$8.1 million. That's how much money the 2023 Austin City Limits Festival generated for the Austin Parks Foundation — marking the largest contribution in the history of the two organizations' partnership.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Overall, the 2023 festival contributed $499.9 million to the local economy, which is equivalent to 3,766 full-time jobs. It also funds the annual maintenance and restoration of Zilker Park.

According to the most recent economic impact report, ACL has raised more than $63 million for local public parks over the past 19 years.

ACL has contributed more than $3.5 billion — equal to 35,967 jobs — toward the Austin economy since it started recording economic impact in 2006.

How will APF allocate the money?

This year's funding will go toward projects and improvements across all 10 City Council Districts, including:

Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt's playground, fitness center, and dog park
Design and permitting at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park
Montopolis Neighborhood Park's playground and pool shade structure
Removal of invasive species at Barton Creek Greenbelt
Repairs at Zilker Hillside Theatre
Pool repair at Deep Eddy Pool
Support of citywide lifeguard training

View a map of where funding has been used.

How does this compare to years past?

ACL is no stranger to breaking economic records. The festival has been steadily growing its total economic impact by ~15% each year. Plus, it has more than doubled from 10 years ago.

Analysis from 2020 was excluded since the festival was held virtually that year. | Graphic by ATXtoday

Looking back on years past:

2022: $448 million in economic impact, including $7.2 million for APF
2021: $369 million in economic impact, including $6.7 million for APF
2019: $291 million in economic impact
2018: $264.6 million in economic impact, including $5.1 million for APF

We're getting ready to do it all again — view the lineup for ACL 2024 and get wristbands.