ACL Survival Guide
By Happy on Sep 28 Filed In ACL, Activities, Austin, Texas, Events, Food & Beverage, Live Music, Social Media 5 Comments
You may have read my Lollapalooza Survival Guide post, and there will inevitably be some parallels, but I thought I’d give you fine citizens of the innerweb the opportunity to indulge in another edition of Sweet Leaf Tea’s festival survival guide series.
Austin City Limits is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Sweet Leaf Tea’s festival series — it’s in our own backyard, the lineup is always super sick, and thousands upon thousands of thirsty music enthusiasts crowd the grounds of Zilker Park every year. I can’t tell you how many consumers and fans I’ve talked to that have proudly told me they first discovered us at ACL. It’s no wonder ACL has become a proud tradition for us.
Our ACL program ad from 2008
So without futher ado, I give you my ACL Survival Guide:
- Let time management be your friend. Much like Lollapalooza, the lineup is jam packed with incredible artists and bands. I often find it frustrating to have to choose between two bands that play simultaneously or overlapping. Also, even though the layout at Zilker Park is fairly compact, it still takes time and effort to navigate from stage to stage. Therefore, it’s important to take a look at the schedule ahead of time and map your time out at the festival. The ACL website has a nifty tool to customize your schedule and even share it with your Facebook friends. Also, keep in mind how long it takes to navigate to the festival grounds (there’s literally no close-in parking, so public transit or walking/biking is optimal) plus time spent in line to get in (depending on what time of day you arrive, the entrance lines can get rather lengthy). Don’t leave your house expecting to be front and center at Phoenix within 30 minutes — transit takes time, kids.
- Fashionably comfortable. Luckily, the weather should prove to be rather pleasant this year, but that’s never a good reason to show up in heels. You’re bound to do a ton of walking/hiking, so dress comfortable, or better yet in costume. The new golf-course grade lawn at Zilker is amazing — barefoot friendly.
The grass is greener at Zilker
- Hydration is key. Granted this pointer is more notable when it’s typical ACL weather (100+ degrees), it’s still important. Don’t be the guy face down in the sand pit during Pearl Jam just because you partied too hard — be the guy face down in the sand pit because you like eating sand. Besides, you can never have enough water (or tea).
- Have a contingency plan. Cell phone reception at the park is notorious for being unruly and unreliable. As such, if you’re planning to meet up with friends or lose someone in your party, I find it always a good plan to have a common meeting spot picked out ahead of time. That way if someone gets separated, simply plan to meet at your spot between shows. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen (and experienced) friends fighting with friends because they couldn’t find each other in the madness. Plan ahead and enjoy the peace.
- See something new. Sure, the headliners are what we’re really there for, but what I enjoy the most is seeing new, lesser known acts earlier in the day. I challenge you to get to the park early to check these bands out. Some of my local favorites are Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and L.A.X.. All bands gotta start somewhere, and luckily there’s a lot of really new, great talent out there.
- There’s more to ACL than the music. Be sure to check out all that ACL has to offer aside from the stages. The SoCo Art Market has tons of interesting finds and souvenirs for the buying, like our SoCo friends Parts & Labour who sell original clothing and accessories from Austin designers. The Austin Eats Food Court probably has the best festival food choices I’ve ever seen at a festival (believe me — I’ve been to a lot). My favorite ACL dish is the Hot & Crunchy Chicken Avocado Cone from Hudson’s on the Bend (the geniuses behind The Mighty Cone). When it comes to festival food, it doesn’t get any better than that, my friends. There’s also plenty of other surprises all over the park, so do yourself a favor and do some exploring.
The Mighty Cone!
- Pack wisely. While ACL is definitely an adventure, its no expedition. As such, don’t bring a giant bag or your backpacking frame. You’ll waste time at the gates with bag check, and you’re inevitably going to regret packing your whole life with you. Save your back some strain. My rule: if it doesn’t fit in a cinch-sack, it’s not worth bringing.
- Money money money. Unequivocally, you’re gonna spend some cash while at the fest, so bring plenty. Yes, there are plenty of ATMs at the park, but they typically charge fees in equivalencies of your first-born child and/or your left arm to use them.
- Kodak moments. Don’t forget to pack your camera. Ya know, just in case you ‘don’t remember’ your adventures after it’s all over.
Otherwise, be sure to look out for Sweet Leaf Tea in and around the park all weekend. Aside from slingin’ that homemade goodness to the masses from all the bars and the food court, keep your eyes peeled for some special giveaways and other fun promotions. Follow us on Twitter — might be some fun things going on there, too.
ACL 2008
See you kids at Zilker!
That picture of Mighty Cone has me drooling. I can’t wait to have one!
I love your Survival Guides, Happy. Not only do they make me hungry AND LOL, but they get me thinking about the things I really need to know. I have not really attended a festival since the summer of 1994 (Lollapalooza)and it’s always good to be reminded!
I want MIghty Cone!!!!
I agree with Apes, this is very helpful especially since I’m a huge noob and have never been to ACL before. Happy, you’re the godfather
[...] but after experiencing this year’s fest, I felt it necessary to include an addendum to my ACL Survival Guide. In no particular [...]