Cultivora

Since its inception in 2002, Austin City Limits (ACL) has expanded to 3 days, 8 stages, and over 130 bands. Yet, even with so much expansion over the festival's 10 year history, it's managed to maintain its standard of unforgettable music and that unmistakable Austin vibe. Like the television series of the eponymous name (from where it takes its name and inspiration), ACL festival has helped Austin become known as the "Live Music Capital of the World." However, unlike the TV show, the festival branches out from just Texas artists and genres - featuring regional, national, and international artists across a wide array of musical styles. -- Laura Baker-Finch

Festival Line Up

Friday October 12:
The Black Keys, Florence + The Machine, Avicii, Weezer, M83, Tegan and Sara, Thievery Corporation, The Afghan Whigs, Esperanza Spalding, Alabama Shakes, Delta Spirit, M. Ward, The War on Drugs, Umphrey’s McGee. A-trak, Trampled by Turtles, Patterson Hood, Black Lips, Los Campesinos!, Jovanotti, Ben Howard, Asleep at the Wheel, First Aid Kit, Patrick Watson, LP, The Wombats, Soul Rebels, He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister, River City Extension, Quiet Corral, The Relatives, Infantree, Kenny Vaughan Trio, Justin Jones, Ralph’s World, Colorfeels, Megan McCormick, Shields of Faith, Stapletones, Hullabaloo, Orange Sherbet, Rockonoceros, Big Don

Saturday October 13:
Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Jack White, The Roots, BASSNECTAR, The Shins, Gotye, Andrew Bird, Metric, Band of Skulls, Rufus Wainright, Big Gigantic, Antibalas, Steve Earle, Punch Brothers, Bombay Bicycle Club, Michael Kiwanuka, Bid K.R.I.T., Oberhofer, Zola Jesus, Civil Twilight, Dev, The Whigs, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Father John Misty, Dry the River, Kishi Bashi, The Deep Dark Woods, Wheeler Brothers, Wild Child, Space Capone, The Staves, Native Run, Nikki Lane, Quiet Company, La Vida Boheme, Sonambulo, The Baylor Choir, Disciples of Joy, Jambo

Sunday October 14:
Red hot Chili Peppers, The Avett Brothers, Iggy & The Stooges, The Civil Wars, Childish Gambino, Two Door Cinema Club, Crystal Castles, Gary Clark Jr., The Weeknd, Randy Rogers Band, Die Antwoord, NEEDTOBREATHE, Kimbra, Barrington Levy, Old 97’s, Ruthie Foster, POLICA, Tennis, Stars, Freelance Whales, The Lumineers, Bad Books, The Devil Makes Three, Caveman, The Boxer Rebellion, Thundercat, Willis Earl Beal, The Features, Moon Duo, Kopecky Family Band, The Mighty Sincere Voices, G.S.T, Peer DiStefano & Tor, The School of Rock, The Q Brothers

• How do I get to and from Austin?
• What neighborhood is the festival in? How do I get around the area?
• What time does it start and end?
• Is reentry allowed?
• Are there any prohibited items?
• What's the deal with food and beverages?
• What do I need to know about money?
• What will the weather be like?
• What should I wear?
• What should I bring?
• Anything else I need to know?
• Does the festival have a mobile app?

• How do I get to and from Austin?

  You can fly to Austin from just about anywhere in the country. The best option is to arrive at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is 20 minutes away from Downtown Austin. The Capital Metro Airport Flyer costs $1 and leaves the airport every 30 minutes, seven days week. R&R Airport Shuttle will also be providing a shared van service from the Austin airport for ACL, making stops in select hotels and at the festival site (ZIlker Park) itself. The drop-off point is at the Palmer Event Center, a mile away from Zilker Park. If you can't get a direct flight to Austin, San Antonio International Airport is an hour away from Austin.
  
  If you want to take the train, Amtrak reaches almost every corner of the country. The Austin station stop is at 250 North Lamar Boulevard, just a 20 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk to Downtown Austin.
  
  You can also get into Austin by bus. There is a Greyhound bus station near the Highland Mall, which is about 15 minutes away from Downtown Austin. MegaBus offers service from San Antonio, Dallas and Houston; the bus stops on Whitis Avenue, between West 20th and West 21st Street, on the University of Texas campus.
  
  If you're driving in, be sure to observe the "No Parking" signs around the city - you will get towed. The Austin Convention Center has two covered parking garages, one on 2nd Street, and one on 5th Street. Prices range from $3-$11, but they may go up during ACL.

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• What neighborhood is the festival in? How do I get around the area?

  Austin City Limits will take place in Zilker Park in the heart of south Austin, TX. Although this 351-acre park is considered "Austin's most-loved park," there is no parking for cars provided for ACL. So we highly suggest taking alternate forms of transportation to get to Zilker Park - whose address is 2100 Barton Springs Road.
  
  Shuttles: Capital Metro (Austin’s public transportation) will be providing free shuttles to and from Republic Square which is conveniently located in Downtown Austin. The boarding location is at the corner of 4th & Guadalupe streets and you’ll be dropped off at the Festival entrance on Barton Springs Road. When you’re done enjoying all ACL has to offer, you can take a shuttle back as well. The shuttles will be leaving Republic Square regularly beginning at 10AM and will make their last return trip from the park at 11PM each day of the Festival.
  
  Taxis will be allowed easy access to the entrance and exits of the festival and they will have a designated area for pick up and drop off. To catch a regular taxi, you can try flagging one down, or you can call for a pick-up:
  
  Lone Star Cab: +1 (512) 836-4900
  Yellow Cab: +1 (512) 452-9999
  Austin Cab Company: +1 (512) 478-2222
  
  Bicycles: Festivalgoers are encouraged to use their pedal power; it is the easiest and most eco-friendly way to get to the festival. It is also a great way to view the city. There will be bike racks available at each of the Festival Entrance gates, but you must have your own lock. There will be Mellow Johnny’s Bike Station at each entrance if you need last minute bike gear such as locks & tubes or if you need general bike advice. Biking is popular in Austin, so there are a number of places where you can rent a one:
  
  Mellow Johnny's: 400 Nueces Street / +1 (512) 473-0222
  Austin Bike Tours & Rentals: 900 Red River Street / +1 (512) 277-0609
  Barton Springs Bike Rental: 1707 Barton Springs Road / +1 (512) 480-0200
  Bicycle Sport Shop: 517 South Lamar Boulevard / +1 (512) 477-3472
  
  Parking for Scooters & Motorcycles will be available off Robert E. Lee Rd in the Barton Springs Pool parking lot.
  
  The public transportation system is operated by Capital Metro, which offers three transportation options: MetroBus, MetroRail, and UT Shuttles. Your mode of transportation will depend on where you're coming from and the time of day; use Capital Metro's Trip Planner to figure out which option is best for you.
  
  MetroBus runs from 5am-Midnight Monday-Saturday, and from 6am-Midnight on Sundays. MetroRail runs from 6am-7pm, Monday-Thursday, and until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. UT Shuttles are open to the general public; but non-students have to pay the regular fare. On weekdays, the first bus departs 23rd at San Jacinto at 7:25am, and the last bus departs at 10:45pm. On Sundays, the first bus departs 23rd at San Jacinto at 2:10pm, and the last bus departs at 10:50pm. The shuttle does not operate on Saturdays, except during exams.
  
  If you are driving, be advised that Parking is extremely limited off site and that there will be multiple road closings. For info on parking and road closures click here.

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• What time does it start and end?

  No start or end time has been made available by ACL just yet. Stay tuned as more information on the schedule becomes available.
  

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• Is reentry allowed?

  Reentry is allowed as long as you keep hold of your ticket. Keep in mind you'll have to wait in line and be re-searched each time you enter.

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• Are there any prohibited items?

  Weapons of any kind, framed or large backpacks, alcohol (unless purchased within the festival), glass containers, food or beverages (besides sealed water bottles), skateboards, scooters, bikes, fireworks, large umbrellas, non-collapsible chairs, hard-sided coolers, tents, and pets (expect service dogs) are not permitted. In addition, no video recording equipment, professional still camera equipment, or audio recording devices will be allowed. Unauthorized vending or solicitation is also prohibited.
  

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• What's the deal with food and beverages?

  At ACL, the Austin Eats Food Court will provide festivalgoers with food perfect for exhausting, yet fun, days at ZIilker park. They always have an amazing lineup of food, drinks, and snacks from local favorite eateries. Alcohol will also be readily available once within the festival grounds with proper identification. No outside food and/or drinks are permitted except for two factory sealed water bottles up to 1 liter each.

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• What do I need to know about money?

  Only some vendors will accept credit cards, such as the festival's merchandise tent, so plan on bringing cash for other purchases. If you run out of cash, ATMs will be located at several locations throughout the grounds - expect applicable service fees from these.
  

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• What will the weather be like?

  Austin temperatures in October are usually between 61°F (16°C) and 82°F (28°); it rarely falls below 51°F (11°C) or spikes above 89°F (31°C).
  

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• What should I wear?

  Dress comfortably for warm weather. We recommend sneakers or closed-toed shoes, flip flops aren't always the most conducive to large crowds or dancing in packed spaces. Also, a light layer or jacket is a good idea if you want to take it easy rather than get amongst high energy crowds - you'll feel the cooler weather once the sun goes down.
  

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• What should I bring?

  Bring sunscreen (maybe a hat, too) to protect yourself from the sun. To make sure you stay hydrated, bring the permitted two sealed water bottles or an empty camelpack to refill for free. If you're looking for a relaxed weekend, bring a blanket or lawn chair (as long as it's collapsible) - Zilker Park is great for a picnic. Also, bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer as the portable toilets often run out. A state-issued form of identification is a must if you plan on buying alcohol, so make sure to bring yours along with a credit card and some cash.
  

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• Anything else I need to know?

  In addition to a stellar lineup, ACL hosts the SoCo Art Market, which features art, craft items, and other unique merchandise from the Austin creative community.
  
  ACL is a family friendly festival so there will be attendees of all ages. If you are bringing kids, take advantage o the free Tag-A-Kid service where your contact information is recorded and your child is given a numbered wristband - perfect should you and your youngster get separated. Another great kid-friendly offering is Austin Kiddie Limits, where kids can watch age-appropriate acts, and join in with music-themed activities and games. Kids under 10 get in free with a ticket-holding adult.
  
  There is a Volunteer Program for locals over the age of 18 (as of October 12, 2012) wanting to work 4 hours per day for free entry into the Festival afterwards. The 2012 online application will be posted July 27, 2012.

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• Does the festival have a mobile app?

  Not as of now. But once one is released, we'll let you know how to download it and whether its features are useful or not.

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