The 2026 edition of ACL Festival is just days away, bringing ~450,000 people from around the globe to Zilker Park annually. If you don't yet have tickets, don't delay, as select wristbands are still available.

The festival opens at noon both weekends. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

Though ACL Festival is typically blazing hot, this year looks like it will be rainy, muddy, and cool outdoors. | Photo by Charles Reagan for ACL Fest

Forecast

Weekend One's forecast looks cloudy and rainy, with a high chance of precipitation all three days, plus flood warnings in the days beforehand. The good news is that means merciful temperatures, but the bad news is that it could affect the lineup and festival times. Text ACL to 64934 to get updates on weather-related changes.

Meanwhile, high temperatures during Weekend Two are in the mid-80s at the time of publishing, which means we could be in for a really pleasant weekend.

Regardless, it's still essential to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take frequent breaks. Pro tip: Bring baby wipes, misters, and fans to help you feel fresh throughout the day.

We like to balance style and comfort. Get functional with your accessories (think manual fans, big hats, and stylish sunglasses), wear breathable fabrics, stick to closed-toed shoes, and lean into your personal aesthetics.

Bag policy

No matter the size, your bag will be searched before you enter festival grounds.

Small bags + fanny packs smaller than 6" x 9" do not need to be clear, but can only have one pocket.
All other bags must be clear and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are prohibited.
Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be empty and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir.

View the full policy here.

What to bring

You're going to be walking, dancing, and sweating all day, so pack light, but don't skip the essentials.

A reusable water bottle | The festival provides free water stations all around the park so all you need is a receptacle, but it must be empty when you arrive. Hydration packs also make a great addition to your kit.
Sunscreen | The Texas sun is unforgiving, so bring a bottle (3.4 ounces or less) for reapplications. Several activations also provide sunscreen. You'll thank us later.
A fan, hat, or bandana | You might want to pack all three to fend off those extra rays. Figi here — I always wear a bandana around my face when I'm walking to reduce the amount of dust I breathe in.
A charger | Between the scorching heat and social media posts, your phone will drain quickly. There will also be rentable chargers around the festival grounds.
A seat | Whether it's a foldable chair, a stool, or a picnic blanket, a place to rest will come in handy while you're waiting for sets or grabbing some grub.

Psst — the festival offers locker rentals.

What not to bring

The following are prohibited on festival grounds:

Coolers or glass containers
Hammocks or tents
Cameras with a detachable lens or photography equipment
Pets
Selfie sticks
Bicycles
Large chains or spiky jewelry (Figi here — I have had a chain belt confiscated, so save those for a different event)

Read the full list of illegal items here.

Transportation

ACL is notoriously hard to get to and from, so having a solid transportation plan will make the festival that much more enjoyable.

Via shuttle: ACL provides free shuttles to and from Sand Beach Park and Zilker Park starting at 11:30 a.m. each day of the festival. The shuttle will drop you off at the Barton Springs West entrance.

Via ride share: Many of the streets surrounding the festival will be shut down, so you'll still have to do a little walking. Typing "Austin City Limits Music Festival" or "Zilker Park" into navigation will take you to the nearest drop-off point. You'll need to return there to request a ride home.

By bike, scooter, or on foot: Bike + electric scooter parking will be available on Stratford Drive after crossing the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge, on Azie Morton Road near the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and on Toomey Road and Sterzing Street. For walkers, here's a map of the trails.

Via car: There is no parking at Zilker Park or nearby neighborhoods, but if driving is your best option, you can reserve spots with LAZ Parking at 1221 S. Mopac Expy. and Barton Oaks garages, or at Austin High School. Additionally, nearby businesses often open their lots to festival-goers for a fee.

Via CapMetro: Several bus routes operate frequently near Zilker Park. Check out the MetroRapid Route 803 or other options here.

Local festival and local cocktails? Say less. | Photo by ATXtoday

Lounges + activations

ACL Festival isn't just about the music — there are plenty of places to charge up, cool off, freshen up, shop, or snack between sets. Psst — you might need to win or qualify to access some areas

BeatBox Music Mirage | Stop inside for free air brush body art, hair braiding, photo ops, and swag giveaways.

Coca-Cola Refresh Lounge | Returning for yet another year, this lounge is a great place to treat yourself to an ice-cold soda, charge your phone, get some shade, and try out some fun activities.

Hacienda PATRÓN | This two-story activation will have vinyl DJ sets, PATRÓN cocktails, lounge seating, photo ops, and surprises for visitors of age.

Mike and Ike: We Got'Chew | Grab some candy, enjoy free WiFi, and chill out for a spell at this new activation.

Recess Unwind Club | Sip a cocktail or a mocktail, take pics on a swing, and get some free custom merch to take home.

Snapchat Charm Bar | Don your cutest outfit and get a photo keychain made with you and your bestie.

That Tito's Thing | Psst — access to this exclusive lounge is usually hard to come by, and often won by playing the brand's claw game. Don't worry — even if you don't win wristbands, everyone who plays the claw game wins a prize.

T-Mobile Club Magenta | T-Mobile customers (and their plus ones) can access this lounge for giveaways, phone charging, drinks, and more.

Check out more activations.

It's not all burgers and fries (although there's plenty of that to go around) ad Blenders & Bowls serves up fresh fruit and chocolate. | Photo by Roger Ho for ACL Fest

ACL Eats

ACL might as well add "food festival" to its title, because dozens of local eateries (including 17 newcomers) will post up. This year's fest has three main food courts: ACL Eats, ACL Eats South, and ACL Sweets. This year, eating and drinking at the festival will be even easier with food buckets, can lids, and a slushy bar. We'd recommend visiting...

KG BBQ
SuSushi
T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs

ACL Market

If you find yourself with the urge to shop — or want to be bold and perfect your outfit on-site — nine vendors will be stationed at the main market. Here are a few we recommend visiting for a souvenir:

Austin Art Garage
Mutiny Market
Spare Finery Permanent Jewelry

Maximizing your time

The best way to stay up-to-date on festival goings-on is to download Festiverse, where you can view a map of the grounds, the hourly performing schedule, alerts + schedule changes, quizzes, FAQs, and a guide to finding freebies.

If you're a lucky holder of a GA+, VIP, or Platinum wristband, don't forget to read up on specialty offerings for your ticket.

Last of all, remember to review our list of all the Austinites taking the stage before you head out. We'll see you at the flags.