Austin City Limits: any tips for what to wear, staying cool, and other helpful tips?

Sheila

We are going to ACL for the first time next week. Weather will be hot-hot-hot. This fair-skinned Seattleite is taking lots of high-powered sunscreen, but was hoping to hear from anyone who has been there before with tips about how to navigate, stay as cool as possible, what the venues are like, what should our strategy be for getting into the shows we want to see, etc.

Also, what to take for a bag that is allowable, given that we’ll need sunscreen, water, etc.

Any tips will be appreciated.

5 years ago

Dressing

6 replies

Latest reply was from Sheila

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I've never been to ACL, but do know something about hot weather. How about a knee length, loose fitting frock? With slides/mules or fashion sneakers.

5 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

Girl, Texas is still baking, so dress in light natural fabrics in light colors. Never been to ACL, so can't advise about that, but I can say what's been working for me to help me survive this insane heat. I've been keeping my tops on the loose side so air can circulate, and my pants are either shorts or thinner natural fiber fabrics that breathe well.

I can sat that you might want to make sure that your sunscreen is in a tube, not a spray can. We have been to a couple of concerts lately, and they have changed the rules recently because some dink used a cigarette lighter and spray-on sunscreen to set a blanket on fire.
Maybe a stylish bag that can convert into a backpack? That's what I took to the all day thing we went to for Shinedown. I'm on mobile so I couldn't do finds, but I tried to make sure screen cap showed info to identify. The middle ones I didn't do so well: red one is modcloth, the tan one from an etsy seller.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

5 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

ACL has STRICT bag limits (must not exceed 14' x 11" x 5" and have no more than one pocket or opening). You can't bring in water, just an empty bottle. So: pare down to the minimum (glasses, bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, phone). (I haven't gone but may go this year, so I am also researching!)

5 years ago

Anonymous

I live in Austin, and it's a very cool city--except for the heat! We just had the hottest September in the history of weather record keeping, ugh!

But to answer your question: Drink lots of water and take it easy on alcohol if you're a drinker. Dress lightly in breathable fabrics. You might want to bring a swimsuit along, because the wonderful, cool Barton Springs is on the festival site and you can go for a dip. Backpacks are taboo. Only small drawstring bags and small totes are permissible (see website for info on maximum dimensions). When I was there before, there were water misters set up, as well as shade tents.

Wear comfortable shoes and get ready for some serious fun!

5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

All of the above! I have been to Austin during ACL and SXSW but actually didn’t go to ACL (we were there with our friends’ band who were recording their record nearby that week). Been to see my stepsons’ band at SX a couple of times too. In addition to all of the above, be prepared to be patient getting around too — it gets a little crazy. Make friends and share rides.

Take breaks from al the action if you need to. I don’t know about you, but these big events with tons of people drain me after a while, especially in the heat. But I’m old and I’ve seen a ton of music in my life, LOL.

Don’t take or wear anything too precious. It will get grimy and sweaty.

But most of all, have a blast! Who are most excited to see?

5 years ago

Sheila

Veteran

Since we are en route to ACL by car, my opportunities to comment are limited. I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all who commented on my question. Your wisdom has been very helpful.

My biggest concern is now where to find an appropriate bag that fits the parameters of the Festival. Everything else has now been considered and strategized.

Again, thank you ALL for taking the time to assist me. Hope to have a memorable day. My dream concerts are Mumford & Sons and Bruce Hornsby.

5 years ago

Category