Welcome to your essential guide for navigating the Austin City Limits Music Festival! Get ready to experience two weekends of world-class music, iconic Austin flavors, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Live Music Capital.
This sprawling 350-acre park is the legendary home of ACL, transforming into a vibrant festival ground for two weekends each October. Beyond the festival, it offers vast green spaces, hiking trails, and the popular Barton Springs Pool for year-round swimming.
After a day of music, refuel with authentic Texas barbecue at Terry Black's. Famous for its tender brisket, juicy ribs, and colossal beef ribs, this spot serves up classic smoked meats by the pound. Expect a lively atmosphere and generous portions.
Escape the festival heat with a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool, located right within Zilker Park. Fed by underground springs, this natural pool maintains a cool 68-70 degree Fahrenheit temperature year-round. There's a small entry fee for non-residents.
For a comfortable and convenient stay during ACL, consider the Fairmont Austin. This highly-rated hotel is centrally located downtown, offering luxurious amenities and often providing easy access to festival shuttles or rideshare pickup points.
Start your festival day with a scenic coffee break at Mozart's Coffee Roasters. Situated on the shores of Lake Austin, it offers expansive outdoor seating and fresh-roasted coffee. It's a perfect spot for a calm moment before the music begins.
ACL is traditionally held over two consecutive weekends in October, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees to Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Prohibited items include outside food or drinks, large bags (over 14”x11”x5”), chairs, tents, coolers, and professional camera equipment. Small, clear bags are often required.
Yes, ACL is kid-friendly! Children aged 8 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. There's also a dedicated 'ACL Kiddo' area with family-friendly activities.
Public transportation (CapMetro buses), rideshare services (to designated drop-off points), and biking are highly recommended. On-site parking at Zilker Park is extremely limited and discouraged.
ACL Eats features dozens of local Austin restaurants and food trucks, offering a diverse range of cuisine from BBQ and tacos to vegan options, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Whether you're here for the music, the food, or the unique Austin vibe, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your ACL experience. Plan your perfect festival adventure and discover all the city has to offer.
We'll build a real road-trip itinerary around these stops — day tabs, drive times, and a map — saved to your TownHop account.
If you're craving a culinary experience beyond festival food, Aba offers exquisite Mediterranean dishes in a stunning setting. Known for its hummus, kebabs, and extensive wine list, the lush patio is perfect for a relaxing post-festival dinner.