Austin, Texas, United States
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Two weekends, one lineup, and eight-odd stages on the big lawns of Zilker Park.
The straight answer
Austin City Limits Music Festival runs over two consecutive Friday to Sunday weekends in early to mid October in Zilker Park, with the same lineup playing both weekends.
ACL Fest runs over two back-to-back weekends in early to mid October, Friday through Sunday, and the headliners play both weekends. That repeat is the single most useful fact for planning: you can pick the weekend that suits your flights, hotel prices, and the forecast rather than chasing a particular date.
The festival launched in 2002 as a spinoff of Austin City Limits, the long-running public television concert series that has taped in Austin since the 1970s. It has grown into one of the largest festivals in the country, with crowds in the tens of thousands each day spread across the open lawns of Zilker Park, a short walk from downtown and right beside Barton Springs.
Early October in Austin is still warm, often hot. Afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s F (around 30C) are normal, and a hot spell can push into the 90s F. Plan for sun and dust in a dry year and mud if it rains, and the day goes from grueling to great.
The event, explained
Each weekend brings well over a hundred acts across roughly eight stages, from arena-level headliners in the evening to rising bands in the early afternoon. The lineup spans rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, country, and Texas songwriters, and the park layout means a long walk between the two main stages at opposite ends.
The food program leans on Austin restaurants rather than generic festival vendors, and it is a real part of the draw. There is also a dedicated children's area, Austin Kiddie Limits, with activities and kid-scaled performances.
Tickets come as three-day general admission for one weekend, with single-day passes released later, plus upgraded tiers with shaded viewing areas, better bathrooms, and dedicated bars. Weekend one and weekend two are sold separately.
How to play it right
- 01Buy three-day passes in the early sale, usually announced months ahead and often before the lineup is public; prices step up in tiers as each allotment sells. Single-day tickets tend to appear once the day-by-day schedule is released.
- 02Book lodging early. Austin hotels spike on both weekends, and a university football home game or other big event on the same weekend can make it worse. Staying downtown or near South Lamar keeps the festival walkable.
- 03Use the festival shuttle or walk. Parking near Zilker Park is effectively gone during the event, and ride-share pickups at night mean long waits and surge pricing. The official shuttle from downtown is the easy answer.
- 04Choose your weekend by the forecast if you can. Weekend two sometimes gets a slightly cooler front, but there is no rule. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water container, and a bandana or mask for dust if it has been dry.
- 05Arrive early afternoon to build a spot at the main stages for headliners; the crowds for the biggest evening sets can make getting close impossible after dark.
- 06Pair the trip with non-festival Austin in the mornings: Barton Springs Pool is right next door, and weekday nights between the two weekends are good for the city's music clubs and restaurants.
With kids in tow
- ACL is one of the more family-friendly big festivals. Austin Kiddie Limits has activities and kid-focused shows, and the festival has long allowed young children in free with a ticketed adult; confirm the current age cutoff and limits before you buy.
- Ear protection for kids is essential near the main stages, and a shade plan matters in October heat. Afternoons are easier than the evening headliner crush.
- Strollers and wagons have rules that change, and the walk between stages is long; check the current policy and plan to leave before the final set to beat the exit crowd.
Book your stay for Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Austin City Limits Music FestivalOpens a hotel search for Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Austin City Limits Music FestivalWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Austin City Limits Music FestivalTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Austin City Limits Music Festival for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Austin City Limits Music Festival, quick answers
When is Austin City Limits Music Festival?
Over two consecutive Friday to Sunday weekends in early to mid October, typically the first two weekends of the month. The festival announces exact dates well in advance.
Is the lineup the same both weekends?
Yes, the core lineup repeats across both weekends, though set times shift and occasional acts play only one weekend. Pick the weekend that works for your travel and budget.
How hot is ACL?
Often hot. Afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s F (around 30C) are typical, and some years push into the 90s F (32C or more). Hydrate, find shade in midafternoon, and dress for sun.
How do you get to Zilker Park for ACL?
Walk from downtown or take the official shuttle. Parking near the park is not practical during the festival, and ride-share after the headliners means long waits and surge fares.
Can you bring kids to ACL?
Yes. There is a dedicated children's area, and young children have traditionally been admitted free with a ticketed adult. Check the current policy for the age cutoff and limit per adult.
Make a trip of it: Austin
The best time to visit Austin
Best: Apr to May and Oct to Nov
The best time to visit Austin is mid March through May or October through mid November: warm days, cool enough evenings for patios and live music, bluebonnets in spring, and none of the 100F summer grind.
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