As fall arrives in Austin, so does one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year—Austin City Limits (ACL). This two-weekend event, held from October 4-6 and 11-13, 2024, takes place in the scenic Zilker Park and features a diverse lineup of musicians, local food vendors, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a festival veteran or attending for the first time, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of ACL 2024.
Headliners and Lineup
The 2024 ACL lineup is stacked with some of the biggest names in music, covering a range of genres from country to hip-hop, pop, rock, and indie. Here’s a look at some of the headliners who will take the stage:
- Chris Stapleton – The Grammy-winning country artist will bring his soulful voice and masterful guitar skills to ACL.
- Blink-182 – The pop-punk legends will have fans singing along to their nostalgic hits like "All the Small Things" and "I Miss You," alongside new tracks from their latest album.
- Dua Lipa – Pop sensation Dua Lipa will be delivering her chart-topping hits, bringing the energy with her anthems like “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now.”
- Tyler, The Creator – Known for his genre-bending sound and creative vision, Tyler will offer a bold, electrifying performance packed with both hits and experimental tracks.
- Teddy Swims – With his powerful voice and unique blend of soul, rock, and R&B, Teddy Swims is sure to captivate the crowd with his heartfelt, emotional performances.
- Chappell Roan – An up-and-coming pop star with a vibrant stage presence, Chappell Roan is making waves with her empowering lyrics and catchy tunes. She’s a rising star not to be missed.
- Leon Bridges – A Texas local, Leon Bridges, will set a laid-back yet powerful tone with his smooth, retro-soul sound. We can only hope to expect to hear his hits like “River” and “Beyond” during his set.
- Khruangbin – Known for their unique blend of psychedelic, funk, and world music, Khruangbin will provide a mesmerizing, eclectic performance that perfectly suits ACL’s diverse vibe.
In addition to these headliners, the festival will feature a mix of indie favorites, electronic artists, and up-and-coming acts. Be sure to catch:
- Still Woozy
- San Holo
- Barry Can’t Swim
- Cannons
- The Marías
- Paco Versailles
Make sure to arrive early to discover new talent on the smaller stages. These intimate performances often become highlights for those willing to explore lesser-known artists.
Stages and Setup
With seven stages spread across Zilker Park, ACL provides an immersive experience with something for everyone. Larger stages like Honda and American Express are where you’ll find the headliners, while smaller stages like the Tito's Handmade Vodka and the BMI stage showcase rising artists and local talent.
Navigating between stages can take time, so be sure to plan your schedule ahead of time using the ACL app, which provides set times and stage locations. Pro tip: the larger stages tends to have the biggest crowds, so if you're trying to catch a close-up view of headliners, grab a snack and beveridge ahead of time and get there early to stake out your spot.
Festival Atmosphere
ACL’s vibe is laid-back and distinctly Austin. Expect to see a mix of people—from locals to international travelers, college students, and even families. The festival draws a diverse crowd that’s united by a passion of live music and Austin’s eclectic culture.
With two weekends to choose from, each weekend offers a slightly different energy. The first weekend is often a bit rowdier, while the second tends to attract a more relaxed, local crowd. Whichever weekend you choose, the atmosphere will be a mix of excitement and community spirit, making it a great time for all. Pro tip: Some artists only perform one of the weekends so double check the lineup to be sure your favorite artist is playing the weekend you plan on attending.
Food and Drinks: ACL Eats
One of the festival's standout features is ACL Eats, where local Austin restaurants and food trucks serve up some of the city’s best bites. From barbecue to vegan dishes, ACL Eats ensures you won’t go hungry between sets. Here are some top picks for 2024:
- The Original Black’s Barbecue – A Central Texas institution, Black's Barbecue will bring its legendary smoked meats to ACL. Get ready for some mouthwatering brisket, ribs, and sausage.
- The Mighty Cone – A festival favorite, The Mighty Cone serves up their signature breaded chicken, shrimp, or avocado in a tortilla cone, perfect for a quick bite between sets.
- Flyrite Chicken – Want to support local? Try Flyrite Chicken, an Austin-based company, known for its all-natural, chicken sandwiches, Flyrite offers delicious eats with healthy alternatives that are perfect for refueling during the festival.
- Amy’s Ice Creams – Cool off with a scoop of Amy’s famous handcrafted ice creams. With creative flavors and mix-ins, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth at ACL.
- Lonesome Dove – Famed Texas chef Tim Love’s Lonesome Dove will bring upscale wild game dishes and Southwestern-inspired cuisine to the festival, offering something a little different for food lovers.
- Nervous Charlie’s – Looking for something a little heartier? Nervous Charlie’s will be serving their iconic New York-style bagels with a variety of classic and creative fillings to keep you going all day long.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
ACL is dedicated to being a sustainable festival, with initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. Water refill stations will be available throughout the park, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Additionally, ACL has partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to ensure Zilker Park remains beautiful after the festival. Look for recycling stations and compost bins around the grounds, and be sure to dispose of waste responsibly.
What to Bring and Wear
Austin’s weather in October can be unpredictable, so it's important to come prepared. During the day, temperatures can be warm, so wear light, breathable clothing. Evenings, however, can get cool, so layering is key.
Essentials to bring:
- Sunscreen – Austin sun can be intense, even in the fall.
- Reusable water bottle – Hydration is crucial, and free water refill stations will be available.
- Portable phone charger – With long days and plenty of photo ops, you’ll want to keep your phone powered.
- Comfortable shoes – Expect to do a lot of walking from stage to stage.
Fashion-wise, ACL is known for its casual and eclectic festival style. You’ll see everything from boho-chic outfits to simple, comfortable attire. Whatever you wear, make sure it’s something you’ll feel good in after a full day of dancing and exploring.
Getting Around
Zilker Park is centrally located, but Austin’s traffic can be heavy during ACL weekends. Here are the best ways to get to and from the festival:
- Festival Shuttles – Free ACL shuttles run from Republic Square downtown to Zilker Park, making it easy to avoid the hassle of parking.
- Rideshare – Uber and Lyft are popular options, but be prepared for surge pricing during peak hours.
- Bike – Austin is a bike-friendly city, and ACL offers a free bike valet service at the festival entrance.
Parking near the festival is extremely limited, so it’s best to leave your car at home if possible.
Experiences Beyond the Music
While live music is the heart of ACL, there’s so much more to enjoy. Between sets, check out the festival’s art installations and interactive experiences, including pop-up shops and sponsor activations. Many brands offer giveaways, photo opportunities, and immersive exhibits.
For a break from the music, ACL also offers plenty of shaded areas where you can relax and recharge. You can also explore Austin Kiddie Limits, a family-friendly zone with activities and performances for younger festival-goers.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
If this is your first ACL experience, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:
- Plan your schedule, but stay flexible – The ACL app is a great tool for planning, but leave room for spontaneity.
- Stay hydrated – Bring a water bottle and take advantage of the refill stations.
- Don’t try to do it all – With so many artists and activities, it’s easy to overdo it. Pace yourself and take breaks when needed.
- Discover new artists – Some of the best moments at ACL come from stumbling upon an amazing band you’ve never heard of.
- Plan a meet-up spot – ACL is a large festival and often times phone service can be limited. In the event you lose your group, plan a meet-up spot ahead of time to reconnect with your friends/family.
With a stellar lineup, amazing food, and countless unique experiences, ACL 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Whether you're excited to see this years headliners, taste some of Austins’s iconic Barbecue, or explore the art installations, ACL offers something for everyone. Get ready for a weekend full of music, good vibes, and all the magic that makes Austin City Limits one of the most iconic festivals in the world.
