One of the easiest ways to have a less-than-great time at ACL Fest is to show up without a plan. Before you head to Zilker, make sure you know what you can and can’t bring in, how you’re getting to and fro and all those other little details that can turn a fun weekend into a total fail.

Here Are 5 Things to Know Before You Go TO ACL Music Festival

 

1. Know The Park

Parts of Zilker Metropolitan Park are closed starting in September. This usually includes 11 days of festival set up, two event weekends, a week to remove staging and typically at least one week for the annual Parks and Recreation Department’s post-event maintenance which is dependent on weather conditions.

Some of Zilker Metropolitan Park will be accessible prior to the festival, and between event weekends. This includes the Rugby Field, Polo Field, Zilker Playscape, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Austin Nature and Science Center.

Zilker Metropolitan Park and the Zilker Botanical Gardens will be closed to the public during the six festival days only.

2. Note What You Can and Can’t Take (And What You Shouldn’t Forget)

First of all, know that there will be lines at the festival entrance for bag search. This could take a while, especially if you are entering the fest at one of the most popular times. ALL bags will be searched before entry. Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket. All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear. Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir.

Some other things that are NOT allowed include:

• Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products.
• Coolers of any kind.
• Professional cameras and professional recording (photo, video, audio) equipment (NO large professional detachable zoom lenses, stands, monopods, tripods, attachment sticks (selfie sticks) or other commercial equipment.
• Drones or any other remote flying device.
• Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind including chairs with shade structures.
• Inflatables of any kind
• Umbrellas

For a complete list of everything that is and is not allowed, check here.

3. Plan How To Get There (And Get Back Home)

Note: The City of Austin encourages carpooling and use of mass transit when attending all events.

• Go by bus using the Cap Metro Trip Planner
• Hike along downtown trails using the Austin Trail Directory
• Bike to the park using Biking in Austin
• Festival shuttles are free! Use the ACL page to find out more
• Buy a parking pass for Austin High’s parking lot here.
• Search for an available garage on Spot Hero.
• 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.

4. Be Prepared For Festival Life

Activate your wristband BEFORE you get to Zilker. Once registered, you can use the wristband to pay for food, drinks and merchandise. If you are an American Express card holder, be sure to link that card to your band. Card Members receive a $10 spend credit!

Also: don’t put the wristband on until you’re ready to use it. ACL says it can’t be loosened once tightened, and replacement costs $25.

Remember to stay hydrated! There are hydration stations in the park and you are allowed to bring in empty hydration packs, plastic and aluminum water bottles.

Download the app and build your schedule. Of course, you can’t expect to do and see EVERYTHING. There are 100+ performances across nine stages, so you’re going to have to make some choices. Pick your must-see artists, figure out which stages they’re on and give yourself enough time to walk between them. And leave some wiggle room. ACL is much more fun when you’re not speed-walking across Zilker Park because you absolutely must make a 6:15 set.

5. Dress Accordingly

This sounds obvious, but ACL is a marathon, not a sprint. Wear shoes you can actually walk in and keep in mind that brand-new shoes will destroy your feet.

Remember, it’s hella hot and the sun is brutal. There’s very little shade at the park so consider light layers and hats.

When bringing the permitted essentials, pockets and purses that can help keep things (like a fan) easy to access are a plus.

And while a cute festival outfit is great, comfort is also key.

Finally, have fun! That is, after all, what it’s all about.