Austin City Limits Music Festival - Weekend One Parking at Zilker Park: Tips & Tricks

Hey there, fellow music lovers! 🎶 Are you gearing up for the iconic Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival? Buckle up because we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of parking at Zilker Park for Weekend One of ACL 2025. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fest-goer, parking can sometimes feel more complex than a 10-minute guitar solo. So let's break it down!

Getting to Zilker Park

Before we talk about parking, let's discuss how to actually get to Zilker Park. For those flying in, your best bet is to land at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. From there, you can grab a rideshare, catch a bus, or even rent a car to make your way to the festival.

Public Transit: Alternatively, if you’re in the city, CapMetro provides several bus routes that operate near Zilker Park. Check out the MetroRapid Route 803 as it’s frequently used by festival goers.

Parking Hell, No!

As far as parking at Zilker Park goes, be prepared for the chaos that comes along with it, especially during ACL. The first thing to know is that there's no parking available on the festival grounds or within the surrounding neighborhoods. Yes, you heard that right! 🚫

Alternatives for Parking

So what are your options? Let’s break it down:

1. Park & Ride: Consider utilizing nearby Park & Ride facilities. It’s a great way to minimize the hassle of driving into the chaos. You can park your car and then hop on a bus or another form of transportation to the festival grounds. A common choice is to park at the Palmer Events Center.

2. Paid Off-Site Parking: There are options like the RiverSouth Garage and other nearby garages that offer paid parking. Availability can vary, so it’s smart to book a spot ahead of time through apps like ParkWhiz.

3. Rideshare Services: Utilizing services like Uber or Lyft is another option. The designated drop-off points for rideshares are located a little away from the festival entrance – think of it as your personal warm-up for the day! Between the MoPac Pedestrian Bridge and Barton Springs Road, expect to walk about 15-20 minutes to get to the entrance of the festival. Just don’t forget to wear comfy shoes! 👟

4. Ride with Friends: If you have buddies attending, consider organizing a carpool! It's not just eco-friendly, but it helps you split parking costs too. Just ensure your driver knows there’s NO PARKING in unauthorized zones, or else you risk a fine.

What If I Need Accessible Parking?

For festival-goers needing accessible options, Zilker has some parking facilities designated for ADA compliance. Be sure to check the official festival site for specific details on accessible parking locations.

Walking, Biking, or Scootering to the Fest

If you're nearby, we suggest walking or biking to Zilker Park. It’s a great way to feel the festival vibes right from the get-go. The Butler Hike and Bike Trail offers a scenic route that leads straight to the festival. Just make sure to lock up your bikes securely at designated bike parking areas along Stratford Drive.

Alternatively, electric scooters are another fun way to zip through the city. Just remember, designated drop-off zones for scooters are typically set up at the border of the festival area.

ACL and Local Traffic

During the festival, expect road closures surrounding Zilker Park. Key roads like Barton Springs Road and MoPac Boulevard will be closed or have limited access, creating a maze for drivers. You can check out a detailed traffic map for the festival that outlines all the closures and restricted access zones.

Planning the Day

When you’re mapping out your festival schedule, plan to arrive early! Gates usually open around 11 AM, so ideally, you want to be parked and on your way by 10 AM. This way, you can dodge the bulk of the traffic and find your way to the festival grounds without a hitch.

Pro Tip: Keep your festival wristband handy! You’ll need it for re-entry if you plan on leaving the venue for any reason. Plus, if you need to grab things from your parked car, you can come and go twice in one day without any additional hassle.

Festival Essentials to Pack

As you gear up for your festival adventure, pack accordingly:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. ACL has water filling stations throughout the venue.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do A LOT of walking – trust me on this one.
• Clear Bags: Familiarize yourself with ACL’s bag policy, only clear bags or small pouches are allowed.
• Phone Charger: You'll be thanking yourself later when you need to capture that perfect concert moment.

Wrapping It Up

Parking at Zilker Park for the ACL Music Festival is an experience full of planning and teamwork. Remember, the easier you make your travels to the park, the more fun you’ll have rocking out to your favorite artists. If you still have parking questions or logistical concerns, take a peek at the official festival guide or check out Reddit threads that can offer tips based on firsthand experiences from fellow fans.

Happy festival season, everyone! Get ready to dance, sing, and soak in those Austin vibes 🌟. If in doubt, just ride that festival wave and remember—Y’ALL are going to have a blast!