Austin Metropolis Limits is again and able to invite company in for a weekend of enjoyable.
Competition season in Texas is underway, that means lots of of hundreds of individuals will probably be flocking to Austin Metropolis Limits over the subsequent two weekends to get their music repair.
The three-day music pageant returns to Zilker Park October 3–5 and once more October 10–12, that includes headliners similar to Hozier, Cage the Elephant, Sabrina Carpenter, the Strokes, the Killers, and John Summit. The spectacle is an all-day factor with nonstop music, which suggests it’s important to plan forward—and no, we’re not simply speaking about your outfits.
With dozens of main concert events and music occasions underneath our belt, Houstonia has compiled the final word information, full of insider suggestions and tips to make sure one of the best, smoothest, most secure, and most enjoyable pageant expertise at ACL this 12 months.
Competition necessities: What to pack
Even in October, the Texas warmth might be intense, which is why it’s essential to hold an empty reusable water bottle or a hydration pack with you. ACL permits small, empty hydration packs with two pockets along with the one chargeable for holding the water reservoir. Small clutch purses or fanny packs are additionally permitted, however objects exceeding the scale restrict have to be clear or see-through. Measurements are specified right here. All luggage are topic to a search earlier than entry.
Transportable handheld followers, a staple for many who don’t need to sweat off their pageant make-up, are additionally a game-changer and might be discovered for lower than $15 on Amazon. Private misting followers with a bottle no bigger than 1.5 liters are additionally permitted, however have to be empty upon entry.
It may be loads to face in your ft for hours at a time, particularly after being within the solar all day. Fortunately, ACL permits attendees to convey blankets, sheets, and towels, that are nice for staking out a spot at the back of the gang to take a seat and benefit from the atmosphere (or take a noon nap).
Be certain your cellphone is charged and able to seize enjoyable reminiscences by packing a moveable charger. ACL additionally has free charging stations on the grounds, that are geared up with built-in lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB cables fueled by chargeFUZE.
Earlier than you go, don’t neglect to verify the record of prohibited objects (hammocks, frisbees, selfie sticks, umbrellas, and out of doors meals and drinks usually are not allowed). You don’t need to be turned away or compelled to throw something away earlier than coming into the gates. Been there, achieved that.
Australian DJ Dom Dolla was a earlier ACL performer.
Planning forward
For a easy expertise, plan your weekend forward of time through the packing phases. Create a tentative schedule that features rest room breaks, lunch and dinner, time to discover, and, after all, the artists you need to see.
Obtain the app Festiverse, ACL’s “pageant companion,” to personalize your pageant schedule and simply entry the live performance lineup. Alternatively, for the “old-school” technique, set your lineup as your lock display screen for the day and maintain a screenshot of the map available in your favorites folder.
Make your ACL entry simple by activating your wristband on-line in advance. You may add an emergency contact and register a credit score or debit card to your account, which permits your wristband to function a cost technique throughout the pageant. A PIN is required for added safety.
ACL hack for lighter pockets
Hire a locker on the bottom for $25 for a single day or $65 for 3 days. Every comes with limitless entry throughout occasion hours, and people who lease lockers for a number of days can depart their belongings in a single day.
Getting there
Gates open at midday and shut at 10pm every day. Like Houston, Austin is infamous for having dangerous site visitors, so planning is necessary.
ACL’s free shuttles, which drop festivalgoers off at the Barton Springs West Competition entrance, start boarding at 11:30am at Sand Seaside Park, positioned on the nook of Walter Seaholm and Electrical Drive in downtown Austin.
Get in some train by biking, strolling, or taking a scooter to the pageant. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Path presents easy accessibility. Study the place to park your bike or scooter right here.
If public transportation is your most popular mode, take into account Cap Metro. Map out the a number of bus routes close to Zilker Park right here.
To avoid wasting power for the lengthy day forward, think about using a rideshare service. ACL suggests Lyft over Uber and advises attendees to place “Austin Metropolis Limits Music Competition” or “Zilker Park” because the vacation spot within the app when requesting a journey. Lyft will mechanically replace to the closest drop-off level for the pageant, in response to the ACL web site.
For those who drive: Zilker Park doesn’t provide parking, and in response to ACL’s web site parking shouldn’t be permitted within the surrounding neighborhoods. Parking is accessible at LAZ Parking, positioned off the Mopac Expressway (beginning at $40), or Austin Excessive Faculty (beginning at $64). Costs differ.
Austin Metropolis Limits is a giant pageant, so make sure to have a gathering spot together with your group.
Contained in the grounds
First issues first: Set up a assembly spot together with your group. Cell service on pageant grounds might be spotty, so create a plan for the place to reunite in case of separation, particularly within the occasion of an emergency. For a neater time discovering your folks, ACL does permit totems and totem poles with flags which are lower than seven ft tall and one inch in diameter. Nevertheless, the totem have to be made with gentle materials similar to swim noodles, foam, cardboard tubes, material, gentle plastic, balloons, and aluminum.
Once you arrive, take a second to stroll round and get the lay of the land. Establish the varied amenities, together with loos, medical tents, and water stations.
Discover the multitude of actions that stretch past the music. Take into account buying on the on-site market, which showcases native companies. Go to the Hacienda Patron for a two-story escape with vinyl DJ units and photograph ops. Dance your coronary heart out on the Beatbox So Far Out Home. Catch a soccer recreation on the Huge Tent, or head to the Aperol Spritz Piazza to expertise an Italian oasis.
The place to eat
Hungry? No downside. ACL Eats and Sweets is prepared. Gasoline up on a tacky sandwich from meals truck Burro Grilled Cheese (vegan and gluten-free choices can be found) or go for a pizza from Southside Flying Pizza. For some good ‘ole tacos, head to Veracruz All Pure or La Santa Barbacha.
To actually expertise the Austin vibe, cease at The Mighty Cone. Based on the pageant in 2002, this fan-favorite spot boasts easy-to-hold cone-shaped tortillas full of proteins and beneficiant toppings of slaws and sauces.
Cool off and treatment a candy tooth at Amy’s Ice Lotions. The Austin-born chain has received the hearts of Texans with its claim-to-fame Mexican vanilla ice cream and quite a lot of different flavors, together with its vegan choices.
Getting dwelling
Those that took the shuttle to ACL can even use it to get again, however beware: The strains will probably be lengthy, particularly since folks typically use the shuttles to bar-hop after the pageant.
Rideshare is one other good choice. ACL recommends requesting the journey after crossing Frontage Highway, South Lamar Boulevard, Wallingwood Drive, or the pedestrian bridge and as much as Lake Austin Boulevard. When unsure, stroll or bike it out, or use public transportation once more.
