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GOT ACL: Our Guide to Austin City Limits 2022

Whether you’re a seasoned ACL veteran or a first-timer, the Austin City Limits festival can be a little overwhelming. Check below for our tips and tricks on what to bring, where to eat, and where to stay. For more ACL information and the performance lineup, please visit HERE.

ACL Guide: Where To Stay

From boutique hotels in eclectic neighborhoods to swanky downtown properties, here are a few of our favorite hotels that offer more than just a comfy bed.

Austin Proper Hotel

Austin Proper Hotel  |  Situated in Downtown’s Second Street District, Austin Proper is a luxury lifestyle hotel that features Lady Bird Lake and city views.

600 W 2nd St | 512.628.1500

pool

Hotel Magdalena  |  A distinct hotel from Austin’s acclaimed Bunkhouse! This South Congress hotel features four buildings connected by exposed elevated walkways and courtyards, creating a treehouse feel inside the grounds.

1101 Music Ln | 512.442.1000

pool at Hotel St Cecila

Hotel Saint Cecilia  |  A secluded luxury hotel in the heart of Austin’s South Congress District. The 14 room property, situated on an 1880 estate, is a tribute to rock and roll opulence, and royal elegance.

112 Academy Dr | 512.852.2400

pool

Hotel San José  |  Kick up your heels and relax at this bungalow-style hotel in the vibrant SoCo neighborhood of Austin.

1316 S Congress Ave | 512.444.7322

Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt  |  Known for being very modern and chic, this central hotel offers a great location for walking to local bars, restaurants, and Austin fun.

605 Davis St | 512.542.5300

Bedroom

Kimber Modern  |  This stylish boutique hotel in South Austin has only five guest rooms, and caters to guests looking for a truly private and relaxing hideaway.

110 The Circle | 512.985.9990

The LINE Austin

The LINE Austin  |  At the crossroads where Lady Bird Lake meets downtown, the LINE Austin draws influence from both the surrounding natural beauty and the creative energy that fuels the city.

111 E Cesar Chavez St | 512.478.9611

Bar at South Congress Hotel

South Congress Hotel  |  Modern boutique hotel located in the heart of Austin’s iconic South Congress shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

1603 S Congress Ave | 512.920.6405

pool

Thompson Austin  |  Located in the music and entertainment district of downtown Austin, Thompson Austin is a sophisticated urban getaway for locals and visitors to let loose and enjoy all that Austin has to offer.

506 San Jacinto Blvd |  737.787.1234

ACL Guide: What To Bring

In addition to your festival wristband, we recommend bringing the following items.

tennis shoes

Allbirds  |  Comfy Shoes

Some of the most comfortable shoes ever! Visit Allbirds’s SoCo store where their one-of-a-kind retail experience meets Austin’s one-of-a-kind culture.

1011 S Congress Ave | 737.219.0070

blanket

Hearth & Soul  |  Blanket

Great for sitting on when you need a break from standing. Also, a blanket will be less cumbersome than a chair and ACL provides lockers if you don’t want to carry it around.

2727 Exposition Blvd | 512.474.7685

paper

Howler Brothers  |  Face Mask

Face mask. Headband. Sun shield. The uses are endless. Made with recycled REPREVE® Performance Microfiber that provides UPF 50 protection no matter how you wear it. 

1333 S Congress Ave #110 | 512.575.8080

clear purse

Kelly Wynne  |  Clear Bag

Stylish and on the allowed to bring in list. These clear bags are designed with stadium bag policies in mind. Just make sure your clear bag does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″.

4410 Burnet Rd Suite C | 512.472.5762

glasses

Krewe  |  Sunglasses

These high-quality sunglasses are both stylish and durable. You can also enjoy life without the fear of breaking the frame because Krewe offers a replacement pair should the frames get damaged.

1503 S Congress Ave | 504.459.1450

Hats

Maufrais  |  Hat

Keep the sun at bay with a hat from this South Congress boutique that offers a selection of Stetson hats that can be fully customized. 

1512 S Congress Ave | 512.949.0034

sunscreen

Supergoop!  |  Sunscreen

The only prestige skincare brand 100% dedicated to suncare, making it easy to incorporate UV protection into your daily routine. All sunscreens have to be in a non-aerosol container and 3.4 ounces or less.

bioculars

Whole Earth Provision Co.  |  Binoculars

Get close to the action but avoid the crowd with these simple and light binoculars.

1014 N Lamar Blvd | 512.476.1414

cup

Yeti  |  Refillable Bottle

Take advantage of the refill stations and keep your drinks cold long past sundown. All water bottles must be completely empty before entering the park.

220 S Congress Ave | 512.640.7249

ACL Guide: What To Eat

ACL offers a surprising amount of food and drink, most of them hyperlocal. Take the opportunity to try a spot you’ve never been to before and always try to dine during off times.

ice cream

Amy’s Ice Cream | One of Austin’s most iconic ice cream shops offering handcrafted, artisan premium ice cream, fruit ices, and frozen yogurt.

sandwich

Burro Cheese Kitchen  |  Artisanal grilled cheese trailer serving up non-traditional innovative grilled cheese sandwiches layered with flavor.

takeout

Chi’lantro BBQ  |  A Korean Mexican fusion food trailer that now also has a few brick and mortar locations. Be sure to try their signature Kimchi Fries.

takeout

East Side Kings  |  Japanese street food with a touch of Austin soul. Their brussels sprout salad is a must-try!

meat

Micklethwait Craft Meats  |  Texas barbecue trailer serving up barbeque meats and a notably daily smoked sausage selection.

snowcone

Sno-Beach Sno-Cones  |  This local favorite has been keeping Austin cool with sno-cones since 1993. Now to just decided on a flavor.

pizza box

Southside Flying Pizza  |  Serving up hand-tossed pizzas made from the finest and freshest ingredients.

mini pies

Tiny Pies  |  Small pies, BIG taste. The best pies are not only made by hand but also handheld. They offer both sweet and savory flavors so order a pie pack and try them all!

burger and fries

Wholly Cow Burgers  |  Known for delicious organic grass-fed beef burgers, cheesesteaks, reubens, and much more! Bite into a burger that’ll make you say, “Holy Cow!”

ACL Guide: Tips and Tricks

Just a few more tips and tricks to easily navigate the two weekends!

– Don’t forget your Festival Wristband
– There is no local requirement to provide a Negative COVID-19 test result, Vaccine Card, or Vaccine Record for entry at this event
–  Austin Kiddie Limits will return this year
– Use the Lady Bird Lake side entrance (near the Mopac pedestrian bridge) for a shorter wait time and quicker entry
– There’s no parking available, so plan to take a rideshare, scooter, or jump on the shuttle that picks up at Republic Square Park
– Screenshot the ACL lineup performance times and make it your Lock Screen
– Hand sanitizer and tissues will save you after using the port-o-potties
– If you want a closer spot for a specific performance, prepare to head over at least 30 minutes beforehand
– Wear comfy shoes you won’t mind getting dirty
– Drink a bunch of water on festival mornings to prepare and help you stay hydrated
– Avoid leaving your phone in your back pocket or backpack to prevent theft