Curator’s statement
Austin City Limits isn’t just about the music—it’s about the energy of Austin itself. Held every fall in Zilker Park, this two-weekend festival brings together amazing artists, local flavors, and the unforgettable spirit of the “Live Music Capital of the World.” With multiple stages, legendary headliners, and surprise up-and-comers, ACL offers something for every kind of music lover—and is one of my personal favorites.
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Things to do in Austin
Austin BBQ
Explore South Congress (SoCo)
Stroll this vibrant street lined with quirky boutiques, vintage shops, murals, and some of Austin’s best eats. Don’t miss a photo at the “I Love You So Much” mural.Taco crawl
Austin is a taco lover’s paradise! Try breakfast tacos at Juan in a Million or Veracruz All Natural—then keep sampling your way across the city.Barton Springs Pool
A natural spring-fed pool inside Zilker Park where locals cool off year-round. Perfect for a morning dip before heading into the festival.Rainey Street Historic District
Grab cocktails and bites in converted bungalows turned lively bars. It’s a must-see nightlife area just minutes from downtown.Live Music on Sixth Street
ACL is huge, but Austin lives and breathes music every night. Catch local bands in dive bars and venues along iconic Sixth Street.Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail
Rent a bike or scooter, or just walk the scenic trail along the Colorado River for skyline views and a little pre-festival exercise.Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
See the city from the water! Paddleboarding and kayaking are a fun way to mix relaxation with iconic Austin views.BBQ pilgrimage
No Austin trip is complete without BBQ. Try Franklin Barbecue (famous, with long lines) or La Barbecue for smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
Places to eat & drink in Austin
Nighttime street food vibes
Local favorite eats
Juan in a Million: East Austin breakfast taco legend. Known for the “Don Juan” taco—massive and shareable. (One of my personal favorites.)
Matt’s El Rancho: Austin institution since the 1950s, loved for Tex-Mex classics and their legendary Bob Armstrong queso.
Home Slice Pizza: Beloved by locals for New York–style slices. Perfect late-night bite after Rainey or Sixth Street.
Uchi / Uchiko: James Beard–winning chef Tyson Cole’s restaurants—sushi so good even Texans will skip BBQ for it. (Another personal favorite.)
Local favorite drinks & nightlife
The Continental Club: Iconic South Congress live music venue with decades of Austin history.
Hotel San José Lounge: Chic, laid-back courtyard bar—great for craft cocktails in a very Austin setting.
The White Horse: East Austin honky-tonk with live country music, tacos out back, and a true local vibe.
Meanwhile Brewing Co.: Local brewery with a sprawling beer garden, food trucks, and casual outdoor hangout energy.
Deep Eddy Cabaret: A quirky dive bar near the lake—old-school, cash-only, and full of Austin character.
Need to know
Tickets and wristbands: Buy only from official outlets. Wristbands are non-transferable once worn—don’t tighten it until you’re ready to keep it on all weekend.
Lineups and stages: Use the official ACL app to plan your day and set alerts for must-see acts—there are always overlap conflicts.
Getting around: Rideshares and bikes are easiest. Festival traffic is heavy, so plan extra time and know your drop-off and pick-up zones.
Hydration: Bring a reusable bottle or hydration pack—there are free refill stations inside the park.
Festival essentials: Pack sunscreen, a hat, a portable phone charger, a poncho, and a blanket.
Cashless festival: Most vendors take cards and mobile pay. Bring a little cash for tips or emergencies.
Food and drink: Don’t skip ACL Eats—this isn’t typical festival food. Local Austin favorites like tacos, BBQ, and vegan bites are inside the park.
Weather prep: Austin in October can be hot during the day and chilly at night. Dress in light layers and wear comfortable shoes.
Meeting spots: Cell service gets spotty—choose a stage, tree, or art installation as your group’s backup meet-up point.
Festival vibes: ACL is family-friendly, creative, and welcoming. Say yes to exploring smaller stages, art areas, and local activations—it’s often where the hidden gems are.
Travel Advisor
Samantha Villegas
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