City

The numbers behind ACL’s economic impact

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

By Laura Figi
, May 16, 2023
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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.

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, including $48 million for APF
  • 2019 : $291 million in economic impact
  • 2018 : $264.6 million in economic impact, including $5.1 million for APF
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Laura Figi
Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.