Get ready to experience your favorite artists in one incredible setting at the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival! This comprehensive guide from TicketSmarter will walk you through everything you need to know—from key festival facts and lineup highlights to ticketing tips and planning advice, ensuring your 2025 ACL experience is truly unforgettable.
What is Austin City Limits Music Festival?
The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) is a must-attend event in the heart of Austin, Texas, hosted annually at Zilker Park. In 2025, the festival will take place over two weekends: October 3–5 and October 10–12. (Official ACL Festival info)
- More than 100 performances across nine stages
- Welcomes national, international, and local acts
- Includes activities beyond music: ACL Art Market, diverse food at ACL Eats, and the family-friendly Austin Kiddie Limits
The festival draws approximately 450,000 attendees each year, making it one of the largest music events in the United States (Wikipedia).
2025 headliners: Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, Luke Combs, The Strokes, John Summit, and Doechii are some of the standout acts on this year’s impressive lineup (Pitchfork).
Since its start in 2002, ACL has grown into a two-weekend event featuring both global icons and up-and-coming performers, showcasing the best of Austin’s vibrant music scene (Wikipedia).
ACL Festival Schedule
Festival gates open at 12:00 PM daily (and shuttles start at 11:00 AM on weekends), with performances wrapping up by 10:00 PM each night. Because multiple stages run at the same time, planning ahead will help you catch your favorite acts.
And don’t miss the Austin Kiddie Limits experience, each day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Kids eight and under enter free with a wristbanded adult—perfect for families seeking entertainment and dedicated play areas.
Economic and Community Impact
The ACL Festival isn’t just a musical event—it’s a powerhouse for Austin’s economy. As noted on the festival’s community impact page, ACL contributed more than $534.8 million to the Austin economy in 2024, supporting thousands of local jobs (ACL Community Impact). Since 2006, ACL has also generated over $71 million towards improvements in Zilker Park and the greater Austin parks system.
Austin’s restaurants and hotels feel the love, too: In 2023 alone, the festival boosted local food and beverage sectors by an estimated $111.5 million and contributed nearly $54 million to local hotels (Austin Business Journal).
Austin City Limits Festival Ticket Options
Single-Day vs. Weekend Passes
- Weekend passes: Access every performance for your chosen festival weekend. Perfect for those who want to soak up the full ACL atmosphere.
- Single-day passes: Great for busy schedules or targeting a specific day’s lineup. You can choose according to headliners or events each day.
- Pass availability: With popular dates and artists, tickets can sell out quickly. Find verified passes every year on TicketSmarter’s ACL page.
Types of Music Festival Tickets
- General Admission (GA): Enjoy flexible, first-come, first-served entry—affordable and perfect for fans who want to get up close.
- Reserved Seating: Some options are available, giving you a confirmed seat for added comfort.
- Lawn/Grassy Area: Bring your own chair or blanket (within festival guidelines).
- VIP & Premium (GA+, VIP, Platinum): Gain access to exclusive viewing areas, platforms, complimentary food/drinks, A/C lounges, express entry, and more. Browse festival packages here.
In 2025, Platinum Kids tickets let families get the full premium experience together—new for this year!
Tips for Buying ACL Tickets
- Buy Early: Early bird deals and presales are the most cost-effective.
- Purchase from Trusted Sources: Use ACL’s official site or reputable ticketing platforms like TicketSmarter for guaranteed validity.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Many sellers offer the option to pay in installments.
- Smart Shopping: TicketSmarter always vets ticket authenticity and provides strong customer support.
Festival Policies, Allowed Items & Comfort Tips
ACL is dedicated to sustainability, providing free hydration stations throughout the festival and encouraging recycling and composting as part of its green initiatives (Sustainability Practices).
- Wristbands: Must be worn at all times and are scanned at exits. Each ticket-holder can re-enter the grounds twice daily.
- No Parking at Zilker Park: Use the festival shuttles (from Republic Square, running at noon on Fridays and 11:00 AM weekends), rideshares, or public transit. Learn about Zilker Park events
- Allowed Items: Chairs, blankets, small purses/fanny packs (max 4.5” x 5.5”), sunglasses, non-aerosol sunscreen (3.4 oz. or less), binoculars, point-and-shoot cameras, chargers, hand sanitizer, Narcan, strollers, and empty water bottles/hydration packs.
- Facilities: Multiple free hydration stations, ample shaded spaces, and robust food options from Austin’s premier eateries.
- Safety: Both uniformed and plainclothes security are present, and Lost & Found is at Guest Services.
Planning Your ACL Experience
- Plan Your Day: With so many simultaneous acts, use the official schedule to plan your must-sees.
- Pack Smart: Wear comfortable shoes, bring essentials only, and dress for Texas weather.
- Accommodations: Book hotels well in advance—ACL fills Austin quickly!
- Extend the Fun: For music before and after the festival, check out ACL Live at The Moody Theater, ACL Live at 3TEN, and unique events like the ACL Hall of Fame Inductions or ACL’s 50th Anniversary.
Get Austin City Limits Festival Tickets Now
Don’t wait—find your ACL tickets on TicketSmarter and prepare for an unforgettable time in Austin! TicketSmarter provides verified options and a secure shopping experience. Once your passes are set, finalize travel plans to make the most of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Austin City Limits Festival Tickets
What are the best platforms to find music festival tickets with guaranteed validity?
To remain confident about ticket authenticity and secure entry, purchase from the ACL Festival website or a reputable seller such as TicketSmarter. TicketSmarter ensures tickets are always valid.
Where can I locate affordable tickets for the 2025 Austin City Limits Festival?
Early bird specials and verified resale platforms like TicketSmarter typically offer the lowest prices—especially if you buy in advance. If you’re buying last minute, monitor different ticket types and act quickly as availability changes fast.
What ticket types are available for ACL and what’s the difference?
ACL’s ticket choices include General Admission (GA), Reserved, GA+, VIP, and Platinum passes. GA is open and flexible; Reserved grants an assigned seat; VIP and Platinum enable access to special lounges, stages, and amenities. For families, Platinum Kids passes open the premium experience to all ages.
Is it safe to buy festival tickets from resale sites?
Yes, when you use a verified and trusted marketplace like TicketSmarter. With ticket protection, verified authenticity, and attentive customer service, you can avoid the pitfalls of scalper scams and counterfeit tickets.
Which seating options will enhance my festival experience?
Choose according to preferred comfort and access. GA is energetic and flexible, Reserved is reliable and structured, and VIP/Platinum enhance the experience with exclusive areas. Review all options when you search for passes on TicketSmarter.
What is the best time to buy Austin City Limits tickets to maximize savings?
Buy during early bird and presale windows; prices tend to rise as the festival approaches. Signing up for the TicketSmarter newsletter helps you get alerts on new sales and drops.
Are kids allowed at ACL?
Yes! Children eight and under may enter free with a ticket-holding adult. Austin Kiddie Limits, open from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, makes the festival a great experience for families.
What are the allowed and prohibited items at Austin City Limits?
Allowed items include small personal seating, empty water bottles, sun protection, and family gear like strollers. Outside food and large bags are not permitted. Full lists are updated annually on the festival’s official info pages.
How does re-entry work with festival wristbands?
Each festival guest may leave and re-enter up to two times daily, as wristbands are scanned at each entry and exit.
Written by: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Description: TicketSmarter brings you up-to-date guides on top venues and events, curated by experts in live entertainment ticketing. We are committed to making your experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible, whether you’re catching a legendary show at MSG or planning a day out with family and friends.
Updated date: September 15, 2025
