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ACL Fest 101: Stuff, Time, Tix

**Got ACL Woes?** We'll tell you what to wear—hint, not a Biden t-shirt—and how to get there without a fancy liberal hybrid. Have fun, real Americans!

Published October 11, 2024 at 10:31am by Mars Salazar


ACL Fest: The Sizzling Finale Just Got Sizzlier

Hotter Than Ever, Y'all!

We're back for round two of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and guess what? It's still hotter than a Texas BBQ pit. Pack your water bottles, slather on that sunscreen (non-aerosol, cowboys), and bring some Band-Aids and TP for those wild headliner dashes.

ACL Fest 101: When & Where

  • When: October 11-13
  • Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
  • Gates Open:
    • Noon on Fridays
    • 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Need a break?

Friday Highlights: Chris Stapleton, blink-182, and more weekend two faves.

Tickets: Act Fast!

Premium tickets are still available on the ACL Fest website. Hurry up, they’re selling like hotcakes. Ticketmaster's verified ACL Fest resale site has three-day passes starting at $302. Scalpers? They're out of luck this time.

Think you know the 2024 lineup?

Who’s Playing?

Get ready to rock with blink-182, Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Khruangbin, and more. Don’t miss Tyler, the Creator and Sturgill Simpson on Sunday. Gear up for the ultimate music marathon!

Getting There: The Great Austin Adventure

Options include rideshares, your own wheels, biking, scooting, or the good old bus. Tip: Get a friend to drop you off close to the gates. Here’s the lowdown:

Rideshares: Set "Austin City Limits Festival" or "Zilker Park" as your destination. For departure, you’ll need to walk away to snag a ride, and expect surge pricing.

Driving Yourself: Parking is slim pickings. Check out LAZ Parking at Barton Oaks or 360 Transportation. Or, opt for the Austin High School parking lot.

Bikes and Scooters: Lock your bike on Stratford Drive or Toomey Road. MetroBike drop-off is also available.

Bus: Hop on the complimentary ACL shuttle from Republic Square. Capital Metro's 803 MetroRapid bus stops near Zilker Park.

Walking: Use the Ann and Roy Butler Trail and check the interactive map.

Entry Points & Pro Tips

Enter through Barton Springs Road (west and east entrances) or the Lady Bird entrance. Early afternoon sets mean shorter lines, and Google Maps is your new best friend for entrances and parking.

Re-Entry & Allowed Items

  • Re-entry: You can leave and come back twice a day, but scan your badge out.
  • Bags: Small bags are okay (6x9 inches). Larger bags must be clear and no larger than 12x6x12 inches.
  • Allowed Items: Sunscreen (non-aerosol), baby strollers, blankets, personal hand sanitizer, factory-sealed Narcan kits, and personal-use cameras (no selfie sticks). Chairs are allowed in designated areas.

See the full list.

Water Bottles: Mandatory!

It’s October in Austin—still hot and sweaty. Bring a reusable water bottle (empty at entry) and fill up at the water stations. Hydration packs like CamelBaks are allowed but must be empty upon entry.

What Should You Wear?

Combine style and functionality. Western wear is in, so bust out those cowboy hats. Opt for light fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray. Comfy shoes are a must—you’ll be walking a lot.

In the Park

Seven main stages, including the headlining Honda and American Express stages. Super fans stake out spots early. Enjoy special brand installations and experiences with the official festival map.

More Than Music

Check out the Bonus Tracks stage for drag shows and dance parties. Grab merch at the air-conditioned ACL merch store or browse the vendor’s market for unique souvenirs.

Austin Kiddie Limits

Kids 8 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Enjoy live performances, crafts, and photo ops. Register your kid for the Tag-A-Kid program.

Food & Drinks

Over 70 food vendors across seven areas. Check out the Big Tent for Bambino’s pizzas and kegged cocktails. La Pachanga Eatery and more. Dessert lovers, head to ACL Sweets near the T-Mobile Stage.

Road Closures

Stratford Drive closes daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Sept. 23. Barton Springs Road closes Sept. 30 until Oct. 7 and again from Oct. 10-18. See full details.

ACL Nights

Can’t make it to the park? Catch Hulu live sets during weekend one or attend one of the ACL Fest Nights shows, Oct. 2-12. Highlights include Remi Wolf (Oct. 11) at Emo’s and Orville Peck (Oct. 12) at Stubb’s Amphitheater. Full list at aclfestival.com/nights.

UPDATE: This story was updated to include information on a Capital Metro bus route.

Read more: Your ACL Fest weekend two FAQ is here: What to bring, when to arrive, how to buy tickets.