Held annually in Zilker Park (Austin, Texas), The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an eight stage celebration of all things music, accompanied by an art market, delicious food and drink, a dedicated family area and other activities for attendees. Inspired by a concert series of the same name, the festival is produced by Austin-based company C3 Presents, which also produces Lollapalooza.
2-4 & 9-11, Oct 2020 Taking place at Zilker Park in Austin, TX, ACL Festival has grown to 2 weekends, 8 stages and over 130 bands. Stay Tuned For 2020 Lineup.
Over two consecutive three-day weekends, the music festival caters to all tastes in music, hosting musical groups from genres including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop perform for fans. Around 450,000 people attend the festival each year.
The reputation of the ACL television show helped contribute to the success of the first festival. What started as a one-weekend event in 2002, the festival expanded to two weekends in 2012 after the local council voted unanimously to allow the Austin City Limits Music Festival to expand to two consecutive weekends beginning in 2013.
The festival features the best eats in town, offering tacos, vegan options and more. “The ACL Eats Food Court at ACL Fest offers the most delicious festival food, drinks and sweets from Austin and the surrounding area's favourite restaurants,” according to the festival's official website.
Aside from music, there's much more to do at the festival. “With our Art Market, phone charging stations, a mini-fest for kids, photogenic spaces and merch to bring home with you, there's plenty to do for the entire family.
“From the Barton Springs Beer Hall to large-scale art installations, there's plenty to do around the part in between sets. Our favourite partners will be in Zilker with free swag, special activities and giveaways, to help you relax and recharge.”
There's also a lot of entertainment of opportunities for children. “From a creative and informative activities to actual festival necessities like baby changing stations and our Tag-A-Kid program, Austin Kiddie Limits is a festival within a festival that offers an escape from the crowds. Bringing the whole family is easy with our Family Entrance and Stroller Lanes!”
The art market features make items so you can shop till you drop. “From accessories and head gear to cowboy boots and posters, the Art Market is you one-stop shop for local, national and world-recognized artisans selling irresistible goods to all ACL fans.”
The event even hosts a silent disco. “Be sure you check out our Silent Disco powered by Quiet Events! Each day of the festival head to the Tito's Handmade Vodka Stage from 8-10pm. You'll be given a special ACL Fest-supplied pair of headphones and can groove to three DJs!”
The 2018 lineup was pretty lit up, featuring Paul McCartney, Metallica, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, Travis Scott, Odesza, and the National as headliners. Other artists performing at the festival include Khalid, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Hozier, David Byrne, Chvrches, Deftones, Justice, St. Vincent, Sylvian Esso, Father John Misty, Brandi Carlile, Broclhampton, Illenium, Rezz, Janelle Monae, Greta Van Fleet, Shakey Gravies, Highly Suspect, Residente Manchester Orchestra, San Holo Gryggin, X Ambassadors, Lily Allen, Blood Orange, Jungle, Bazzi, Twin Shadow, The Breeders, Houndmouth, Sharon Van Etten, Trampled by Turtles, The Wombats, Bishop Briggs, the Revolution, Marian Hill, Soft Tukker, Khruangbin, Rhye, Parquet Courts, Elle King, Noname, Alvvays, Sir Sly, Arizona, Mon Laferte, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Japanese Breakfast, Bahamas, Mt. Joy, Moses Summey, Big Thief, Cuco, Gang of Youths, Yungblud, Amber Mark, Durand Jones, Alice Merton, Lewis Capaldi, Amen Dunes, Curtis Harding, Slenderbodies, Ikebe Shakedown, Flor de Toloache, Ghost of Paul Revere, The Coronas, Natalia Prass, Fatai, Shame, Lo Moon, Injury Reserve, Supa BWE, Lemaitre, Topaz Jones, Widerado, Asleep at the Wheel, Thudferpussy, Wallows, The Weatehr Station, Magic City Hippies, Hailey Knox, Phil Cook, Flor, Davie, Charley Crocketti, Freya Ridings, Sweet Spirit, Duncan Fellows, Jackie Venson, Sasha Sloan, Harry Paradise, Kydd Jones, Molly Burchi, Sailor Pool, The Texas Gentlemen, Ruston Kelly, Nicole atkins, The Blancos, Dizzy, Lucie Silvas, The Nude PArty, Bells of Joy, The Relatives, The Gospel Stars, Saul Paul, Q Brothers, Lard Dog & The Band of Shy, School of Rock, the Barton Hills Choir, among others.
You should also try to enjoy the city of Austin as much as you can, as this is the home of breakfast tacos, craft beer, outdoor fun, and the live music capital of the world. From partaking in outdoor activities to sampling craft beer, there are a myriad of things to do in Austin. If you are an outdoor lover, you should try to see the many rivers and lakes in the area, as well as experiencing the state parks in the region.