25 Years of ACL: What’s New (and What’s Wet) at ACL This Weekend
It’s that time of year again! Austin City Limits is BACK at Zilker Park for the 25th year in a row! This year there is the same incredible vibe of the usual ACL, and there are a few new things that you can’t miss out on. Weekend one has officially commenced. Before we get to the new stuff, let’s talk about all the things you need to ensure you have the best ACL you can!
First things first, if you’re going to weekend one, BRING A RAIN JACKET! The forecast is predicting that it’s going to be an incredibly fun but wet weekend thanks to the storms from Hurricane Polo. To stay informed on weather updates, sign up for SMS notifications by texting ACL to 64934, and turn on push notifications via the ACL Fest Festiverse App presented by Miller Lite. A few things to know before you get to Zilker. There is no parking at Zilker Park. Check out the getting here guide for more information! The gates open for you to come in and frolic through the park at noon each day. Each person will be required to go through security, and your belongings are subject to search. You are able to bring in a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. ACL is a cashless festival, so make sure to link your wristband and card before you get there!
Now that we’ve covered the weather, let’s talk about new things! This year, as always, we will have incredible food and merch vendors. C3 Presents has decided to add a few things to add to the energy of the festival. There will be a new tent… The Big Tent! In The Big Tent, there are comfy seats for you to relax. You can enjoy watching the game, live streams of stages, and incredible cocktails. The festival has also added The Big Chiller. It is a 40-foot-long, walk-in freezer created to keep you cool and ready for your next set. There will also be the Disco Dive Secret Hang featuring a DJ with indoor/outdoor options with AC and culinary options. The twist? It’s a SECRET, so it’s not on any map, and you’ll have to be feeling adventurous enough to find it. There will also be special 25th Anniversary Photo Ops and easy access for VIP guests to access their lounges.
Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming surprise announcement regarding the Bonus Tracks stage! When you need a break between sets, kick back and recharge at comfortable chill spots that are all over the festival.
Looking for interactive fun? Create custom beats and test your RC skills at the Defender Experience, test out new gear at the JBL Open Ear Road Trip, try your luck at Trojan™ Unexpected, or assemble a photo keychain at the Snapchat Charm Bar. For ultimate festival energy, head over to Music Mirage for free hair braiding, kandi beads, and body art, or visit the Be The People Impact Zone for live art and local community partners. Finally, if you’re bringing the little festivalgoers, Austin Kiddie Limits features snack stations, live music, and family activities hosted by Lifeway Kefir, Little Spoon, and Siete Foods.
Austin City Limits isn’t just about great music—it’s also dedicated to keeping Zilker Park green through serious sustainability efforts! The festival powers 60% of its operations directly from the power grid, runs its generators on biodiesel, and offers carbon-offset-funded renewable energy projects to minimize its carbon footprint. To cut down on waste, ACL Eats uses eco-friendly service items, while site-wide Hydration Stations keep fans refreshed with free filtered water to divert millions of plastic water bottles from landfills.
This year is going to be the best year of ACL that’s taken place, so be sure to plan ahead and get ready to have an incredible weekend!