How to hear music from ACL Fest 2025 without a ticket

Sabrina Carpenter drew a massive crowd to Zilker Park for Austin City Limits Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2025.

We’ve all been there. When the Austin City Limits Music Festival rolls around, sometimes, you just don’t feel like coughing up the money for a day or weekend pass. But not attending feels like you’d be missing out on some great performances from The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter and more. What are your options?

Unfortunately, Hulu only livestreamed performances from weekend one of the 2025 festival, so you're out of luck there. But you've got options! Take some advice from Austin pros: You don’t actually have to be within the gates to hear some of the best acts.

1. Rent a kayak

The upside to having a music festival at a waterfront location? You can row a kayak or canoe near the water banks and hear the music while enjoying time on Lady Bird Lake. More locals have caught onto this hack, so be cautious if the water starts to get crowded with small boating vessels.

2. Hang out on the hike and bike trail

As long as you don’t trespass on the festival grounds without a pass, there’s nothing stopping you from taking in the sounds from Austin’s hike and bike trail. Leave room for passing pedestrians and cyclists and if you’re lucky, try and snag a park bench.

3. Go to Barton Springs

Sure, it’s October, but everyone knows the weather at ACL Fest can range from cool and comfortable to blazing hot. Beat the heat and hear some tunes at the same time at the nearby spring-fed swimming hole.