If music festivals are your thing, you’ll want to check out the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival in Texas. This annual event attracts music lovers far and wide. But before you go, make sure you understand their bag policy to ensure a pleasurable trip.
About The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival
The ACL Music Festival is held annually in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It attracts over 130 artists and 225,000 visitors every year for two consecutive 3-day weekends. The Austin-based company C3 Presents produces the festival and is also known for producing Chicago’s Lollapalooza. You can also find plenty of things to do in between music sets, including photogenic spaces, a mini-fest for kids, and getting sponsored giveaways.
There are also no worries about food. The festival’s Food Court features various foods from local restaurants, including tacos, vegan options, and brews. You can also enjoy the festivities in luxury by purchasing a VIP ticket that lets you enjoy prime views away from the crowds.
ACL Bag Policy
While bags are allowed at the ACL music festival but will be searched at the gate. Approved bags must be fully clear and made of vinyl, plastic, or PVC. Bag sizes are also limited to no bigger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches. If you have a small purse or fanny pack that is 4.5 x 5.5 or smaller, it doesn’t have to be clear but cannot have more than one pocket.
Hydration packs are also allowed and don’t require to be clear. You must empty the hydration packs of all liquids and the packs must have no more than 2 pockets in addition to the pockets holding the water reservoir.
All backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are not allowed into the festival.
Luggage Storage Near ACL
You can speed up the security check entrance by storing your bags and belongings off-site at a convenient location. Stasher offers safe, affordable, and fully insured luggage storage in Austin, Texas starting at only $6 per day. Search on Stasher for locations!
ACL Transportation
There are typically three entrances to Zilker Park when traveling to the ACL music festival. The Lady Bird Entrance is off Stratford Drive, the West Entrance is off Andrew Zilker road, and the East Entrance is off Barton Springs or Azie Morton road. However, box offices are generally only set up at the east and west entrances. While most people drive to the festival, shuttle services are available. Closer to the event, you can find information online here about the shuttle services running to the festival.
The bus lines with routes that pass near Zilker Park are buses 3, 30, and 803. You’ll want to get off at one of the following bus stations:
- 5th/West Lynn (8-minute walk away)
- 1718 Barton Springs/Kinner (10-minute walk away)
While the light rail downtown station is another option, it’s around a 41-minute walk to Zilker Park.
Hotels Near ACL
While there aren’t many accommodations within walking distance to Zilker Park, the city of Austin features plenty of selections for every budget range. To help you decide on where to stay for the weekend to attend the ACL festival, here are 3 options at different price points.
Carpenter Hotel – Closet
Only a 2-minute drive or 15-minute walk to Zilker Park’s east entrance, the Carpenter Hotel is an open-air hotel that merges the city and outdoor vibes of Austin. There is a private terrace in each room, a swimming pool on-site, lush grounds, free WiFi, and a record collection and player for guests to use. Besides easy access to Zilker Park, you can also visit Barton Springs or nearby hiking trails from the hotel.
Hotel Saint Cecilla – Highly Rated
Indulge in a luxury stay at the Hotel Saint Cecilia, which honors the patron saint of music and poetry. A 9-minute drive to Zilker Park, the hotel features custom kimono bathrobes, Grown Alchemist bath products, an on-site lending library, and pet-friendly accommodations. You can also get a special discount for a stay of four or more nights.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham – Budget Option
A budget stay located in a central downtown spot, the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol offers nightly rates under $100. It’s only a 10-minute drive to Zilker Park and is conveniently located near parks, restaurants, breweries, museums, and more. Amenities include free WiFi, free breakfast, and a fitness center.
