3 days, 8 stages, 100+ bands. Now in its 15th year, Austin City Limits Festival (ACL Fest) continues to draw big crowds and a good mix of big and up-and-coming names. Whether this is your first or fifth ACL Fest, here’s your guide to navigate the huge Austin festival with ease and grace. Trust us, we’re locals!
Follow the Vacation Vagabonds blog for more from the festival and VIP access thanks to Tribeza.
Look the part
Austinites are all about understated cool.
ACL Fest go-ers typically blend casual style with festival inspired looks, resulting in a lot of fringe, crochet, and suede. Need to pick up a last minute crop top, vest, or trendy sunglasses? Check out Feathers Boutique on South Congress, Prototype Vintage Design just next door, or Buffalo Exchange for some fresh vintage festival finds. Buffalo Exchange also has a lot of great looks for guys.
Make your hair a mane attraction.
Opting for a braided updo ensures you’ll feel and look cool ’til sundown, ladies. To take things up a level, book a hair appointment through Priv. They come to you and do some serious magic! And guys, ditch the office comb-over, and get ready to rock out!
Shimmer and shine.
Did you know that Flash Tattoos (aka Flash Tats) is a local Austin company?! Theses metallic jewelry-inspired tattoos have caught on and are trending with festival-goers who want to stand out and shine. I especially love the Henna and Child of Wild editions. Flash Tats are carried at lots of boutiques in Austin like Still & Sea and Maya Star.
What to pack
~Sun protection ~
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day and bring a pair of shades to protect your eyes and skin from the bright Texas sun. For maximum sun protection, ladies can opt for a cute floppy hat with a wide brim, and guys can rock cowboy or baseball hats.
~ Reusable water bottle ~
Reduce waste and bring your own water bottle or camel back. All liquid containers must be empty upon entry, unless its already sealed. Free water refill stations and misting station are located inside the festival grounds.
~ Portable phone charger ~
Large crowds in a contained area means poor cell reception for the majority of us, and is a major drain on your cell battery. Be prepared for your phone battery to drain much faster than normal as its working hard to connect to your network, and bring a portal charger!
~ Mini first aid kit ~
Great to have just in case for mini scrapes and blisters. Medical tents are also located throughout the festival grounds if you need any assistance.
Have a great time and enjoy the music!
At the end of the day, music festivals are all about the music and the community. So have FUN!!! Here’s a little Vagabond Tip: download the ACL Fest app on your phone and have a game plan ready for each day to make sure you catch all your favorite performers. Come early, to discover new talent, and stay late. Because ACL Fest only comes twice a year!
Vacation Vagabonds 