The most exciting TWO weekends in Austin begins in just a few days and we can hardly wait. Austin City Limits Music Festival has taken over our city and our namesake Zilker Park for the biggest party of the year! We can already hear the screaming crowds singing along with Paul McCartney and enjoying last minute surprise Lil Wayne’s set. 

Whether it is your first time at the festival or your 20th time, we have the top tips to ensure that your weekend is the BEST weekend ever.

1. Make your artist schedule

There are hundreds of amazing artists on the lineup this year but only so much time to see a few. We suggest creating a list of your must see artists. Write down the day, time and stage of when they perform and then create your weekend schedule.

Pro tip: Use ACL’s App to make your schedule within the platform and be set for weekend one and weekend two!

2. Walk or Uber

If you are new to the Austin area you will soon learn that parking is not readily available here, but fear not! We have great rideshare options as well as the ability to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of ATX by walking to Zilker Park.

Pro tip: Get a Chuy’s strawberry margarita with sugar on your way there

3. Water and Sunscreen

This is more than a tip, it’s a MUST! Summer lasts till December here in Austin and it will be hot so pack your sunscreen and make sure you re-apply generously throughout the day. Next, drink up on water! We love Tito’s too but water is your best friend for these long days and thankfully Austin City Limits Music Festival makes sure you can get water for free all day long.

Pro tip: Pack your Yeti or water bottle and make sure it’s full all day long!

4. Know what you can bring in

After making that treck to beautiful Zilker Park, the last thing you want to do is bring things that aren’t allowed inside. Make sure your bag fits within the designated size and while you may walk your dog at the park normally, animals are not allowed at the festival.

Pro tip: Check out ACL’s full list of what is allowed and prohibited here.

5. Get a food game plan

What goes best with some of the world’s top artists? Some of the world’s BEST food. The Austin City Limits Music Festival features Austin’s local favorites that are a must try at ACL EATS.

Pro tip: Similar to your artist game plan, check out ACL’s full list of Eats and make a day by day game plan of your must try places, which should absolutely include Amy’s Ice Cream.

6. Cheer on the Horns

It may be ACL but the Longhorns are in full swing of Big 12 conference play. ACL provides tons of tents with TV’s allowing you to cheer on the Longhorns with the sounds of ACL filling the air.

Pro tip: Grab your burnt orange from the University Co-op and feel free to break out the OU SUCKS chants during weekend one!

7. Sing your heart out with a crowd of strangers

Finally, prepare your vocal chords for endless sing alongs and good vibes. Take it all in and the thousands of voices that are singing next to you. It’s a moment like no other!

Pro tip: Take time to unplug and just live in the moment.