Austin City Limits 2025: Full Festival Itinerary, Flights, and Ticket Guide

October in Austin means loud stages, late nights, and that perfect mix of music, food, and chaos that somehow just works. And if you’re flying in for 2025, trust me, the earlier you plan it, the better it gets. Think big music stages, legendary acts, great food, and the electric vibe of Austin in October. But if you want to make the most of it, from the moment you book your flights to the last song on Sunday night, you’ll need a solid plan.

Flightsquest is the best place to start if you’re flying in. Whether you’re coming from LA, Chicago, or New York, it’ll help you compare flight prices and plan your weekend without overspending.

Fly into Austin, Texas: Your Festival Weekend Begins Here

Let’s start at the very beginning, getting to Austin. Most out-of-town visitors fly into Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is about 20–30 minutes from Zilker Park, where the festival is held.

If you’re attending Weekend 1 (Oct 3–5), plan your flight for Thursday, Oct 2. For Weekend 2 (Oct 10–12), book your flight for Thursday, Oct 9. This gives you time to settle in, check into your stay, and wake up fresh for Day 1.

Flight tips:

• Flights are cheaper if booked 6–8 weeks in advance

• Try flying in Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Friday (cheaper fares)

• Use Flightsquest to find flexible dates and early deals

• Don’t wait till the last minute, ACL weekends are high-traffic

Once you land, grab an Uber or hotel shuttle and head straight to your stay.

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Check into Your Stay: Rest Before the Music Starts

After you land, it’s time to check in and get some rest. ACL is fun, but it’s also a long weekend full of walking, dancing, and heat, so you’ll want to be fully charged.

Where should you stay?

If you want to be close to Zilker Park, try hotels in Downtown Austin, Barton Springs, or South Congress. These areas are walkable and vibrant. But if you’re on a budget, East Austin has great rentals and is well-connected by public transport and rideshares.

Tips for Booking your stay:

• Book at least 1 month in advance, ACL weekend sells out fast

• Airbnb and hostels are cheaper than most hotels

• Some hotels include ACL shuttle passes, which are worth it

• Stay somewhere within 15–20 minutes of the park to avoid traffic

Drop off your bags, grab some dinner in the city, and rest early. Day 1 starts bright and loud.

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Day 1: Kickstart Your Festival

Friday morning is where the real excitement begins. Gates at Zilker Park open around 11 AM, but lines start forming by 10. If you want the best lawn spot for your favourite artist, go early.

Here’s how your Friday might look:

• 10:30 AM: Enter the park, grab a free water bottle refill, check out the stage maps

• 11:30 AM to 2 PM: Explore the smaller acts and food stalls

• Afternoon: Visit the art market and ACL Eats for local Texas food

• Evening: Main acts start on big stages around 6 PM

• Night: Headliners close the night between 9:30 and 10 PM

Don’t forget to bring:

• Your wristband (pre-activated online)

• A refillable bottle

• A foldable blanket or light towel to sit on

And wear sunscreen. The Austin sun doesn’t play nice, even in October.

Day 2: Explore More and Take It Easy

Saturday is usually the most energetic day at ACL. The crowd is bigger, the acts are louder, and everyone is in weekend mode. But if you want a more relaxed experience, you can still enjoy the day without overdoing it.

Start your day slowly. Grab a nice breakfast in the city before heading to the park around noon. Saturdays are great for trying different food stalls, catching interviews or artist pop-ups, and seeing performances from artists you may not know yet.

What to do on Saturday:

• Morning: Sleep in a bit or explore Austin’s local cafés. Many offer ACL-themed specials

• Midday: Head to Zilker Park by noon. Visit the sponsor zones, take photos, and explore hidden corners of the park

• Afternoon: Try foods at ACL Eats. You’ll find everything from tacos and vegan bowls to barbecue and lemonade

• Evening: Check your ACL app and plan your stage-hopping. Some of the best surprise performances happen on Saturday

If you’ve got VIP or Platinum tickets, this is the day to enjoy those extra perks like private lounges, viewing decks, and air-conditioned restrooms. You’ll thank yourself later.

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Day 3: Chill Vibes and Last Chances

Sunday feels different. It’s still exciting, but the mood is more chill. People are winding down, the crowd is slightly lighter, and the vibe feels a bit softer

It’s the perfect day to catch artists you missed, eat your favorite food again, or just soak in the ACL atmosphere one last time

What to do on Sunday:

• Late morning: Get there a bit later if you’re tired. The early hours are quieter, great for photos and relaxed walks

• Early afternoon: Check out lesser-known artists. Many Sunday lineups include surprise acts or collaborations

• Late afternoon: Use up any remaining credits on your wristband. Buy merch or grab one last meal

• Evening: The final acts usually start by 7 PM and wrap up around 10. It’s your last chance to dance, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy

Make sure your phone is charged. A lot of people take videos and group photos on Sunday, it’s memory-making time

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ACL 2025 Tickets: Booking, Prices, and Options

You can only book official ACL tickets online. And the earlier you buy, the better the price. Tickets sell fast, especially after the lineup drops

Here’s what you need to know about booking your passes:

• Where to book: Visit the official site www.aclfestival.com. Avoid third-party sites unless ACL links to them.

• General Admission 3-Day: Starting from $375. Basic access to all stages and festival zones

• 1-Day GA: Usually around $150. Ideal if you only want to go for one artist or day

• GA Plus: Starts around $600. Includes shaded lounge and private restrooms

• VIP: Around $850 to $1,200. Adds private lounges, food and bar access, and viewing platforms

• Platinum: Upwards of $4,000. Includes stage access, golf cart transport, premium meals, and air-conditioned lounges

• Payment plans: You can split the cost into monthly instalments when buying early

Tickets get more expensive closer to October, so booking early saves you money and stress

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Don’t Miss These ACL Festival Highlights

ACL is not just about music. It’s a full weekend experience with food, art, wellness, and community. Even if you only know one artist, you’ll find dozens of things to love at the festival

Top experiences inside the park:

• Over 100 artists: From big-name headliners to up-and-coming bands. Genres range from rock, pop, hip hop, country, indie, and more

• Food at ACL Eats: Local Austin restaurants serve real meals, not just festival snacks. Try brisket, gourmet grilled cheese, smoothie bowls, and more

• Art market: Shop handmade items, paintings, prints, and ACL-themed souvenirs

• Sponsor zones: Free samples, games, cooling areas, and photo booths. Some even give out free drinks or snacks

• Water stations and lockers: Bring a refillable bottle. Stay hydrated and rent a locker if you want to store jackets or merch

• Family and chill zones: Perfect for families or anyone who wants a quiet break. These areas have shade and seating

Every corner of the park offers something. Whether you’re dancing by the stage or eating under a tree, you’ll be glad you explored

Conclusion:

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the best weekends of the year in Texas. Whether you’re going for the headliners, the local food, or just to hang out with your friends in a music-filled park, ACL has something for everyone.

But the key to enjoying it fully is planning ahead. Flights, tickets, hotels, even restaurant bookings, everything gets tighter as the dates get closer.

If you're flying in from another state, use Flightsquest to book your flights early. It helps you compare ticket prices and grab the best deal before they go up around ACL weekends. The earlier you book, the better your chances of saving money and choosing flights that fit your schedule.

Book your stay, pack your bag, download the lineup, and get ready. ACL 2025 is going to be one for the books, and you’ll be glad you planned it right.

FAQs About ACL 2025 Tickets and Travel

1. Which weekend of ACL 2025 should I choose for cheaper travel and stay?

Weekend 2 usually has slightly cheaper flights and hotel rates. Fewer out-of-towners fly in during the second weekend, and accommodations tend to open up after Weekend 1.

2. Can I upgrade from General Admission to VIP after buying my ticket?

Yes, upgrades are often available closer to the event through the official ACL website, depending on availability. Keep an eye on your ticket account or ACL’s email updates.

3. How do I travel from my hotel to Zilker Park during the festival?

You can use ACL’s shuttle service from downtown pickup points, or take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. If your hotel is nearby, walking or cycling is also a good option.

4. Are ACL wristbands transferable or reusable for both weekends?

Wristbands are not transferable and only work for the weekend and the days you purchased. One wristband = one person = one weekend.

5. What should I bring inside the park to stay comfortable all day?

Pack light but smart. A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, portable charger, and a towel or mat to sit on are usually enough.