$8.1 million. That’s how much money the 2023 Austin City Limits Festival generated for the Austin Parks Foundation — marking the largest contribution in the history of the two organizations’ partnership.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Overall, the 2023 festival contributed $499.9 million to the local economy, which is equivalent to 3,766 full-time jobs. It also funds the annual maintenance and restoration of Zilker Park.
According to the most recent economic impact report, ACL has raised more than $63 million for local public parks over the past 19 years.
ACL has contributed more than $3.5 billion — equal to 35,967 jobs — toward the Austin economy since it started recording economic impact in 2006.
How will APF allocate the money?
This year’s funding will go toward projects and improvements across all 10 City Council Districts, including:
- Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt’s playground, fitness center, and dog park
- Design and permitting at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park
- Montopolis Neighborhood Park’s playground and pool shade structure
- Removal of invasive species at Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Repairs at Zilker Hillside Theatre
- Pool repair at Deep Eddy Pool
- Support of citywide lifeguard training
View a map of where funding has been used.
How does this compare to years past?
ACL is no stranger to breaking economic records. The festival has been steadily growing its total economic impact by ~15% each year. Plus, it has more than doubled from 10 years ago.
Looking back on years past:
- 2022: $448 million in economic impact, including $7.2 million for APF
- 2021: $369 million in economic impact, including $6.7 million for APF
- 2019: $291 million in economic impact
- 2018: $264.6 million in economic impact, including $5.1 million for APF
We’re getting ready to do it all again — view the lineup for ACL 2024 and get wristbands.
