AUSTIN, Texas — It’s been a wet start to the month in Texas, with Austin getting heavy rain Thursday. Typically, the rain would be welcome, but with Weekend One of the Austin City Limits Music Festival starting Friday, the wet weather has brought some disappointment.
Preparations have been underway for the first day of the festival.
People have been worried about the weather, but as the saying goes, “the show must go on.”
“Well, I’m pretty nervous,” said Ana Paula Sottil, who plans to attend the first weekend of ACL. “I hope there’s not a lot of mud because two years ago there was mud, and it’s never fun, but I think it’s going to be OK. I don’t think the rain is gonna ruin anything. The artists are going to be there, and I’ll make the most of it.”
Festival organizers said they have taken proactive measures in response to the weather, including clearing drains and speeding up their setup schedule.
The rain hasn’t seemed to deter people from going to ACL this weekend. Many planned to change their outfits to stay as dry as possible.
“Obviously outfits change,” said Claire Peng, who also plans to attend the first weekend of ACL. “I’m doing rain boots, ponchos, clothes I don’t really care about wearing ever again. Not really packing as much … just kind of going for any kind of water resistance stuff. I won’t be using my phone as much or anything like that. And obviously, I won’t be getting super dressed up because of the rain, so we’re just going mainly for chill vibes.”
People preparing for the rain have been buying rain boots and ponchos to stay as dry as possible. Umbrellas are not allowed in the festival grounds.
Because of the weather, festival goer June Bennion thinks the crowds during the first weekend might look a little different than usual.
“ACL has such a history of being such a family-friendly festival that I think it might deter a lot of larger families just because of the resources and kind of hassle of getting kids down there in rain gear and everything else like that, and so it might be one where maybe the audience skews a little less on the family-friendly side,” Bennion said.
ACL organizers are telling people to stay weather-aware and sign up for notifications by texting “ACL” to 64934.
There has also been online discussion from people concerned about the possibility of one or more days of the first weekend being canceled because of the weather.
Odette Nader, who also plans to attend the festival this weekend, said she would want a refund if any events were canceled.
“I mean, it’s not their fault but yeah, a refund … because after I came all the way to Austin because I just wanted to enjoy music and to not be able to enjoy it and then lose money, that would be extra sad,” Nader said.
ACL organizers have not announced any cancellations this weekend. They released a statement indicating that the festival is prepared to go ahead as planned despite the rain.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Weekend One of ACL Fest. Doors open on time at 12pm today!” the statement said. “Be prepared for wet conditions. Rain jackets along with rain boots are recommended. Let’s have some fun today!”