Underestimating the Texas Sun
This is the cardinal sin of ACL. The festival is held in October, but this is still Texas—expect heat and intense sun, especially in the early afternoon. Forgetting to hydrate is the fastest way to end up in a medical tent. Free water refill stations
are located throughout the park; bring an empty reusable bottle or hydration pack and use them frequently. Seasoned attendees recommend starting to hydrate the day before the festival even begins and alternating every alcoholic beverage with water. Sunscreen (non-aerosol), a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable unless you want a nasty burn to be your primary souvenir.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Zilker Park is massive, and you'll be doing a marathon's worth of walking between stages, food vendors, and bathrooms. This is not the time to break in new boots or opt for unsupportive sandals. Comfort is king. Your feet will thank you for choosing time-tested, broken-in sneakers. If it rains, the sprawling fields can quickly turn into a mud pit, so be prepared for that possibility and maybe don't wear your most prized white shoes.
Having No Exit Strategy
The party's over, the headliner has taken their final bow, and now you and 75,000 other people are trying to leave at the same time. This is where things can get truly frustrating. Ride-share services will have surge pricing and congested pickup zones. The official festival shuttles are a great option, but expect long lines right after the final set. The pro move is to either leave a little before the encore or have a designated meeting spot a good 15-20 minute walk away from the park to call for a ride, clear of the main traffic snarl.
Relying on Your Cell Phone
With tens of thousands of people in one concentrated area, cell service can be spotty at best and completely non-existent at worst. Don't rely on being able to text your friends to find them. Before you even get separated, pick a clear, easy-to-find meeting spot—like a specific vendor flag or landmark—for regrouping. It's also wise to screenshot the festival map and daily lineup on your phone, so you don't need service to figure out where you're going or who is playing next. And definitely bring a portable charger; you'll need it.
Ignoring Basic Crowd Etiquette
Everyone is there to have a good time, so don't be the person who ruins it for others. This means not talking loudly through an entire set, especially if you're close to the stage. If you want to have a full conversation, move to the back. Shoving your way to the front with a huge group of late-arriving friends is another classic faux pas. Be mindful of your space; avoid blocking views with massive signs or by constantly having your phone up to record. A little self-awareness goes a long way in keeping the collective festival mood positive.
Forgetting the Bag Rules
There’s nothing worse than waiting in a long entry line only to be turned away because your bag doesn’t meet the festival's strict policy. ACL requires most bags to be clear and within certain dimensions. Small, non-clear clutches or fanny packs are typically allowed but are also subject to size restrictions. Hydration packs are usually exempt from the clear-bag rule but must be empty upon arrival and have a limited number of pockets. Double-check the official ACL website for the most current rules before you leave home to avoid a frustrating and time-consuming trip back to your car.
