ACL Music Festival

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Two weekends of live music in Zilker Park. Over 100 acts across 8 stages, with the Austin skyline as the backdrop.

ACL Fest takes over Zilker Park every October for two back-to-back weekends. Since 2002, it has grown into one of the biggest music festivals in the country, drawing 75,000 people a day across genres that run from indie rock and hip-hop to country, electronic, and everything in between. The park sits right on the edge of downtown Austin, so the city is always close when you need a break from the grounds.

What to Know

Plan Your Weekend

• Zilker Park, Austin TX

The festival grounds sit on 46 acres along the Colorado River, about a mile from downtown. Rideshare drop-off zones and bike parking are well-signed.

• Two Weekends in October

Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 run on the same lineup. Tickets are sold separately, so you can go once or come back for round two.

• Tickets & Passes

Single-day, 3-day, and VIP passes go on sale in the spring. VIP includes shaded viewing areas, private bars, and dedicated entrances.

• Food & Drink

Over 70 local vendors set up across the grounds. Austin staples like Franklin Barbecue and Veracruz All Natural have had booths in past years.

• October Weather

Expect highs in the low 80s and cool evenings. Sunscreen and a light layer for after dark are the two things most people wish they had packed.

• Stay Close

Staying within a mile of Zilker Park puts you in walking distance of the gates and keeps you close to South Congress and the Barton Springs pool.

Inside the Grounds

The layout spreads across Zilker Park with stages clustered so you can move between them without a long walk. The Honda Stage and the Miller Lite Stage anchor the two ends and handle the headliners. Smaller stages like the BMI and the Austin Ventures fill the middle of the day with sets worth catching. Food trucks and vendor rows run along the main paths. The Austin Food & Wine Alliance tent is worth a stop if you want something beyond festival basics. Water refill stations are free and scattered throughout. The crowd skews mixed: families with kids in the afternoon, late-twenties and up once the headliners start. The vibe is relaxed by festival standards. People spread blankets, share food, and move at their own pace.

Common Questions

Can I bring a bag into the festival?

Is ACL Fest all-ages?

Can I leave and re-enter the grounds?

What is the refund policy?

Is there parking at Zilker Park?

Stay a Block from the Action

Version: 1785318468830

FAQs (from the page's structured data)

Can I bring a bag into the festival?

Yes. Clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed. Small clutches under 4.5" x 6.5" are also permitted. No backpacks or non-clear bags.

Is ACL Fest all-ages?

Yes. Children 10 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. There are dedicated family areas near the Tito's stage with shade and activities.

Can I leave and re-enter the grounds?

Yes, re-entry is allowed with your wristband. Keep it on for the full day.

What is the refund policy?

ACL tickets are generally non-refundable. Ticket transfer is available through the official platform up to a set deadline before the event.

Is there parking at Zilker Park?

On-site parking is very limited. Most attendees use rideshare, the festival shuttle from remote lots, or bike parking. Plan ahead — traffic around the park gets heavy by mid-afternoon.