The Austin City Limits Music Festival is set to return to Zilker Park on October 3-5 and October 10-12, marking its 24th year. The City of Austin anticipates welcoming music fans nationwide for this two-weekend event. Ahead of the festival, attendees are advised to review safety guidelines provided by the city.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department has begun setting up the festival area, including safety fencing. Attendees should use the city’s mobility guide to navigate park access and avoid construction zones on William Barton Drive. It’s recommended to bring an empty refillable water bottle, as free refilling stations will be available. Proper attire for outdoor conditions is also advised.
Communication plans should be made in advance due to potential cell phone coverage issues at the festival. The city urges visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles, with glass and Styrofoam prohibited on park grounds. Swimming in Lady Bird Lake is illegal, and smoking or vaping in city parks could result in a Class C misdemeanor.
Unpermitted vending around the festival will incur fines starting at $200. Transportation options include a shuttle service from Sand Beach Park to Barton Springs’ west entrance, CapMetro’s MetroRapid 803 route, biking or walking via designated trails, and rideshare services with specific drop-off points under the MoPac Pedestrian Bridge.
The Austin Police Department will implement a No Refusal Initiative during the festival dates from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., focusing on DWI law enforcement. Festival-goers are reminded to keep personal belongings secure and report any thefts through APD’s online site or Austin 3-1-1.
Austin-Travis County EMS will have medical resources available on-site for emergencies. Attendees are encouraged to moderate alcohol consumption and avoid illicit substances.
The Austin Fire Department highlights pedestrian traffic around the festival area and requests that emergency vehicles be given right-of-way when necessary. Smoking materials should be disposed of safely.
Austin Homeland Security & Emergency Management advises using the buddy system for safety and planning routes home from the event. Staying hydrated and weather-aware is also emphasized.
Austin Public Health recommends staying current with vaccinations, using hand sanitizer frequently, washing hands often, and staying home if feeling unwell.
For communication during the festival, updates will be shared via X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook by various city departments including police, fire, EMS, and emergency management services. ACL Fest will also use its website and social media platforms for information dissemination.
C3 Presents has partnered with “This Must Be the Place,” an overdose prevention nonprofit providing education about Fentanyl dangers and distributing Naloxone at their booth during the festival.
The Austin Center for Events coordinates special event permitting across multiple city departments to ensure smooth operations during public events like ACL Fest.
Information from this article can be found here.
