Our family has been going to ACL for nearly a decade now, long before kids! Don’t get me wrong, we love to bring our kids along, BUT sometimes it is nice to get a chance and go kid-free so you can get up close and personal to see your favorite artists. Below is a guide I’ve put together on navigating ACL without the kids in tow. Transportation: Getting to the festival can be a challenge, but without kids there are MANY more options available to ya that might be a bit more convenient.

Rideshare – With no young kiddos you don’t have to worry about securing a rideshare with car seats, so this is a great option if you are willing to pay the surge prices that come along with busy events! Be sure to go to the correct pickup point as it can be chaotic if you are leaving the festival after the headliners are over. 

ParkingPersonally, I’ve never attempted to park at the festival, given the high prices and huge crowds, BUT if you do decide to brave parking be sure to get there EARLY as I imagine these lots fill up FAST. Check out all the nearby lots HERE

Biking/Scootering – In years past my favorite way to get to the festival has been biking and scootering. My husband and I usually park a ways away, grab a bite to eat and then scooter or bike to Zilker. This has always been a great option for us and adds a little bit of fun to the already exciting day! Be sure to bring a lock for your bike and if you scooter be prepared to walk back as most of the scooters will be picked up by nighttime. Bike parking is available on Stratford Drive after crossing the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge.

Shuttles Festival Shuttles run from Republic Square Park at the corner of 4th & San Antonio streets in downtown and will drop you off outside the West Festival Entrance. I’ve never used the shuttle services, but it seems to be a great option, especially if you aren’t worried about transporting large strollers. 

Public Transit This is definitely one of the more economical options! You can take the bus and either walk from the Zilker Park’s Barton Spring Station, the Veterans Drive stop, or get dropped off at Republic Square and take the ACL shuttles from there!

Food & Drinks

Hydration – According to the ACL FAQs you are not supposed to bring any outside food or drinks. However, they do have water stations to fill your reusable water bottles. Bringing a water bottle is a MUST as the Austin weather can be unpredictable and can get very HOT, especially if you are drinking adult bevs like me! You are also allowed to bring sealed electrolyte packs – so I’ll definitely be bringing a couple of those with me to avoid any hangovers the next morning. 

Food – Thankfully ACL never disappoints with their food vendors. The food options are always spectacular and never outrageously expensive. Keep in mind, lines do get long so be sure to give yourself at least 45 minutes for your group to grab food and sit and eat before your favorite artist comes on. 

Drinks – This is the second year that ACL will be serving actual mixed drinks, in addition to the usual beer and wine that they serve. There are a variety of different drink tents so be sure to explore the grounds throughout the weekend!

Bathrooms: 

Oh the dreaded festival porta potties. Unfortunately if you are staying hydrated, you should be paying a visit to the restroom at least once. I’ve personally noticed that the bathrooms next to the headliner stages are always the busiest and dirtiest so I always recommend taking a restroom break before you head to the main stages. 

Beyond the Music:

Outside of the music stages, Austin Kiddie Limits and the different food and drink tents, there are a number of different interactive experiences that you can enjoy throughout the day. Here is a link to all things “beyond the music” that you can enjoy!

For our Parent’s Guide to Austin Kiddie Limits–click here!

Entry:

The downside of coming without the kids is that you have to wait in the GA lines. If you are going during peak hours (I’d say between 1 and 4pm) lines will be long. It has taken me around 45 minutes to get into the entrance in the past so keep that in mind when you are planning out how much time you need to get into the festival! There are however, 3 different entry points and typically the entrances that are a farther walk for the majority have a bit of a shorter line – so definitely keep that in mind! 

What to Wear:

This is a question I get A LOT, especially as a mom in her 30s. I think everyone should have fun with their outfit no matter how old or young you are. I personally would just get inspiration from your favorite artists performing. I’ll most likely be sporting a graphic tee, some comfortable shorts/skirts, combat boots, and a funky hairstyle. I also got some face rhinestones and glitter to spice it up. 

Keep in mind – check the weather before you go!!! You are absolutely going to need to bring sunscreen and probably going to wear something that is breathable because it get’s HOT in the Texas Sun. I’ve also gotten really cold at night when the sun goes down so bringing a little sweater isn’t a bad idea. Additionally, I’d 1000% pick comfort over beauty when it comes to your shoes. If it rains (or rained) – your shoes will most definitely get ruined so be weary.

Last 2 things around what to wear – 

  • it can get dusty so bring a bandana or something to cover your face, if dust irritates your lungs/sinuses!
  • like many venues nowadays, ACL has a strict clear bag policy- so be sure you read the FAQs on ACLs website before packing your bag.

Hope this list is helpful for you all and please add any tips in the comments that I might’ve missed! 

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