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
Sabrina Carpenter in a sparkly dress walking through the ACL crowd, reaching out to greet fans as people extend their hands and take photos with phones, with stage lights and security staff visible in the background.
Culture
ACL Festival weekend one headlines you may have missed
Whether you attended the festival or not, we’re looking back at some of the most newsworthy moments that transpired during the first half of the festival.
October 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Aerial view of a music festival with groups of people gathered on a grassy field, sitting or walking among tall, colorful flags featuring various abstract designs, during golden hour lighting.
Events
How to enjoy ACL 2025 without going to the festival
No wristband? No problem. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy festival season without shelling out for a ticket.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The counter and display glass display case at Walton's Fancy and Staple in Austin; there are pastries inside the case and you can see the menu behind the counter detailing the dishes. The building's signature red brick wall can be seen behind the counter, and the restaurant's logo is scrolled across the window to the right.
Food
Restaurants owned by celebrities in Austin
Sandra Bullock, is that you?
October 2, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A vibrant brunch spread displayed on a wooden table, featuring dishes like blueberry pancakes with bacon and eggs, smoked salmon with toast, granola with fresh fruit, a sweet potato hash, and a frosted slice of cake. Drinks include an espresso martini, matcha latte, black coffee, and a cocktail garnished with a dried citrus slice. A colorful checkered booth lines the back of the table.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Austin
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_2025ACLFriendshipBracelets
Culture
How to win an ATXtoday x Sea of Beads ACL Festival friendship bracelet
We’re giving away friendship bracelets at both weekends of ACL Festival — here’s how you can secure one for yourself.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_RockandRecycle
Culture
ACL Festival helps keep Austin green, according to Austin Parks Foundation CEO Colin Wallis
The annual music festival has partnered with the nonprofit for 20 years to help care for Zilker Park’s Great Lawn, divert recycling, and care for all of ATX’s green spaces.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_PiverParkVenue
Real Estate
Developers break ground on new live music venue at River Park
The new venue will fit 4,000 people in southeast Austin and is expected to be delivered in early 2027.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_WatersParkHistoricalMarker
Culture
Flashback Friday: Learn about the hundreds of historical markers in Austin
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Austin’s historical markers, the significance they hold, and how long they’ve been standing.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A crowd of people under the flags at ACL Fest.
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.
September 24, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_ACLAtmosphere
Events
Your ultimate guide to attending ACL Festival 2025 like a pro
The countdown is on to Austin’s biggest music festival, and we’re here to help you maximize your wristband.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi