Support Us Button Widget
City

The numbers behind ACL’s economic impact

Last year’s festival brought in $448 million in economic impact for the city.

May 16, 2023 • 
Laura Figi
Hundreds of people gather around the Ladybird stage in Zilker Park at dusk.

Last year, ACL brought 23 local voices to the stage.

Photo by Roger Ho

A weekend Austin City Limits Music Festival wristband: $355. The economic impact: priceless.

Ever since ACL started recording economic impact in 2006, the festival has generated more than $3.08 billion for the local economy. Last year’s festival alone brought in $447.9 million, including $55 million for the Austin Parks Foundation.

How did APF allocate those funds?

  • $5 million will go toward improvements at Zilker Park
  • $1.15 million will go toward improvements at Govalle Neighborhood Park
  • $400,000 will benefit the Alliance Children’s Garden
  • Funds will also be distributed among Rosewood’s Henry Madison Cabin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Onion Creek, the McBeth Rec Center, and more.
ATX_ACLeconomicImpact

ACL 2020 was not included, since it was held virtually.

Graphic by ATXtoday

How does 2022 compare to previous years?

ACL has shatter previous records for economic impact each year, and 2022 is no exception. Note: 2020’s festival was not included in this analysis, because it was virtual.

  • 2021: $369 million in economic impact
  • 2019: $291 million in economic impact
  • 2018: $264.6 million in economic impact
More from ATXtoday
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Events
A brief history of Austin’s ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest — originally called the Kite Tournament — has been an Austin staple for almost a century, providing free fun for kids and adults alike.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A singer and guitarist in a cowboy hat sings into a microphone with a bassist and drummer in the background.
City
Red River Cultural District announces $529 million inaugural economic impact report
The home to some of Austin’s most iconic venues, the district has generated $2.3 billion in impact in five years.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CapMetroFools
Culture
April Fools’ pranks in Austin that we almost fell for
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A bottle of Desert Door sotol on the rocky ground next to a golden easter egg and a spiky plant.
Events
Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParamountSXSW.JPG
City
ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParkerScott
Business
Local love: ATXtoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi