When Austin City Limits takes place and how to find tickets

Austin City Limits runs for two consecutive weekends in October each year, with the festival split across two identical lineups on different dates. The exact dates shift slightly year to year — check the official Austin City Limits website for the current year's schedule, as the festival does not announce dates more than a few months in advance.

Tickets go on sale through the festival's official ticketing partner, typically in the spring or early summer before the October event. Single-day and multi-day passes are both available. Prices vary depending on the year and how far in advance you purchase; early-bird pricing is usually lower than standard pricing closer to the festival dates.

The festival takes place at Zilker Park in downtown Austin, Texas. If you are traveling from out of state, you will need to arrange your own transportation and lodging — the festival itself does not provide accommodations or shuttle services.

Key Takeaways

  • Austin City Limits happens over two weekends in October, with the same artists performing both weekends so you can choose which dates work for your schedule.
  • Tickets are sold through the official festival website and go on sale several months before the event, with early-bird pricing available for a limited time.
  • The festival is held at Zilker Park in downtown Austin and draws artists across multiple genres including rock, hip-hop, indie, country, and electronic music.
  • You will need to plan your own travel and lodging, as the festival does not operate transportation or housing services.
  • The festival runs from morning through evening both days, with multiple stages operating simultaneously, so you will need to choose which artists to see.

How the festival is organized across two stages and multiple days

Austin City Limits uses multiple stages set up across Zilker Park, allowing different artists to perform at the same time. The main stage hosts headliners and larger acts, while secondary stages feature mid-tier and emerging artists. Because performances overlap, you will have to choose which artists to see — you cannot watch everyone on the lineup.

Each weekend runs from morning (gates typically open around 11 a.m.) through evening (the final headliner usually finishes around 10 p.m.). The schedule is released a few weeks before the festival begins, so you can plan which stages to visit and when. The festival provides a mobile app and printed schedule to help you navigate.

Weather in Austin in October is typically warm and dry during the day, cooling in the evening. Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes — you will be walking between stages and standing for extended periods.

What kinds of artists and genres perform at Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits books artists across rock, hip-hop, indie, country, electronic, pop, and alternative genres. The lineup typically includes major headliners (established artists with large followings), mid-tier acts (artists with solid fan bases but not stadium-level fame), and emerging or local artists. The festival has historically featured everyone from The Rolling Stones and Radiohead to Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Nicks.

The specific lineup changes every year and is announced in the summer, a few months before the festival. Past lineups are available on the festival website if you want to see the kinds of artists the festival typically books.

Rules about what you can bring and what is prohibited

Austin City Limits allows you to bring blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, and water bottles (empty bottles that you can fill at water stations). You cannot bring outside food or alcohol — the festival has food vendors and a beer garden throughout the park.

Prohibited items include glass containers, weapons of any kind, professional cameras with detachable lenses, and large bags (the festival has a bag policy with size restrictions). Drones are not permitted. Check the official festival website for the complete list of prohibited items, as rules can change year to year.

The festival operates a bag check at the entrance. Arrive early to allow time for security screening, especially on the first day of each weekend.

Parking, transportation, and getting to Zilker Park

Parking at Zilker Park fills quickly on festival days. The festival recommends using public transportation or rideshare services rather than driving. Austin's public transit system (Capital Metro) runs buses to the park, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though surge pricing is common during peak arrival and departure times.

If you do drive, arrive very early (several hours before gates open) to find a parking spot. Parking lots near the park fill up, and street parking is limited. Plan to leave after the headliner finishes, as traffic leaving the park can be heavy.

The festival is located in central Austin, so if you are staying in a hotel downtown, you may be able to walk or take a short rideshare trip to the park.

Food, drinks, and amenities available at the festival

Austin City Limits has food vendors throughout Zilker Park selling everything from barbecue and tacos to vegetarian options, pizza, and desserts. Prices are typical for festival food — expect to pay more than you would at a restaurant. The festival also has a beer garden where you can purchase beer and other alcoholic beverages (you must be 21 and have a valid ID).

Water stations are free and located throughout the park. Restrooms are available, though lines can be long during peak times. The festival does not have a medical tent, but Austin-Travis County EMS operates on-site if you need medical attention.

Cell service can be spotty in large crowds, so consider downloading the festival app before you arrive to access the schedule and map without relying on data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend just one day instead of buying a full weekend pass?

Yes, the festival sells single-day tickets as well as multi-day passes. Single-day tickets are less expensive than buying two days separately, but they are still available if you only want to attend one day of the weekend.

What should I do if I lose my ticket or it does not scan at the gate?

Contact the festival's ticketing partner when ready — most festivals have a will-call or replacement process for lost or damaged tickets. Have your order confirmation email ready. Arrive at the gate early on the day you plan to attend so there is time to resolve the issue before gates close.

Are there age restrictions for attending Austin City Limits?

There is no minimum age to attend the festival itself. However, the beer garden and alcohol sales are restricted to people 21 and older with a valid ID. Children can attend and explore the festival with an adult.

Can I leave the festival and come back the same day?

Re-entry policies vary by year. Check the official festival website or your ticket confirmation for the current year's re-entry rules. Some years allow re-entry with a wristband or hand stamp; other years do not.

What happens if it rains during the festival?

Austin City Limits operates rain or shine. The festival does not cancel due to weather. Bring a rain jacket or poncho if rain is forecast. The park has some covered areas, but most of the festival grounds are open-air.