Underestimating the 'Great Migration'
The single biggest mistake you can make is not factoring in travel time. Zilker Park is massive, and the two main stages, Honda and American Express, sit at opposite ends of the park—nearly half a mile apart. A brisk walk with no one in your way might
take 10 minutes, but during the festival, it’s a different story. After a major headliner finishes, tens of thousands of people move at once, creating a human traffic jam. If you plan to catch the start of another set across the park, you need to leave your current stage early or accept that you’ll miss the first few songs. Pro tip: Use the official ACL app to map your route and start moving before the final encore.
Trying to Cut Directly Through a Dense Crowd
When you’re late for a set, the instinct is to take the most direct path. At ACL, that’s a rookie mistake. Plunging head-on into a packed, stationary audience waiting for an artist is not just rude; it’s incredibly slow. You’ll be met with resistance and waste precious minutes. The smarter move is to navigate along the edges. Skirt the crowd by walking along the sides, near the vendor tents or portable toilets. The path may be longer, but your movement will be faster and you’ll cause less friction with fellow festival-goers. It’s always better to walk a little farther to go a lot faster.
Ignoring the Side Entrances
Most people enter the festival through the main Barton Springs East entrance, leading to long, slow-moving security lines, especially during peak hours. But ACL has multiple entry points. The Lady Bird Entrance to the north and other less-trafficked gates can be a game-changer. Veterans often find that a short, extra walk to a side entrance can save them 30 minutes or more in line, getting them to the music faster. Arriving early on Friday is another great way to get your bearings, learn the layout, and breeze through security before the biggest crowds descend.
Using the Busiest Hydration Stations and Restrooms
Staying hydrated is crucial, but not all water refill stations are created equal. The ones located near the main stages or the ACL Eats food court are almost always congested. Instead of waiting in a long line, consult your festival map and look for hydration stations tucked away near smaller stages or less-traveled paths. The same logic applies to restrooms. The main banks of porta-potties often have daunting queues, while those further from the main action are typically less crowded. A two-minute walk can save you a 15-minute wait.
Forgetting About the Post-Headliner Exodus
The moment the final headliner of the night plays their last note, a massive rush for the exits begins. This creates bottlenecks not only inside the park but also for transportation outside. Rideshare services surge their prices and become nearly impossible to book near the park, and the free festival shuttle lines can be immense. To avoid this, you have two options: either leave the headliner's set 15-20 minutes early to get a head start, or don't be in a hurry to leave at all. Hang back, relax, and let the biggest wave of people disperse before you start your journey home. Many veterans walk several blocks away from Zilker before attempting to call a car.
