Austin City Limits Music Festival - Weekend Two Parking at Zilker Park

The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) is more than just a music fest; it’s a cultural extravaganza that transforms the vibrant city of Austin into a hub of MUSIC, COMMUNITY, and EXCELLENT VIBES. Held annually at the iconic Zilker Park, the festival encompasses an incredible array of musical acts spread out across multiple days. Weekend Two of ACL Fest is particularly special as it draws crowds from all over with an exciting lineup that keeps both locals & visitors grooving!

However, with all that excitement comes the challenge of parking. If you're planning to hit up Weekend Two on October 10-12, 2025 at Zilker Park, then get ready for a treasure trove of information on parking options, transportation advice, and a few insider tips to make your festival experience a breeze! Let's dive in!

Where is Zilker Park?

Zilker Metropolitan Park, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, is a sprawling oasis that spans over 350 ACRES in the heart of Austin. It's not just home to the ACL Festival but also boasts a plethora of amenities like the Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and the renowned Austin Nature Science Center.

Parking Options

General Parking

When it comes to parking during ACL Fest, you have several options, but a couple of things to note first:

• No Parking in Surrounding Neighborhoods: You will NOT find parking on surrounding streets as the city implements strict regulations during festival time. Violating these rules could lead to TICKETS & towing!

• First-Come, First-Served: Parking at Zilker Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so aim to arrive early for better chances at securing a spot.

Official Parking Information

Starting the first Saturday of SPRING BREAK until LABOR DAY, parking fees will be enforced. You can expect to pay a variable rate of $3 per hour via parking pay stations. The FUNDS collected through these payments go directly into supporting maintenance and improvements for Zilker Park’s parking lots. You can read more here.

Parking Label:

• Location: North side of Barton Springs Pool
• Hours of Operation: Open throughout festival hours
• Cost: $3 hourly

Alternative Parking Locations

If Zilker Park fills up, there are alternate parking options nearby. Here are a few likely candidates:

1. Austin High School Parking Lot:

   • This parking area opens early & is usually among the first to fill up. It features a close walk to the festival entry.

2. Palmer Events Center:

   • Located within walking distance, Palmer is an excellent option if you can't grab a spot at Zilker Park.

3. Downtown Parking Garages:

   • Consider parking at downtown garages and ride-sharing or walking to the festival. Parking garages like the One Texas Center or the Westgate Transit Center can offer good alternatives, but be ready for special event pricing!

Download the Parking Map

Check out the Zilker Park Parking Map for visual guidance on available parking areas, and feel free to download and save it for quick reference during your visit! It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the layout before arriving.

Ride-Sharing Services

With thousands of revelers heading to Zilker Park, using Lyft or Uber is a convenient option. Just drop a pin on the “Austin City Limits Music Festival” destination in your app, and you’ll find helpful drop-off spots near the festival entrances:

• MoPac Pedestrian Bridge
• Veterans Drive
• Wallingwood Drive

Be prepared for a short walk to the festival gates, possibly around 15-20 minutes, depending on your drop-off location. Given the crowd, rideshares can become costly during peak hours, so plan accordingly!

Public Transportation Options

CapMetro: Your Best Bet for Getting to the Festival

With parking at a premium, taking advantage of public transportation is both SMART & ECONOMICAL. The Cap Metro offers several bus routes that operate frequently near Zilker Park:

• MetroRapid Routes: The 803 MetroRapid is a popular choice, with service every 15 minutes during the festival.

• Regular Bus Services: Check out other routes operated by CapMetro to find the best option for you.

Utilize the CapMetro Trip Planner for added convenience. For more extensive service alerts and schedule information, visit the service alerts page.

Festival Shuttle Services

ACL Festival provides dedicated shuttle services, making it super easy to get to the venue. Shuttles run from:

• Republic Square Park (Corner of 4th & San Antonio streets) directly to Zilker Park.

This shuttle will get you as close to the festival entrance as possible but keep in mind that waits might increase during peak hours. Grab your Festival Shuttle Pass for hassle-free transportation to the event, actively running every day of the festival!

Planning Your Day at ACL

Get there EARLY! Plan your festival adventure by checking out the live schedules in advance to get a head start on your favorite acts:

• Make your festival lineup ahead of time using the official ACL Festival line-up page.
• Waterproof & wear comfortable attire— the weather is unpredictable!

Don’t forget to take your reusable water bottle for hydration, as there's likely to be a SCORCHER out there. The festival promotes sustainability, so definitely take advantage of the numerous water fill stations located inside.

Conclusion

Parking for Weekend Two at the Austin City Limits Music Festival is all about timing, planning, & a little bit of flexibility. Whether you’re parking in Zilker Park, taking rideshare, or utilizing public transit, just remember to keep your cool amidst the typical festival hustle-bustle! Embrace the atmosphere, enjoy the music, and make awesome memories with friends!

So gear up for the festival, and get ready for an electrifying, soulful experience that's one for the books. Happy festivaling!!! 🎶🌟