Austin City Limits Music Festival: Your Ultimate Guide

The Austin City Limits Music Festival has arrived! Gates for ACL Fest open in Zilker Park at noon on Friday. The fest continues through Sunday night (gates are at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday), before returning for a second run on Oct. 11-13. Here's everything you need to know.

What's the bag policy at ACL Fest and what can I bring?

Bags: Bags larger than 6-by-9 inches must be clear and not bigger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches. Small purses and fanny packs that are 6-by-9 inches do not need to be clear, but they can't have more than one pocket.

Some allowed items:

• Sunscreen (must be non-aerosol)
• Personal hand sanitizer
• Baby strollers
• Blankets and towels
• Factory-sealed Narcan kit
• Personal-use cameras (no professional equipment, selfie sticks, or GoPro mounts)
• Chairs (in designated areas away from the front of each stage)

Some prohibited items:

• Coolers
• Hammocks
• Glass containers
• Outside food and drink
• Umbrellas
• Tents or other shade structures
• Fireworks and weapons

See the full list of allowed and prohibited items at support.aclfestival.com.

Recommended items to pack:

• Bandana
• Sunglasses
• Earplugs
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Light long-sleeved shirt or scarf
• Band-aids
• Toilet paper
• Portable phone charger

Pro-tip: Pack a pillowcase to sit on instead of a chair.

Pro-tip: Bring nasal spray if you have seasonal allergies.

Don't forget to pack your water bottle!

Bring a reusable water bottle. Water stations are available for refills. Make sure your bottle is empty at entry. Hydration packs are allowed but must be emptied before entering.

Pro-tip: Hydration/electrolyte packets are allowed and recommended.

Who’s playing at Austin City Limits Music Festival? What's the schedule?

Friday:

• blink-182
• Chris Stapleton
• Foster the People
• Leon Bridges
• Dasha

Saturday:

• Dua Lipa
• Khruangbin
• Reneé Rapp
• Vince Staples
• Pretty Lights

Sunday:

• Chappell Roan
• Tyler, the Creator
• Sturgill Simpson
• mike.
• Dom Dolla
• That Mexican OT
• Kehlani (weekend one only)

Full ACL Fest 2024 schedule.

Can I still buy tickets for ACL Fest?

General admission three-day passes and single-day tickets for weekend one are waitlisted or on secondary markets. GA three-day passes ($370), student tickets ($350), and Friday and Sunday passes ($165/day) are available for weekend two. Various VIP options are also available.

Pro-tip: Check secondary markets for weekend two three-day passes.

How do I get to the festival?

Options include rideshares, driving, walking, biking, scooting, or taking a bus. Convincing a friend or family member to drop you off is recommended.

Rideshares: Use "Austin City Limits Music Festival" or "Zilker Park" as your destination. You must walk away from the park to request a ride upon leaving.

Driving Yourself: Parking is limited. LAZ Parking and 360 transportation offer reserved spots. The Austin High School parking lot is another option.

Bikes and Scooters: Bike racks are available on Stratford Drive and Toomey Road. MetroBike drop-offs are on Barton Springs Road.

Bus: Complimentary shuttles run from Republic Square starting at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Walking: Use the Ann and Roy Butler Trail.

Where do I enter ACL Fest?

Entrances are on Barton Springs Road (west and east) and Stratford Drive (Lady Bird entrance). The Azie Morton Road entrance is usually the busiest.

Pro-tip: Arrive early to avoid long waits.

Pro-tip: Use Google Maps' new destination guidance to find entrances and nearby parking.

Can I leave and come back during the festival?

You can re-enter on the same day two more times after your first entry. Make sure to scan your badge out.

What should you wear?

Combine functionality with style. October in Austin can be hot, with dense crowds and limited shade. Western wear is popular. Choose lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and chambray. Prioritize comfortable shoes for long walks.

What’s it like in the park?

The fest has seven main music stages, with headlining stages on opposite ends of Zilker. Super fans stake out spots early. The IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage is more relaxed. Tito's Handmade Vodka is under a tent. The eighth and ninth stages are the Kiddie Limits and the Bonus Tracks stages.

Check the official map for special brand installations and experiences.

What else is there to do during the fest?

The Bonus Tracks stage offers non-music programming like political speakers, guided meditations, yoga classes, drag shows, live podcasts, and interviews. Past highlights include Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl, and Brené Brown.

Buy merchandise early, as sizes often sell out. The vendor's market has doubled in size, featuring 26 artisans and makers.

HeadCount will be on site for voter registration during weekend one.

What about the children? Check out Austin Kiddie Limits

Austin Kiddie Limits runs both weekends from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children ages 8 and under enter free with a ticketed adult (two children per adult). Register for the Tag-A-Kid program.

Austin Kiddie Limits programming includes live performances, crafts, snacks, photo booths, and more.

Let’s talk about food. All that festing makes you hungry, right?

ACL Eats features over 70 vendors, divided into seven main food, drink, and merch areas. The Big Tent serves pizzas from Bambino alongside craft beers and kegged cocktails. La Pachanga Eatery is new.

More details at statesman.com.

What are this year’s drink options?

Canned beer, cocktails, and light snacks are available around the park. The Big Tent is the main beer hall. Barton Beach Club and Tiki Bar serve rum drinks, and El Patioville serves tequila.

What about desserts?

ACL Sweets, near the T-Mobile Stage and Austin Kiddie Limits, includes Amy’s Ice Creams, GoodPop, Bananarchy, Sno-Beach, Tiff's Treats, Tiny Pies, CVT Soft Serve, Dulce Amor Mio, and Gelato Paradiso.

Will there be road closures?

Stratford Drive closes daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Sept. 23 to 27, with more extensive closures on Oct. 3. Closures along Barton Springs Road begin Sept. 30.

Full details and list of closures.

Can I hear some of the bands without going to Zilker Park?

Hulu will broadcast live sets during weekend one. ACL Fest Nights shows run Oct. 2-12. Highlights include Kehlani, Anycia, FLO, London-born dance project Jungle, and Foster the People.

Full list of shows at aclfestival.com/nights.

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