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ACL Music Festival: Everything You Need to Know!

  • August 24, 2023
  • | 7:00 AM

The Biggest and Best Festival in Austin

ACL Music Festival

Let us help you prepare!

ACL Music Festival in Austin features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 9 stages, 100+ performances — and best of all, two weekends. Tacos, brews, vegan options, and more. The ACL Eats Food Court at ACL Fest offers the most delicious festival food, drinks, and sweets from Austin and the surrounding area’s favorite restaurants. There’s plenty to do in between sets, including a mini-fest for kids, photogenic spaces, sponsored giveaways, and merch to bring home with you. Take your ACL Fest experience to the next level with our GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets. Enjoy prime views, luxury indulgences, and getaways from the crowd.

How to Prepare!

Whether you have a weekend pass or just a day pass, you will need this.

It’s Texas, it’s October, and it’s still hot. The best way to prepare for the festival days before is pretty obvious with HYDRATE, DRINK THAT H2O!

Okay, now that the obvious big one is out there, here are some things you might want to make sure you have or order prior to arriving at the festival.

? Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen (They allow non-aerosol containers  in the size of 3.4 ounces or less)

? Sunglasses so you can see who is performing and protect those eyeballs

? Reusable water bottle (There are refill stations throughout the festival so your not spending money on so many)

? Beach chairs, blankets, sheets, or towels (Useful for between shows to find a spot to sit down, have a picnic, and relax)

? Clear bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC which do not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″ (Amazon has affordable ones that you can order before the festival to assure you will get in with no issues!)

? Small clutch purses or fanny packs with no more than 1 pocket.  Clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 5.5

Other tips and tricks

What do you wear? How do you get to the festival? How does the wristband work?

Wristband Setup

First, let’s make sure you have a wristband, and let’s make sure it’s activated. Once your wristband is activated, the process of checking in and paying at the festival will be a breeze! If your wristband has arrived in the mail, simply go to the link here and activate it with the ID number and add any card you would like to use on the day of the festival.

 

What do I wear?

Again, as we said before, it’s October, it’s Texas, and it’s still going to be hot. Wear whatever you will be cool in,  you will see anything and everything at ACL Festival. Bathing suits ?, bikinis ?, mesh items, cowboy boots ?, the trendy outdoor voices dresses ?, you name it, someone’s wearing it. We think the most important thing though, is shoes. You better have the comfiest pair since you’ll do a lot of walking and dancing. ACL tends to turn into a dirt patch with all the foot traffic of people on the grass so don’t wear your best pair, but make sure your toes are safe and comfortable. ?

 

How to get to the festival! ?

? ACL has a complimentary shuttle that can help get you to the festival and back outside of the festival limits. This could help you find an uber a bit faster, catch the metro, or get picked up by a friend away from the craziness. You can board at Republic Square Park at the corner of 4th & San Antonio streets in downtown Austin and you’ll be dropped off outside the Barton Springs West Festival Entrance. When you’re finished rocking, hop back on for a return trip to the same spot.  Shuttles will run from Republic Square starting at Noon on Friday and starting at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday of each weekend. 

? Ride your bike or a MetroBike! There will be specific bike parking spots for both your personal bike and the MetroBikes.

? Ride a scooter! The scooters will take you close enough to Zilker Park. They do turn off as you get closer to the park limits but it will be a quick walk to get in line!

? You can Uber and RideShare but traffic is always a little crazy coming and going so this might not be your fastest option. There will be designated drop-off and pick-up locations. You are also welcome to drive yourself but it’s not recommended, parking can be pricey and again, traffic is not fun, especially after a long fun day!

Another thing to note about the ACL festival, you may leave and re-enter the festival up to 2 times per day, but you will have to go through health and security checks each time.

The Festival Line Up!

Curated by

Kristen Votto

Kristen Votto

Kristen is a City Manager for UNATION and author of the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Austin area, download the UNATION app and follow @StufftoDoinAustin on Instagram and Facebook.

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