Austin City Limits Music Festival Reviews, Photos, & Guide 2024 & 2025

All Photos

All Experiences

Music Festival Experiences Sports Experiences Food & Arts Experiences Food & Arts Experiences

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin

Texas

•

United States

reviews

Recommended by

of attendees

Amazing Experience

Great Experience

Good Experience

Okay Experience

Poor Experience

3.6

Write a Review

Add Photos

Name at a glance

Genre

Type

Month

October

Annual Attendance

450,000

Official Website

Visit Website

Official Social

What is Name?

Austin City Limits (ACL) is a renowned annual music festival held in Zilker Park, Austin, Texas, showcasing a diverse lineup of genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, country, and more. Spanning two weekends in October, the festival attracts over 450,000 attendees, offering a vibrant atmosphere with performances from both established and emerging artists. ACL also features art installations, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it a cultural highlight in Austin's music scene.

Is Name worth it?

Attendees recommend

reviews

100

Say VIP is worth it

VIP experiences

Pros

High-profile headliners from various genres
A taste of Austin's renowned food scene, with a wide array of food trucks
Unique art installations and art market showcasing local artisans

Cons

The venue and environment is very dusty
The weather is warm and there are limited shady areas outside of VIP
On-site employees do not provide consistent answers to questions

Community tips & insights

Arrive early for popular acts: If you want a good spot for a major headliner or popular set, arrive at the stage early. Some fans stake out their spots hours in advance, especially for evening performances.
Take advantage of the shuttle service: Parking near Zilker Park can be challenging and expensive. The festival offers free shuttles from downtown Austin to the festival grounds, which can save you time and hassle.
Watch for secret shows and pop-up performances: Keep an ear out for unannounced sets or surprise appearances. Some artists play secret shows on smaller stages, at nearby venues, or even in the Austin city center during the festival week.

Community ratings at a glance

Ticket Purchasing

2.0

Transportation

2.0

Vibe

1.7

Kid Friendliness

4.3

Amenities

4.3

Layout & Wayfinding

3.7

Restrooms

2.3

Merch & Vendors

4.3

Safety & Security

4.3

Accessibility

2.3

Food & Drink

3.7

VIP Experience

1.7

Show Quality

3.0

Performer Lineup

3.0

Surrounding Area

4.3

Lodging

1.7

Name dates & tickets

When is Name?

There are no upcoming dates announced.

Name ticket options & where to buy

Basic tickets: General Admission & GA+

General Admission (GA)

From $380+

Includes access to all festival performances, food vendors, and general areas. Children 8 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

GA+

From $775+

Includes all GA benefits plus access to the GA+ Lounge with relaxed seating and air-conditioned restrooms. Plus, dedicated food for purchase, private bar, and complimentary soda and water refill stations.

Buy official GA & GA+ tickets
Buy reputable resale GA & GA+ tickets

Upgraded tickets: VIP & Platinum

VIP

From $1,760+

All GA benefits, plus access to VIP Lounges with relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, and VIP Viewing Decks.
Complimentary all-day beer, seltzer, wine, and cocktails, plus exclusive food options.
Dedicated VIP Concierge and express entry.

Platinum

From $5,710

All VIP benefits plus access to the Platinum Lounge, elevated viewing areas, front-of-stage viewing, and complimentary dining and bar services.
Golf cart transportation, dedicated concierge, lockers, and exclusive festival gifts.

Buy official VIP & Platinum tickets
Buy reputable resale VIP & Platinum tickets

Ultra premium tickets

Bungalows

From $30,000 (includes 10 tickets)

Private space for up to 10 guests, with shaded seating, private bar, and all VIP amenities.
Expansive views, air-conditioned restrooms, and dedicated staff.

Buy official bungalow tickets

Cabanas

Pricing unlisted

Dedicated suite for up to 30 guests with prime views of the main stage, complimentary beverages and snacks, and personalized service.

Inquire for official Cabana tickets

Y'all Access

Pricing unlisted

All-inclusive package with front-of-stage viewing at select stages, side-stage viewing, dedicated concierge, and exclusive perks like a pre-festival tour and special dinner.

Inquire for official Ya'll Access tickets

Name ticket FAQs

When do ACL tickets go on sale?

Tickets typically go on sale in early May.

How difficult is getting tickets to ACL?

Getting tickets can be competitive; ticket availability often depends on factors like the lineup announcement, ticket release dates, and the specific ticket type you're looking for. Being ready to purchase as soon as tickets become available can increase your chances.

Generally, the 3-day packages tend to sell-out far in advance of the event, while single-day tickets are still available in the weeks heading up to the event.

Name lineup & performance

The lineup typically features a diverse mix of artists spanning various genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, country, and more. This eclectic blend ensures something for everyone, with a mix of big-name headliners, emerging artists, and local talent. The festival is known for its high-energy performances and the opportunity for fans to discover new music.

Name headliners

2024 Austin City Limits – Weekend 1

2024 Austin City Limits – Weekend 2

Name seating guide

Getting to Name

Transportation to Zilker Park

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is held in Zilker Park, a central green space in downtown Austin.

Venue

Name vibe & atmosphere

What's the vibe at ACL?

The vibe at the Austin City Limits Music Festival is a unique blend of laid-back, vibrant, and inclusive. The festival is known for its easy-going atmosphere, where attendees can enjoy music and good company without feeling rushed. The spacious setup in Zilker Park allows people to spread out on blankets, relax, and enjoy the performances.

What ages attend ACL?

ACL attracts a diverse crowd across various age groups. Generally speaking, young adults (18-30) make up the vast majority of attendees, followed by middle-aged adults (31-50). Older adults (50+) are less common.

ACL dress code

The dress code at the Austin City Limits Music Festival is casual and comfortable, reflecting the laid-back vibe of the event. Attendees typically opt for practical yet stylish outfits that can handle the Texas weather, which often means light and breathable clothing, comfortable footwear like sneakers or sandals, and plenty of sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While there's no formal dress code, festival-goers often embrace creative and eclectic styles, showcasing their personal flair with band tees, vintage pieces, and festival-inspired accessories like flower crowns and face paint. Layering is also common, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Is ACL kid-friendly?

ACL is a family-friendly festival, and children 8 and under can enter for free with a ticketed adult. The festival even has a dedicated area, Austin Kiddie Limits, designed for younger attendees with activities and performances suitable for kids.

Name experience site

Name amenities

Water Refill Stations

Locker Rentals

Chair Check

Device Charging Stations

Bike Parking

Scooter Parking

Shuttle Bus

ADA Accessible Viewing Areas

Deaf / Hard of Hearing Services

Festival App

First Aid Tents

In/Out Privileges

Ease of entry & exit

The ease of entry and exit can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the mode of transportation.

Arriving early can help you avoid the longest lines. Expect thorough security checks, including bag inspections and metal detectors. VIP and Platinum ticket holders have access to dedicated entry lanes, which generally allow for quicker entry.

Exiting can take some time, especially after the final performances of the night when large crowds head out simultaneously.

Layout & wayfinding

The festival typically features multiple stages spread across Zilker Park, with clear signage for each area. Stages are strategically placed to minimize sound overlap and provide ample space for attendees. Key areas include the main stages, smaller stages, food courts, merchandise booths, and designated zones like the VIP lounges and Platinum areas.

Restrooms

The restrooms at ACL typically consist of portable toilets scattered throughout the festival grounds. Lines can be long, especially during peak times or between performances.

VIP and Platinum ticket holders have access to air-conditioned restrooms with more amenities. These areas usually feature cleaner facilities, shorter lines, and a more comfortable experience. Attendees often find these facilities a worthwhile perk of upgraded tickets.

Merchandise & vendor offerings

Official Festival Merch: This includes items like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, and accessories featuring the festival's branding and artwork. Limited edition items and collaborations with artists or brands are often available.
Band Merchandise: Many artists have their own merch booths, selling band-specific items such as apparel, posters, vinyl records, and more.
Unique Goods: The festival often features local artists and designers, offering handmade jewelry, art prints, and other unique items that capture the spirit of Austin's creative scene.

Name food & drink

A variety of local and national food vendors offer an array of culinary delights, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Food trucks and stands serve everything from Tex-Mex and BBQ to gourmet snacks and desserts. Bars and beverage stands provide a selection of craft beers, cocktails, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options.

Tex-Mex

BBQ

Pizza

Southern Comfort Food

Sandwiches

Burgers

Asian Food

Mediterranean

Italian Food

Indian Food

Vegan Options

Vegetarian Options

Gluten-Free Options

Salads

Smoothies

Popcorn

Pretzels

Desserts

Pastries & Baked Goods

Craft Beer

Local Breweries

Wine

Cocktails

Hard Seltzers

Soft Drinks

Fresh Juices

Coffee

Tea

Bottled Water

Name VIP experience

Name VIP amenities & inclusions

VIP Lounge

VIP Dedicated Restrooms

VIP Exclusive Viewing Area

VIP Exclusive Food Vendors

VIP Concierge Services

Salon Services

TV Screens

Water Refill Stations

VIP Exclusive Merch Stands

Locker Rentals

Device Charging Stations

The ACL VIP experience

Past attendees often find the VIP experience worth it, particularly for the comfort and convenience it offers. VIP ticket holders gain access to exclusive lounges near the main stages, which provide shaded seating, air-conditioned restrooms, and complimentary snacks and beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. These lounges offer a relaxed environment away from the crowds, with jumbo screens live-streaming the performances. Additionally, there are dedicated VIP concierge services to assist with any festival needs, as well as a dedicated entrance lane for faster entry into the festival grounds.

The air-conditioned restrooms and shaded areas are especially appreciated during hot weather, and the shorter lines for food, drinks, and entrance can significantly enhance the overall festival experience.

VIP seating & sightlines

VIPs have access to elevated viewing decks, providing great sightlines for some of the stages. The elevated viewing areas provide a more relaxed way to watch performances without the need to arrive early to secure a good spot.

On-site Lodging

Surrounding area

The Zilker Neighborhood – Austin, TX

The neighborhood surrounding Zilker Park is a vibrant and eclectic mix of residential areas, trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and scenic outdoor spaces.