Austin, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Austin City Limits Music Festival will commence soon, spanning two weekends and expecting around 450,000 attendees. The event is anticipated to have a significant economic impact on the city, estimated at over $530 million. Despite the ongoing government shutdown concerns, ticket sales remain strong. Safety measures have been outlined to ensure a secure environment as attendees enjoy music from big-name artists across multiple stages.
Austin, Texas – The Austin City Limits Music Festival is set to commence this Friday, October 3, spanning two weekends, October 3-5 and October 10-12. The festival is expected to attract around 450,000 attendees and generate an estimated economic impact of over $530 million for the city of Austin during this period.
Omar Lozano, the music marketing director for Visit Austin, emphasized that the festival will highlight the unique aspects of Austin while creating a centralized experience for visitors. David Wiechmann from Austin Emergency Management stated that Austin has established itself as a leader in arts, culture, and entertainment, making this festival a crucial part of the city’s cultural landscape.
Despite concerns surrounding the ongoing government shutdown in Washington, D.C., which might affect travel plans due to furloughed federal workers including TSA agents and Air Traffic Control officers, ticket sales for the festival remain unaffected, according to Maria Alonso from the Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Department.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
The Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS have issued safety guidelines for festival attendees. Visitors are encouraged to secure their belongings and monitor for heat-related illnesses as high temperatures are anticipated over the festival weekend. Cpl. Jose Mendez from the Austin Police Department assured that security staffing levels will be adequate following extensive preparation.
Capt. Christa Stedman from EMS advised attendees to wear light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen, and ensure they remain hydrated throughout the event. The weather forecast indicates warm and dry conditions, with morning lows in the mid to upper 60s and afternoon highs ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s.
Festival Highlights
The Austin City Limits Music Festival features seven main music stages, including the prominent T-Mobile and American Express stages. Notable performers scheduled to take the stage include Hozier, Luke Combs, The Killers, T-Pain, and Sabrina Carpenter. General admission three-day passes are priced at approximately $570, while single-day tickets start at $170.
Attendees have various transportation options to reach the festival, including rideshares, biking, shuttles, and walking. Due to designated rideshare drop-off locations and parking restrictions, festival-goers are encouraged to plan their transport ahead of time. Entry to the festival requires properly registered wristbands, with attendees needing to pass through security each time they exit and re-enter the grounds.
Safety measures include clear bag policies and restrictions on what items can be brought onto the festival site. The event will showcase over 70 food and beverage vendors, offering diverse options including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan alternatives. ACL Eats will introduce specialized food offerings, and new vendors will also be participating this year.
For families, the festival presents the Austin Kiddie Limits program, which provides activities for children under eight who can attend for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Road closures surrounding Zilker Park will be implemented in the lead-up to and during the festival, ensuring a safer environment for all participants. Additionally, evening ACL Fest Nights performances will take place at various Austin venues featuring artists associated with the festival.
Conclusion
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is not just a music event; it represents a significant cultural gathering that contributes immensely to local economies and promotes the arts, culture, and music in the region. As Austin prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of attendees over the next two weekends, the emphasis on safety and seamless transportation will ensure a successful festival experience for all.
FAQ
What are the dates for the Austin City Limits Music Festival?
The festival is scheduled to run from October 3-5 and October 10-12.
How many attendees are expected at the festival?
Approximately 450,000 attendees are expected.
What is the estimated economic impact of the festival on Austin?
The festival is anticipated to generate an economic impact of over $530 million for Austin.
What safety recommendations are provided for attendees?
Attendees are advised to secure their belongings, stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and apply sunscreen.
How much do tickets cost for the festival?
General admission three-day passes are available at around $570, while single-day tickets start at $170.
Key Features of the Austin City Limits Music Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | October 3-5 and October 10-12 |
| Expected Attendance | 450,000 attendees |
| Economic Impact | $530 million for Austin |
| Ticket Prices | $570 for three-day pass; $170 for single-day pass |
| Safety Recommendations | Secure belongings, stay hydrated, use sunscreen |
| Transportation Options | Rideshares, biking, shuttles, walking |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Austin City Limits Music Festival
- KXAN
- Google Search: Austin City Limits Festival
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: Austin City Limits Festival
- Austin Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin City Limits Festival
- Eater Austin
- Google News: Austin City Limits Festival
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
