One of everyone’s favorite events of the year, Austin City Limits is back in one short weeks for the 16th annual music festival here in Austin, Texas at Zilker Park. Featuring artists Jay Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, Chance the Rapper, Gorillaz, Martin Garrix and more, this year we are definitely in for a treat. Whether you are a steemed veteran of the fest, or a first timer, we want all festival goers, especially UT students to have the best ACL experience, and a safe one at that.
Water, Water, Water
Please do not forget to drink water! Y’all already know how hot the Texas heat can get, add running from stage to stage, waiting for hours, and being shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people to the mix and the outcome can unfortunately be lethal at times. Luckily, ACL fest allows you to bring up to 2 factory sealed water bottles into the fest. You can also bring a reusable water bottle or camelbak and fill those up at any of the water stations. So please take advantage of the allowed items and stay hydrated!
ACL Eats
First off, please eat at the fest, especially if you will be drinking. No eating + all day in the heat is surely not a good combo. Second off, the food is FANTASTIC. Eating at the fest is actually one of my favorite parts. There are so many options ranging from P. Terry’s to Torchey’s to Austin’s Pizza, you will surely find something you love. Find out all the delicious-ness that will be in attendance here. PLUS, new this year, Amy’s Ice Cream, Chi’Lantro, mmmpanadas, Southside Flying Pizza, Tino’s Greek Café, and Wholly Cow Burgers will all have a second location! #winning
Map
If you’re one of those people that has your every move from when you enter the fest planned out down to the minute then you can probably skip over this one. But, if you’re like me and just go with the flow then you will definitely want to grab one of the maps they give you right when you walk in and hang onto it. I usually like to refold mine to where I can see who’s playing where and at what time. This will help you decide where to go and navigate Zilker.
Portable Phone Charger
I am pretty sure there are charging stations located at the fest but why would you want to miss out on amazing music because your phone died? Pick up one of those portable chargers, charge it up and bring it into the fest for extra juice. Cell signal is terrible inside the venue so your phone will likely die trying to post all those Snapchats and Instagrams.
Art Market
If you’re in-between watching your favorite bands, or just need a break from the chaos, head to the Art Market! There are tons of really awesome vendors and items to browse from, it is the perfect break or thing to check out in passing, plus you never know you may find your new favorite item there. Also new this year is a crafting section of the art market where you can make your own flower crown or personalize your own postcard, all the more reason to check out the art market!
Don’t forget to enjoy!
Us millennials can sometimes get lost in social media and spend more time posting about the “great time” you’re having versus just having a great time. So put down your phone for a moment and enjoy the amazing atmosphere and even better music that is happening all around you. Also, always remember to stay and be safe!