Festival season in Texas is underway, meaning hundreds of thousands of people will be flocking to Austin City Limits over the next two weekends to get their music fix.

The three-day music festival returns to Zilker Park October 3–5 and again October 10–12, featuring headliners such as Hozier, Cage the Elephant, Sabrina Carpenter, the Strokes, the Killers, and John Summit. The spectacle is an all-day thing with nonstop music, which means it’s essential to plan ahead—and no, we’re not just talking about your outfits.

With dozens of major concerts and music events under our belt, Houstonia has compiled the ultimate guide, filled with insider tips and tricks to ensure the best, smoothest, safest, and most fun festival experience at ACL this year.

Festival essentials: What to pack

Even in October, the Texas heat can be intense, which is why it’s crucial to carry an empty reusable water bottle or a hydration pack with you. ACL allows small, empty hydration packs with two pockets in addition to the one responsible for holding the water reservoir. Small clutch purses or fanny packs are also permitted, but items exceeding the size limit must be clear or see-through. Measurements are specified here. All bags are subject to a search before entry.

Portable handheld fans, a staple for those who don’t want to sweat off their festival makeup, are also a game-changer and can be found for less than $15 on Amazon. Personal misting fans with a bottle no larger than 1.5 liters are also permitted, but must be empty upon entry.

It can be a lot to stand on your feet for hours at a time, especially after being in the sun all day. Thankfully, ACL allows attendees to bring blankets, sheets, and towels, which are great for staking out a spot in the back of the crowd to sit and enjoy the ambience (or take a midday nap).

Make sure your phone is charged and ready to capture fun memories by packing a portable charger. ACL also has free charging stations on the grounds, which are equipped with built-in lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB cables fueled by chargeFUZE.

Before you go, don’t forget to check the list of prohibited items (hammocks, frisbees, selfie sticks, umbrellas, and outside food and beverages are not allowed). You don’t want to be turned away or forced to throw anything away before entering the gates. Been there, done that.

Planning ahead

For a smooth experience, plan your weekend ahead of time during the packing stages. Create a tentative schedule that includes bathroom breaks, lunch and dinner, time to explore, and, of course, the artists you want to see.

Download the app Festiverse, ACL’s “festival companion,” to personalize your festival schedule and easily access the concert lineup. Alternatively, for the “old-school” method, set your lineup as your lock screen for the day and keep a screenshot of the map readily available in your favorites folder.

Make your ACL entry easy by activating your wristband online in advance. You can add an emergency contact and register a credit or debit card to your account, which enables your wristband to serve as a payment method for the duration of the festival. A PIN is required for added security.

ACL hack for lighter pockets

Rent a locker on the ground for $25 for a single day or $65 for three days. Each comes with unlimited access during event hours, and those who rent lockers for multiple days can leave their belongings overnight.

Getting there

Gates open at noon and close at 10pm each day. Like Houston, Austin is notorious for having bad traffic, so planning is important.

ACL’s free shuttles, which drop festivalgoers off at the Barton Springs West Festival entrance, begin boarding at 11:30am at Sand Beach Park, located at the corner of Walter Seaholm and Electric Drive in downtown Austin.

Get in some exercise by biking, walking, or taking a scooter to the festival. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail offers easy access. Learn where to park your bike or scooter here.

If public transportation is your preferred mode, consider Cap Metro. Map out the several bus routes near Zilker Park here.

To save energy for the long day ahead, consider using a rideshare service. ACL suggests Lyft over Uber and advises attendees to put "Austin City Limits Music Festival" or "Zilker Park” as the destination in the app when requesting a ride. Lyft will automatically update to the nearest drop-off point for the festival, according to the ACL website.

If you drive: Zilker Park does not offer parking, and according to ACL’s website parking is not permitted in the surrounding neighborhoods. Parking is available at LAZ Parking, located off the Mopac Expressway (starting at $40), or Austin High School (starting at $64). Prices vary.

Inside the grounds 

First things first: Establish a meeting spot with your group. Cell service on festival grounds can be spotty, so create a plan for where to reunite in case of separation, especially in the event of an emergency. For an easier time finding your people, ACL does allow totems and totem poles with flags that are less than seven feet tall and one inch in diameter. However, the totem must be made with light material such as swim noodles, foam, cardboard tubes, fabric, light plastic, balloons, and aluminum. 

When you arrive, take a moment to walk around and get the lay of the land. Identify the various facilities, including bathrooms, medical tents, and water stations.

Explore the multitude of activities that extend beyond the music. Consider shopping at the on-site market, which showcases local businesses. Visit the Hacienda Patron for a two-story escape with vinyl DJ sets and photo ops. Dance your heart out at the Beatbox So Far Out House. Catch a football game at the Big Tent, or head to the Aperol Spritz Piazza to experience an Italian oasis.

Where to eat 

Hungry? No problem. ACL Eats and Sweets is ready. Fuel up on a cheesy sandwich from food truck Burro Grilled Cheese (vegan and gluten-free options are available) or opt for a pizza from Southside Flying Pizza. For some good ‘ole tacos, head to Veracruz All Natural or La Santa Barbacha. 

To truly experience the Austin vibe, stop at The Mighty Cone. Founded at the festival in 2002, this fan-favorite spot boasts easy-to-hold cone-shaped tortillas filled with proteins and generous toppings of slaws and sauces.

Cool off and cure a sweet tooth at Amy’s Ice Creams. The Austin-born chain has won the hearts of Texans with its claim-to-fame Mexican vanilla ice cream and a variety of other flavors, including its vegan options.

Getting home

Those who took the shuttle to ACL can also use it to get back, but beware: The lines will be long, especially since people often use the shuttles to bar-hop after the festival.

Rideshare is another good option. ACL recommends requesting the ride after crossing Frontage Road, South Lamar Boulevard, Wallingwood Drive, or the pedestrian bridge and up to Lake Austin Boulevard. When in doubt, walk or bike it out, or use public transportation again.