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Fans walk the grounds at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 12, 2025.<\/p>\n
Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n
The Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/a> returns to Zilker Park for its 25th year this October, and the Statesman is here to help you get ready. We break down what to expect once inside the fest and offer tips and tricks to elevate your experience. Here\u2019s everything you need to know before heading into the belly of the beast.<\/p>\n When is ACL Fest? Where does it take place?<\/p>\n Maria Tamcredi, middle, cheers for Aidan Bissett at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 10, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n ACL Fest runs Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 in Zilker Park at 2100 Barton Springs Road. Gates open at noon and close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of both weekends. The music starts at 12:45 p.m. every day<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Who\u2019s playing at the festival?<\/p>\n South Arcade performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n Charli XCX and Skrillex will take over Zilker Park with their brat-pop and EDM headlining sets on Friday during weekend one, and Kings of Leon will play opposite the pop star during weekend two. Friday\u2019s electronic wave also brings Steve Aoki and The Chainsmokers, but dips into rock with rising alternative band Turnstile and Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers. We\u2019re also looking forward to Rusowsky, Amyl and the Sniffers, Labrinth and Leon Thomas on Friday during both weekends.<\/p>\n R\u00dcF\u00dcS DU SOL and Lorde headline Saturday. The day will also see rising stars Lola Young, Young Miko, Snow Strippers and Fakemink make ACL Fest debuts. The Jack Antonoff-led band Bleachers, Suki Waterhouse and New Zealand rockers Balu Brigada round out the T-Mobile lineup. \u201cStranger Things\u201d star Finn Wolfhard and \u201cStay High\u201d singer Lykke Li will also perform Saturday.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The energy doesn\u2019t slow on Sunday, especially with The XX and Twenty One Pilots headlining. Rock newcomers Geese, dance duo Sofi Tukker, The War on Drugs, Blood Orange and Saint Motel are playing both weekends. Sunday will also include Max McNown, Audrey Hobert, Fcukers and Claire Rosenkranz.<\/p>\n Can I still buy tickets for ACL Fest?<\/p>\n Empire of the Sun performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 10, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n If you\u2019re seeking general admission or GA+ three-day passes for weekend one or weekend two of ACL Fest, you\u2019ll have to join the waitlist or check out secondary markets. At press time, weekend passes averaged about $420 on ACL Fest\u2019s official Ticketmaster exchange site and StubHub.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n For single-day tickets, some GA Sunday passes ($170 per day) are available for both weekends, but Fridays and Saturdays are on waitlists. GA+ passes ($345 per day) are up for grabs for both Sundays, but both Fridays and Saturdays are on waitlists. VIP tickets ($710 per day) are available for Friday and Sunday of both weekends, but single-day Saturday passes are also on waitlists.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve already received your wristband, you can register it and use it to make cashless payments for food, drink and merch. ACL Fest vendors also accept mobile payments.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information on tickets, visit aclfestival.com\/tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n How do I get to the festival?<\/p>\n Attendees walk the grounds at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 12, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n It\u2019s … complicated, we\u2019ll tell you that much.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n There are several ways to get to the festival: rideshares, driving yourself, walking, biking, scooting or taking a bus.<\/p>\n Our favorite option is convincing a nice friend or family member to drop us off as close as possible to the entry gates. Note: roads around the festival grounds will close from 9 to 11 p.m. each night of the festival<\/a>, which could complicate pickups.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of other methods of transportation:<\/p>\n Rideshares: Use \u201cAustin City Limits Music Festival\u201d or \u201cZilker Park\u201d as your destination to be dropped near the entry gates. When you leave Zilker Park at night, you must walk away from the park before requesting a ride. Once you\u2019ve crossed the river or reached South Lamar Boulevard or MoPac Boulevard frontage road, you\u2019ll be able to use your rideshare app like normal, but expect long waits and surge pricing at the end of the night.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Driving yourself: If you want to drive yourself to the fest, parking is very limited. There is no parking for festivalgoers at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods, so reserving a spot in a nearby business parking lot is your best bet. Nearby LAZ Parking lots at Barton Oaks and 1221 MoPac Garages start at $40. The Austin High School parking lot is closer, but costs $55 to $65 per day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bikes and scooters: Biking or scooting are top ways to get to Zilker Park. You can lock up your bike on Stratford Drive after crossing MoPac bridge or on Toomey Road at Sterzing Street. You also can drop off your bike on Azie Morton Road across from Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.<\/p>\n Bus: ACL Fest provides complimentary shuttles to and from Zilker Park. Shuttles will run from Sand Beach Park at the corner of Walter Seaholm and Electric drives starting at 11:30 a.m. each day during both weekends. The shuttle drops off outside the west entrance of the festival. After the festival, meet at the west entrance for a ride back to Sand Beach Park.<\/p>\n Walking: Get dropped off or park close to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and walk to the park. Check out the interactive map of the trail to see possible routes at\u00a0thetrailconservancy.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Where do I enter ACL Fest?<\/p>\n Fans walk through Zilker Park at Austin City Limits Music Festival at sunset on Oct. 5, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n The 2026 festival map<\/a> is largely unchanged from previous years.<\/p>\n There are two entrances on Barton Springs Road: a west entrance near Andrew Zilker Road and an east entrance near Azie Morton Road. There\u2019s also the Lady Bird entrance at Stratford Drive, near Loop 1 (MoPac Boulevard). The Azie Morton Road entrance is usually the busiest.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Pro tip: Plan to see some early afternoon sets. Yes, it\u2019s hot (usually), but crowds will be heavier and your wait time will be significantly longer by late afternoon.<\/p>\n Pro tip: Google Maps\u2019 destination guidance<\/a> will automatically show the entrances for Zilker Park as you approach it, in addition to showing you nearby parking lots. Festivals are notorious for spotty cell service, but Google Maps offline<\/a> might help. Download a map of the area to navigate the festival grounds and the way home.<\/p>\n Can I leave and come back during the festival?<\/p>\n You can leave and re-enter twice more after your first entry on the same day. Make sure to scan your wristband when you leave. You will have to go through security when you re-enter.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What can I bring to ACL Fest?<\/p>\n Fans find shade under a tree at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Bags:\u00a0There are some stipulations. Bags larger than 6 by 9 inches must be clear and no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Small purses and fanny packs 6 by 9 inches or smaller do not need to be clear, but they can\u2019t have more than one pocket. All bags will be subject to a search before entry.<\/p>\n Some allowed items: Sunscreen is allowed (and encouraged) but must be in non-aerosol containers 3.4 ounces or smaller. Personal hand sanitizer, baby strollers, blankets, towels, and a factory-sealed Narcan kit are also OK. Personal-use cameras are allowed, but professional equipment, selfie sticks and GoPro mounts are prohibited. Chairs are allowed in designated areas away from the front of each stage, and Austin Parks Foundation will operate a chair check by the Guest Services booth if you don\u2019t want to haul your chair around all day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Some prohibited items: Coolers, hammocks, glass containers, outside food and drink, umbrellas, tents or other shade structures, fireworks and weapons of any kind are not allowed.<\/p>\n See the full list of allowed and prohibited items at aclfestival.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n A few things we always pack: A bandana, sunglasses, earplugs, sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, a light long-sleeved shirt or scarf for sun protection and warmth after dark, Band-Aids in case we get blisters and a portable phone charger.<\/p>\n Pro tip: If you don\u2019t want to carry a chair or a blanket, pack a pillowcase to spread on the ground when you need to sit.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n That brings us to water bottles<\/p>\n Staff sprays water on the crowd at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 3, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n You absolutely must bring a reusable water bottle. October in Austin is often hot and sweaty, shade in the park is limited, and you\u2019ll need to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water stations are dispersed throughout the festival grounds for refills. Make sure your water bottle is empty at when you enter. Hydration packs, such as CamelBaks, are allowed but must be empty before entering the park.<\/p>\n Pro tip: Hydration and electrolyte packets in factory-sealed, single-serving packages are allowed and we\u2019ve found them to be clutch on hot days.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What should you wear?<\/p>\n Friends gather for a group photo at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 10, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n October in Austin can bring a mixed bag of weather. High temperatures, limited shade and dense crowds mean functionality and style should both be top of mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n Western wear has exploded in popularity across the country<\/a>, so the aesthetic \u2014 already popular at ACL Fest in previous years \u2014 should be on full display in the park. Cowboy hats can help prevent sunburn, and if you\u2019re looking for cowboy boots, we just published a guide to help you find a perfect pair in Austin<\/a>. Opting for lighter fabrics like cotton, linen and chambray can help you stay as cool as possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n If you plan to stay at the park for long stretches, prioritize comfort. You will be walking a lot. Also, when you break out your favorite sneakers, keep in mind that the ground will probably be dusty and, if it rains, muddy.<\/p>\n What\u2019s it like in the park?<\/p>\n A large crowd watches Empire of the Sun at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Oct. 10, 2025.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n The fest has seven main music stages, with the headlining T-Mobile and American Express stages on opposite ends of Zilker. That\u2019s where the big acts play at the end of each night. Superfans start staking out spots early in the day (you\u2019ll see them running to those stages as soon as the \u201cStar Wars\u201d theme starts as gates open). Tito\u2019s Handmade Vodka will have a tent which overflows during packed sets. The Miller Lite, BMI and Snapchat stages are also on Zilker Park’s Great Lawn.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The BeatBox stage is right across Barton Springs Road. This is where you may find a more chill experience away from the main hustle and bustle.\u00a0 The eighth and ninth stages are Austin Kiddie Limits and Bonus Tracks.<\/p>\n Along with the iconic photo frame, the park is full of photo and video opportunities. Check the official map on the fest\u2019s website for special brand installations and experiences<\/a>.<\/p>\n What else is there to do during the fest?<\/p>\n Matthew McConaughey and Bren\u00e9 Brown appear on the Bonus Tracks stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 10, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ashley Osborn\/Provided by C3 Presents<\/p>\n Stop by the blissfully shady Bonus Tracks stage for an adventurous slate of nonmusic programming. This year\u2019s schedule has not been released yet, but the stage has hosted political speakers, guided meditations, yoga classes, drag shows and live podcasts and interviews. Past Bonus Tracks stage highlights include a 2019 sit-down with Billie Eilish, a 2023 interview with Dave Grohl and last year\u2019s conversation between Matthew McConaughey and Bren\u00e9 Brown<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n You can also grab your favorite artist T-shirt in the merch tent or head over to the air-conditioned ACL merch store for official festival gear.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a custom souvenir, check out the ACL Fest Market where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts and trinkets from Austin\u2019s top artisans and makers. This year features Austin Art Garage, Roommate Collective, Pancho Sue\u00f1o and more.<\/p>\n Pro tip: Buy your favorite band shirt early; sizes often sell out.<\/p>\n What about the children? Check out Austin Kiddie Limits<\/p>\n Otsie Stowell, 6, gets a punk rock hairdo at Austin Kiddie Limits during Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2022.<\/p>\n Jay Janner\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n Austin Kiddie Limits runs both weekends from noon to 6 p.m. daily<\/a>. Children ages 8 and younger can attend the fest for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Two children are allowed per adult.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Children 8 and younger must be registered in the festival\u2019s \u201cTag-A-Kid\u201d program to receive a wristband. According to the ACL Fest website<\/a>, parents can register their children or pick up their T.A.K. wristbands at any of the Guest Services tents, during festival hours. Two are located outside the East entrance and one inside the Lady Bird entrance.<\/p>\n Austin Kiddie Limits programming includes live performances, crafts, snacks, photo booths and more. Your little ones can visit a lounge inside Austin Kiddie Limits to chill out, color or read. Button making, hairdos and airbrush tattoos for kids are also available.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s talk about food. All that festing makes you hungry, right?<\/p>\n Festivalgoers wander through the ACL Eats food vending area at Austin City Limits Festival on Oct. 9, 2015.<\/p>\n Suzanne Cordeiro\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n The traditional ACL Eats setup, with rows of vendors stationed on both north and south sides of the fest grounds, will feature more than 70 food vendors. The park is divided into a few main food, drink and merch areas. Like previous years, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options will be available.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Food is served in The Big Tent and The Grove. You\u2019ll find pizza and sandwiches from Bambino, as well as corndogs, push-pop sushi and Frito pies. Austin favorites like P. Terry\u2019s, Chi\u2019Lantro, JuiceLand, Cabo Bob\u2019s, La Santa Barbacha, Dan\u2019s Hamburgers and Thai Fresh are also on the food list this year.<\/p>\n The fest is bringing back the \u201cBuy 4, Chill More\u201d deal. If you buy any combination of four canned drinks, you\u2019ll receive a free carrier with ice. The fest is also offering a limited-edition 25th anniversary food bucket, which can carry chicken fingers, fries and other bites to feed the whole group.\u00a0<\/p>\n Select bars will carry an attachable can lid, which snaps closed to keep your drink secure while dancing. If you order the fest\u2019s signature cocktail, \u201cThe Set Break,\u201d you\u2019ll get it served in a souvenir cup. ACL Fest\u2019s ground crew of \u201cfood hawkers\u201d will once again be selling popsicles and ice cream to passersby throughout the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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