If you're planning to just wing it and show up with only your wristband, you might want to reconsider. ACL has a strange ability to conjure up bizarre weather. From insane cold fronts and out-of-nowhere rain, to earth-scorching heat, you can never be too prepared to face the fest.
10 THINGS YOU NEED WITH YOU AT ACL FEST:
Photo Credit: David Brendan Hall
1. Something for the Dust
Don't let some dry dirt ruin your time out at the fest and plan ahead by bringing something to cover your nose and mouth. A bandana, a scarf, even put some of those old masks to use, whatever it is, you'll want something to sit between you and the dusty air. Pro-tip: find something that doubles as a cute accessory.
2. Ponchos
If there's a chance for rain, don't expect a dome to be flown over Zilker to keep the festival dry. Don't let the rain stop the fun and pack a poncho! For big fans of umbrellas, those are not allowed into the festival, plus you're left to carry them around. A poncho easily fits into any bag and could be a total look if you want to do something different and wear it even without rain.
3. Sunglasses
Texas is hot, and Texas is sunny. You're definitely going to want to take care of those peepers with a good pair of sunglasses. It's our recommendation that you don't take the nicest pair you own, though. If you lose them, you're going to be spending the next four months of your life trying to find them.
photo credit: Sara Marjorie Strick
4. Water
The importance of water at ACL (or any music festival for that matter) cannot be stressed enough. Being out in the sun all day really takes it out of you, so make sure to keep yourself hydrated. You may bring empty reusable bottles, hydration packs, and plastic or aluminum water bottles.
5. Sunscreen
The only thing worse than a post-festival hangover is a post-festival hangover combined with a nasty case of sunburn. It can make an unpleasant after experience into a downright tortuous one. Do like your mom always told you, and wear sunscreen. Aerosol sunscreen, however, is not allowed at the festival. So be sure it's a lotion not a spray. (Your bottle must be 3.4 ounces or less.)
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6. Portable Charger
We're not sure what it is about music festivals, but they seem to drain your phone battery way more than a normal day in the park would. If you don't have a portable charger, make sure you at least bring your phone charger as ACL Festival has places to charge your device all over the park.
Plan ahead and bring a charger, unless you want to experience it without a phone... or a camera... or a means to find your friend who swore they would be over by the stage.
Photo Credit: Roger Ho
7. Something To Sit On
There's nothing quite like laying down toward the later hours of a music festival day and relaxing. You find a nice spot and it's time to post up. Unless you want to be itchy or get eaten by ants, bring a blanket. Ones you're okay with possibly losing or having multiple people step on with muddy shoes. A sheet (or ginormous towel) could work as well. If you're looking for something smaller, you can always bring large scarf which will fold up well. Chairs are also allowed if you don't mind carrying one around all day.
8. A Fan
The difference a small breeze makes when you're in a sea of body heat, even when the weather is amazing, is worth the potential drain of your phone's battery. You can get a portable fan that plugs right into your phone's charging point, which can be a game changer for anyone who gets hot easily. And if you don't have a phone fan, really any fan will do. Trust us, you'll get hot even if it's only 70.
9. A Small or Clear Bag
Where were you planning on storing all these items we just discussed?
Here's the full bag policy, make sure ya follow it!
Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6" x 9" or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket.
All other bags larger than 6" x 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and clear.
Small, empty hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear. Hydration packs can have up to two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir.
SECURITY AND ENTRY INFO:
- All bags will be searched before entry.
- Leave your bag at home for the quickest entry.
- They cannot advise on specific bags, but recommend you follow the policy above to avoid delays.
10. TICKETS!!!!
This one's kind of obvious... if you got your wristband in the mail, don't forget to put it on before you get to the park! If you don't have yours yet, you can grab it here.
More To Keep In Mind:
Legal Drugs...aka Prescription Medicine Requirements:
Anyone needing prescription medicine at the festival must present the pharmacy-labeled container which states the prescription, dosage, and patient name to our medical staff at each entrance gate. Patrons are only allowed a sufficient supply of the prescribed medication for that day.
Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler.
Over the counter medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for the day. Bottle contents will be verified by medical personnel at the entry gates.
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- Any bag that is not aligned with the allowed bags
- Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products
- Coolers of any kind. (Exceptions may be made for medical use)
- Any and all professional audio recording equipment
- Professional cameras and professional recording (photo, video, audio) equipment (NO large professional detachable zoom lenses, stands, monopods, tripods, attachment sticks (selfie sticks) or other commercial equipment.
- Any and all professional video equipment. No video recording will be allowed
- Drones or any other remote flying device
- Frisbees
- Hammocks
- Inflatables of any kind
- Glass containers of any kind
- Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
- Outside food or beverage (including alcohol) of any kind
- Umbrellas
- Pets (except service animals)
- Selfie sticks
- Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts or any personal motorized vehicles
- Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind including chairs with shade structures.
- Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, etc.
- Weapons or explosives of any kind
- Fireworks
- Large chains or spiked jewelry
- Bicycles inside festival grounds
- Carts of any kind (including Red Wagons)
- Zilker Park is smoke free. Smoking and vaping banned in all Austin parks.
To soothe your pre-festival anxiety
here's what you're allowed to bring.
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Have fun y'all!
