It’s almost time for one of the Live Music Capital of the World’s most highly anticipated annual events: the Austin City Limits Music Festival – or ACL for short. For two consecutive weekends in October, festival-goers numbering in excess of 60,000 per day will descend on Zilker Park for three days of non-stop music on seven stages.
From its fairly humble beginnings in 2001, ACL has grown into one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. The roster of performers consistently mixes the hottest big-name headliners with venerable legends, emerging buzz bands and fresh-faced newcomers. In addition to the high-profile stars of the rock, pop, hip-hop and techno spheres, ACL prides itself on presenting a wide range of styles, including gospel, acoustic and international artists.
This year’s headliners include Foo Fighters, Drake, The Weeknd, Disclosure, Deadmau5, Alt-J, and Hozier, who are all slated to play both weekends. Some acts are only scheduled for one weekend, with The Strokes and Alabama Shakes on tap for the first weekend (October 2-4) and Florence and the Machine and Modest Mouse appearing during the second (October 9-11). Regular-price general admission 3-day passes and single-day passes are sold out for both weekends, but VIP and Platinum passes are still available for people who want the deluxe festival experience.
If you’re still hunting for tickets, generally single-day or 3-day passes can be found through ticket re-sellers and private individuals, although you’ll want to be sure that you’re buying a legitimate pass. Also, in the event of a festival cancellation, your passes will only be refunded if they were purchased through the festival’s website or Front Gate tickets. As far as how to get to the park, it truly is much easier to ride a bike or take public transportation than to try to park anywhere near the event. There is a free shuttle leaving downtown from Republic Square at the corner of 4th & Guadalupe streets that will drop you off right at the festival entrance on Barton Springs Road. The shuttles begin running each day of the festival at Republic Square at 10am and make their final return from the park at 11pm.
If you do drive, be aware that road closures around the park will begin the Friday before and end the Monday after each weekend. They’ll include Barton Springs Road at Robert E. Lee, MoPac Frontage at Columbus Drive, and Stratford Drive at Nature Center Drive (just west of the MoPac pedestrian bridge). The neighborhoods surrounding Zilker Park will have signs designating restricted parking areas, which will remain posted between weekends.
Also, even if you can’t make it to ACL itself, there are numerous concert events going on around the city during both festival weekends, including additional performances by festival acts. For a full listing those the official 2015 ACL Festival Late Night Shows, click here.
Have fun and be safe! The folks at Blairfield Realty hope to see you at the park.
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