Navigating Austin's Downtown Area During ACL Music Fest: A Guide for Visitors
Austin, Texas, is famous for its music and festivals, and the Annual Concerts and Lineups (ACL) Music Festival is no exception. While the downtown area can be bustling, particularly during ACL, it doesn’t have to be a deterrent. With the right information and approach, you can enjoy the festivities and the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Is Downtown Austin in the PM Really Worth Avoiding?
No, definitely not. The legends will be on dust and crowds in the evening can bring a great experience. After 10 PM, people usually return to the city, and you can be part of it. Just wait until 8 PM and enjoy the evening downtown.
Which Areas to Avoid in Austin During ACL?
While the festival itself is in an area south of the river, there are specific spots within Austin that visitors should avoid:
Zilker Park and Barton Springs Road
These areas are particularly busy and crowded due to the festival. ACL goers are not as present downtown, but when they leave, it's usually very late. It's wise to avoid these areas for most of the weekend to ensure a smoother experience.
West Riverside, South 1st Street, and Lamar
To avoid the chaos and crowds, you should steer clear of West Riverside, South 1st Street, and probably Bee Caves. These areas are already popular, and ACL only further increases their congestion. Plan your visit to skip these spots for a more enjoyable experience.
Traffic and Parking in Austin During ACL
Due to the large influx of visitors, parking downtown is likely to be nearly impossible. It's highly recommended that you avoid bringing your own car, as there won't be any available spaces within a ten-block radius from the usual three-block radius. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transportation like shuttles from 4th and Guadalupe to ACL.
What Makes Downtown Austin During ACL Different from Other Events?
ACL isn’t as disruptive as a University of Texas (UT) football game or South by Southwest (SXSW), so you can still enjoy the downtown area. However, if you prefer a quieter environment, it might be best to avoid South 1st and Lamar streets as they tend to attract larger crowds. Bee Caves could also be a good place to avoid, as it fills up quickly with festival-goers.
My advice? Plan your visit strategically. Skip the over-crowded areas and enjoy the vibrant ambiance of the downtown area when the festival-goers have dispersed. After all, the best parts of Austin live on after nightfall.