Experience ACL 2021 by Chad Wadsworth for ACL Fest 2021 DSC09597.jpg

ACL will run from Oct. 7-9 and 14-16. | Photo by Chad Wadsworth for ACL Fest

It’s time to face the music — Austin City Limits Festival is upon us yet again. So grab your hydration pack and glitter face paint because it’s festival season.

The festival opens at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday of both weekends. Here’s all the info you need to know before you go.

How to beat the heat

Weekend one is calling for temperature highs around 91º — make peace with the fact that you’re going to sweat. Now that’s out of the way, wear light + breathable fabrics, stay hydrated, bring some sunglasses, and take frequent breaks from the sun.

What to bring

You’re going to be walking all day, so packing light should be top-of-mind.

A reusable water bottle | It must be empty when you arrive.
Sunscreen | The Texas sun is unforgiving so bring a bottle (3.4 ounces or less) for reapplications. You’ll thank us later.
A charger | Between the scorching heat and social media posts, your phone will be drained.
A seat | A place to rest will come in handy while you’re waiting for sets or grabbing some grub.

If you end up overpacking, the festival offers locker rentals.

Transportation

ACL is notoriously hard to get to and from, so make sure you have a plan for transportation.

Via shuttle: Each year, ACL provides free shuttles from Republic Square Park to festival grounds starting at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday until the end of the fest both weekends.

Via ride share: Know that many of the streets surrounding the festival will be shut down, so you’ll still have to do a little walking.

Via car: There is no parking at Zilker Park, but if driving is your best option, the festival has partnered with Pavemint to find paid parking in the area.

ACL Eats

A woman holds an ice cream sandwich in front of a blurry background. — Dripping Springs-based Skull & Cakebones is returning with ice cream sandwiches in tow.

This festival is a foodie’s fantasy with 39 local eateries posting up and nine newcomers.

View the full list of food vendors here.

Maximizing your time

A graphic map of Zilker park set up for ACL fest.

The best way to stay up-to-date on festival goings on is to download the app, where you can view a map of the grounds, hourly performing schedule, alerts + schedule changes, a guide to finding freebies, and FAQs.

And don’t forget to review our list of all the Austinites taking the stage before you head out.

We’ll see you at the flags. ⛳️

MORE TIPS + TRICKS

QUESTION

EVENTS

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Today

Buda Plein Air Festival Art Exhibit | Fri., Oct. 7 | 5 - 7 p.m. | Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St., Buda | Free | Catch the opening reception of this five-day exhibit celebrating live art, music, markets, and local creatives. 🖼

Saturday

Fortlandia | Now - Sun., Jan. 29 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin | Free with admission | Pick up a passport and transport yourself to another realm at this annual exhibition of secret hideouts. ⛺️
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck | Sat., Oct. 8 | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin | Free | The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making a stop on its tour to spread super cute treats and Sanrio goodies. Pro-tip: be prepared to wait in line.

Sunday

“Cute AF” Handcrafted + Vintage Market | Sun., Oct. 9 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Cute Nail Art Studio, 1211 E. 7th St., Austin | Free | Shop rainbow goodies from local artisans at the cutest nail salon in town, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to OutYouth. 💅

Monday

World Pickleball Day | Mon., Oct. 10 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Dreamland Dripping Springs, 2770 US-290, Dripping Springs | Free | Dreamland is putting the ball in your court for World Pickleball Day by offering free play on the lower courts + clinics. 🏓

Tuesday

Austin Beerworks Plant Swap | Tue., Oct. 11 | 6:30 - 10 p.m. | Austin Beerworks , 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin | Free | Bring plants, cuttings, seeds, flowers, veggies to buy, swap, trade, or adopt with fellow Austinites who are fond of flora. 🌱

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

91º | Partly cloudy | 1% chance of rain
Austin’s ongoing drought is worsening for the fourth week in a row, with only three days of rainfall in September. 🏜 (KXAN)

Biz

Austin-based company FreeWater is crowdfunding through FundRazr to finance free water vending machines and global expansion. 💧

Travel

Need a quick vacay? Spirit Airlines is relaunching its nonstop route to Monterrey, Mexico. The airline will offer the flight daily, starting now. (KXAN)

Development

A new, 230,800-sqft mixed-use senior housing development — called 400 W. Park Redevelopment — is coming to Cedar Park’s developing Bell District. (Austin Business Journal)

Research

UT Austin students are participating in an international biology competition, iGEM, to explore ways to protect the Texas Hill Country’s bat population. The students are investigating the fungal infection called White Nose Syndrome, which has been found among Texas bats. 🦇(KXAN)

Edu

Renovations to the UT tower are expected to cost $26 million. The renovations are the first in the landmark’s 85-year history. (CBS Austin)

Food

Blue Bell Creameries has released its seasonal winter ice cream flavors: Peppermint Bark, Eggnog + Peppermint. 🍨 (KVUE)

Plan Ahead

Cirque Du Soleil will be performing their famous show “Corteo” at the Moody Center starting on Feb. 2, 2023. This will be their first time performing the show in North America since 2019. (Austin Culture Map)

Travel

Chicago topped Conde Nast’s readers’ choice list of best cities in the US, and the cold never bothered us anyway, so we’re eager to plan a trip. Where would we stay? In this charming yet upscale two bedroom loft, of course. The best part is, it includes free parking.*

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

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Concert

No wristband? No worries.

Calder Allen plays to a crowd at ACL 2021.

Calder Allen, who is 19 years old, played at ACL Fest last year. | Photo by Charles Reagan for ACL Fest

There are plenty of ways to participate in ACL festivities even if you don’t have a wristband.

ACL Fest Nights shows — which are held at live music venues around town — let you see the bands you like on the lineup without having to shell out for a weekend pass.

Friday

Calder Allen | Fri., Oct. 7 | 9 p.m. | The Continental Club | $22+ | Jonathan Tyler will open the show before Austinite Calder Allen takes the stage.
James Blake | Fri., Oct. 7 | 9:30 p.m. | Emo’s Austin | $30+ | The DJ will be joined by Airhead & Mr Assister, and Goddollars.

Saturday

Nation of Languages | Sat., Oct. 8 | 12:30 a.m. | Stubb’s Bar-B-Q indoors | $25 | This New York-based pop band is not for the sleepy.

Plan Ahead

Spoon | Fri., Oct. 7 | 8:30 p.m. | ACL Live at the Moody Theater | $35+ | Act fast on getting tickets to see this Austin-based band.

Click here to view the full list of night shows.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: Well, I’m off to ACL, so I’ll be at the flags if you need me. Follow @atxtoday on Instagram for live updates.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check off these activities on your fall to-do list.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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