Austin City Limits Music Festival kicks off this weekend at Zilker Park, bringing 100+ artists and thousands of music fans together for two consecutive weekends (October 3-5 and October 10-12). Whether you’re a festival veteran or first-timer, a little planning goes a long way toward making sure you spend your time enjoying the music instead of dealing with problems.
Here’s your practical guide to navigating ACL Fest 2025 safely and smartly.
Getting There Without the Hassle
Forget about driving to Zilker Park—there’s no parking at the venue or in surrounding neighborhoods. Parking illegally on grass or unauthorized areas will earn you a hefty fine during the festival. Instead, use these options:
CapMetro is your best bet. The MetroRapid 803 drops you near South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road, putting you steps from the festival. Use the CapMetro trip planner to map your route.
The official ACL shuttle boards at Sand Beach Park (corner of Walter Seaholm Drive and Electric Drive) and drops riders at the Barton Springs west entrance. Shuttles run back to Sand Beach each evening too.
Rideshare drop-off points sit under the MoPac Pedestrian Bridge at Veterans Drive, Lee Barton Drive, and Wallingwood Drive. These designated spots keep traffic flowing and get you close to the action.
Walk or bike directly to the festival using the Hike & Bike Trail. Bring a light for evening rides, and remember motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on the trail. If you’re using a shared scooter or bike, drop it in a designated area before entering the grounds.
The City’s interactive Austin City Limits Mobility Guide shows road closures and lane reductions so you can plan around construction zones.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)
Pack light but smart. Bring an empty refillable water bottle—free refilling stations throughout the festival will keep you hydrated in the Texas heat. The festival has a specific bag policy, so check the ACL Fest website before you go.
Wear comfortable shoes built for miles of walking on grass and pavement. A hat and sunscreen protect you from October sun that’s stronger than you think. Dress in layers since temperatures drop after sunset.
Leave these at home: glass containers, Styrofoam, outside alcohol, and anything valuable you don’t want to worry about. Keep your phone in a front pocket or secure fanny pack—back pockets make easy targets for thieves.
Charge your phone fully before arriving. Cell coverage can get spotty with thousands of people on the network simultaneously.
Protecting Your Stuff
Crowds create opportunities for theft. Keep your phone and wallet in separate secure locations. Record your device’s serial number and store that information separately.
If something goes missing, notify on-site security or Austin Police immediately. You can also file reports through APD’s online reporting site or by calling Austin 3-1-1 for non-emergency situations. Check the ACL Fest lost and found site if you’ve misplaced something.
Set a meeting point with your group in case you get separated. Cell service might not work when you need it most, so agree on a specific spot before entering the festival.
Staying Healthy and Safe
The Texas sun and hours of walking demand hydration. Use those free water refill stations regularly—waiting until you feel thirsty means you’re already dehydrated.
Austin-Travis County EMS will staff medical tents throughout the festival. If you or someone with you needs medical attention, head to the nearest tent. For emergencies where you can’t reach the tent, call 9-1-1 and provide detailed location information. Download the What3Words App to pinpoint your exact location—it works even when you can’t describe where you are.
Consume alcohol in moderation if you drink. Never take pills that weren’t prescribed to you by a licensed pharmacy. The festival is partnering with This Must Be the Place, an overdose prevention nonprofit, who will educate attendees about Fentanyl dangers and provide Naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving opioid reversal medicine. Stop by their booth to learn more.
Austin Public Health recommends staying current on vaccinations, using hand sanitizer, washing hands frequently, and staying home if you’re sick.
Know the Rules
Several park rules carry real consequences. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Austin parks—violators face a Class C misdemeanor. Swimming in Lady Bird Lake is illegal. No outside alcohol is allowed on festival grounds.
Unpermitted vending in or around the festival results in a minimum $200 fine and a Class C misdemeanor charge.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: dispose of waste properly and respect other visitors. Your behavior affects everyone’s experience.
The No Refusal Initiative
Austin Police will run a No Refusal Initiative during both ACL weekends, from October 3-12, running nightly from 9:30 PM to 5:30 AM. This enforcement effort targets drunk driving by applying for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse breath or blood tests.
Plan your safe ride home before you start drinking. Use rideshare, CapMetro, the ACL shuttle, or designate a sober driver. The consequences of driving impaired aren’t worth it.
Emergency Preparedness
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in dense crowds. Practice the buddy system—always have someone with you. Establish a meeting point before entering the festival in case your group gets separated.
Stay weather aware and dress accordingly. October weather in Austin can swing from hot afternoons to cool evenings.
If you see emergency vehicles responding to an incident, give them right-of-way immediately. Large crowds of pedestrians sharing roadways around the festival need to stay alert and make room for first responders.
Dispose of smoking materials safely. Austin Fire Department will be on-site ensuring all fire code requirements are met.
Staying Connected
Communication becomes crucial during emergencies or when you need information. The City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin Fire Department, and Austin Emergency Management all use X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for time-sensitive updates.
ACL Fest shares information through their website, Facebook, X, Instagram, and the Festiverse app. Follow these channels before the festival starts so you don’t miss important announcements.
Download the Festiverse app now—it provides maps, set times, and real-time updates throughout the festival. The What3Words App helps emergency responders find you quickly if needed.
Making the Most of Your Day
Review the Austin City Limits Mobility Guide before you go to understand park access and construction zones. The festival setup includes safety fencing that affects which areas you can access.
Arrive with your phone charged, your meeting spot established, and your transportation planned. Know where you’re going and how you’re getting home before problems arise.
Communicate your whereabouts to people not attending the festival. Let someone outside know your general schedule and when to expect you home.
The festival spans two full weekends with gates opening around noon and music running until 10 PM. That’s long days in crowds and heat. Pace yourself, take breaks in shaded relaxation zones, and listen to your body.
The Bottom Line
ACL Fest brings world-class music to Austin’s most beloved park. The festival works when everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and respects others around them.
Plan your transportation, pack smart, stay hydrated, watch your belongings, and look out for your friends. These simple steps separate a great festival experience from a miserable one.
The City of Austin and ACL organizers have systems in place to help you—medical tents, security, free water, transportation options, and emergency services. Use these resources. Don’t try to tough it out if you need help.
Two weekends of incredible music await. Do it right, stay safe, and make memories that don’t involve emergency rooms or police reports.
Festival Dates: October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025
Location: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
Emergency: Call 9-1-1 for medical emergencies; use What3Words App for precise location
Non-Emergency: Austin 3-1-1 or APD online reporting for theft
No Refusal Initiative: October 3-12, 9:30 PM – 5:30 AM nightly
Best Transportation: CapMetro Route 803 or official ACL shuttle from Sand Beach Park
Lost & Found: Check aclfestival.com/lost-and-found
Safety Info: austintexas.gov/news/safety-tips-attending-2025-austin-city-limits-music-festival
Apps to Download: Festiverse (festival info), What3Words (emergency location), CapMetro (transit planning)
Pro Tip: Screenshot your meeting point location and share it with your group before entering the festival. When cell service gets spotty in crowds, you’ll have a visual reference everyone can find without needing to call or text. Also, take a photo of where you parked your bike or where your rideshare dropped you off—after hours of music, every entrance looks the same.
