If you’re heading to Austin City Limits Music Festival, you already know you’re in for a weekend of great music, insane heat and questionable amounts of walking. But a little planning can make the difference between an epic ACL weekend to frustrating moments of telling your friends, “Dang, I missed that!”
Here are all of our insider tips and tricks for making the most of ACL Music Festival!
Download the ACL App Before You Go
Have the festival map and schedule handy so you can check set times, stages, food, activations and updates without relying on a weak cell signal. Screenshot your schedule and anything else you may need. Cell service can get wonky when the park is packed.
Register Your Ticket and Link Your American Express
It only takes a minute, and it can save you a major headache if your wristband gets lost or stolen. Registration connects the wristband to your information, making it easier to get help if something goes wrong. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to go completely cash and cardless while at the fest. Link your Amex and you’ll get $10 off your first purchase.
Check The Bag Policy Before You Plan Your Look
ACL has specific rules about what you can bring into the festival. Don’t be the person who gets to security and discovers that your bag, camera, umbrella or other item isn’t allowed.
Some things I recommend you bring incliude: a bandana, fan, earplugs, bandaids, TP, deodorant wipes, hand sanitizer.
Dress For Comfort
You’re going to walk a lot. Cute festival boots are great until hour six. Pick shoes you can comfortably stand and walk in all day—and expect them to get dusty or muddy. I also highly recommend pockets.
Pick a Meeting Spot
Cell service can be unpredictable when tens of thousands of people are packed into one park. Choose a very obvious landmark where your group can reunite if someone gets separated.
Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger
If you’re like me and you take lots of photos and videos, your phone will drain FAST. Bring a USB cord that you can use at charging station as well as a power bank.
Know How To Get To and From
Go by bus using the Cap Metro Trip Planneror hop on a free festival shuttle! Use the ACL page to find out more about that. If you prefer to use a rideshare service. Lyft is the official partner of the fest. When you’re ready to go to the fest, type “Austin City Limits Music Festival” or “Zilker Park” into the Lyft app as your destination. This will update your drop-off to the nearest drop-off point around the festival. We recommend dropping off at Austin High for the easiest way into the fest.
Plan Your Entrance Location and Time Accordingly
Do your research to determine which entrance and exit is best for you. Because I arrive by Lyft, I prefer the North location that you enter after crossing the bridge from Austin High. Get there early to avoid a long line.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle.
Stay hydrated and fill your bottle throughout the day at the festival’s refill stations. A sealable bottle also comes in handy to transport your drinks so you can drop them in your bag if you need your hands free.
Don’t Forget About the Freebies
It starts on your way in. If you walk down Barton Springs, you will be bombarded with free things! From water to energy drinks to electrolytes, sunscreen and more, grab what you want on the walk over. Go early in the day for the best swag.
Inside the festival, you’ll also find a slew of fun pop-ups. Learn more about those here.
