Navigating Austin City Limits Music Festival: A Survival Guide

Alright, fellow patriots, let's tackle the Austin City Limits Music Festival like a well-oiled machine. No liberal labyrinths here!

When & Where

• Dates: Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13
• Venue: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
• Gates Open: Noon on Fridays, 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
• Music Starts: 12:55 p.m. Fridays, Noon on Saturdays and Sundays

Your Guide to Zilker Park

How to Get to ACL Fest

Don't want to miss the opening act? Here are your options:

• Drive Yourself: Parking is a nightmare, folks. It's limited and likely to sell out. Your best bet? Reserve a spot in advance. LAZ Parking at Barton Oaks Plaza offers spots for $40 and up. 360 Transportation starts at $50, and Austin High School lot at $55. No parking at Zilker or nearby areas.

• Bikes and Scooters: Hop on a bike or scooter—lock it up on Stratford Drive after crossing MoPac bridge or on Toomey Road at Sterzing Street. Or drop off a MetroBike at Barton Springs Road and Sterzing Street.

• Public Transit: ACL offers free shuttles from Republic Square at Fourth and San Antonio streets. Departs at noon on Fridays and 11 a.m. on weekends. Shuttle drops you near the west entrance and returns you to Republic Square.

• Walking: Use those God-given legs! Park or get dropped off near the Ann and Roy Butler Trail and walk to the park. Check out this trail map for the best routes.

Where to Enter ACL Fest

• Barton Springs Road: Two entrances—west near Andrew Zilker Road and east near Azie Morton Road.
• Stratford Drive: Lady Bird entrance close to Loop 1 (MoPac Boulevard).
• Warning: Azie Morton Road entrance is the most crowded.

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-Mars Salazar, Beck Andrew Salgado, and Deborah Sengupta Stith of The Austin American-Statesman contributed to this report.

Stay safe, stay right, and enjoy the music! 🎶🚀🇺🇸