inspired photo booth.

👖 Wrangler Ranch: Shop limited edition merch, vintage denim and custom graphics at Wrangler's ACL popup.

Pro tip: For more shopping, check out the 24 vendors at ACL market.