Get Pumped for Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) – Your 2nd Street District Guide to Weekend #1

Written By 2ND Street District
 

Austin City Limits Music Festival. Photo Credit: Sara Marjorie 

 

  • All Things ACL: What You Need to Know 

  • Live: Keep the Live Music Going Beyond Zilker

  • Dine: The Best Bites & Sips Near ACL Fest

  • Shop: Bold Looks, Local Finds & Festival Must-Haves

Fall in Austin means one thing: the return of the Austin City Limits Music Festival! From October 3–5 and October 10–12, 2025, Zilker Park will become the city’s biggest live music stage with 100+ epic performances. Before and after the shows, fuel up in the 2nd Street District with great food, drinks, and all the festival vibes. Here’s your guide to kicking off weekend #1 of ACL Fest!

All Things ACL: What You Need to Know

ACL Fest Aerials – Photo Credit: Taylor Regulski

Austin City Limits Festival is the ultimate Austin experience. From legendary headliners to up-and-coming favorites, the lineup is stacked with some of the best indie, hip hop, rock, and electronic artists — there’s something for every music fan. Add in top-notch eats and that one-of-a-kind Texas energy, and you’ve got a weekend you won’t want to miss. Buy your tickets and view the lineup here!

Getting to Zilker Park is simple. You can bike or walk if you’re nearby, or take the ACL shuttle for a convenient ride. The shuttle picks up at Republic Square Park, located right next to the 2nd Street District, making it easy to stop for food or drinks before the festival. And on October 4, catch your coffee buzz before jumping on the shuttle at Coffee & Chill, ACL Edition at Republic Square Park, featuring an iconic DJ set by LP Giobbi.

Live: Keep the Live Music Going Beyond Zilker

ACL is more than a weekend at Zilker Park—it’s a citywide celebration! And the 2nd Street District is your hub for everything happening outside the festival gates. The music and memories keep flowing here.

Score your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime giveaway, catch your favorite artist up-close at ACL Fest Nights, and sip cocktails with a live DJ after a show — the District is where the ACL energy keeps going long after the park goes quiet.

  • This is your chance to win the Total ACL Takeover from ACL Live! It’s your all-access pass to Austin’s biggest music moments. Enter now for
    your opportunity to experience the best of everything Austin City Limits this October.

    • The Prize Package: 

      • 2 VIP Passes to Austin City Limits Music Festival – Friday, October 3

      • 2 Tickets to an ACL Live Late-Night Show with MARINA – October 5

      • 2 Passes to an Austin City Limits TV Taping with Role Model – October 7

      • An exclusive ACL Live Merch Bundle

  • ACL Fest doesn’t stop when the park gates close! Don’t miss ACL Fest Nights. These official after-shows featuring artists from the festival lineup performing at various venues across Austin are going to be next level. Right here in the 2nd Street District, you can catch some performances at ACL Live Moody Theatre and 3Ten venues, mark your calendars for:

  • The beats keep going late into the night. Swing by the Living Room Bar at the W Austin for a late night cocktail while enjoying live DJ beats on Friday and Saturday evenings. It’s the perfect way to keep the party going.

Dine: The Best Bites & Sips Near ACL Fest

ACL Fest is all about the full Austin experience! Between sets at Zilker Park, the 2nd Street District is your go-to for fueling up, cooling down, and keeping the good times rolling. Whether it’s oysters and martinis before a long festival day, sushi and late-night happy hour bites after the encore, or brunch and tacos to recharge, our neighborhood has everything you need to make your ACL weekends unforgettable.

  • Chilled martinis and oysters before a long hot festival day? Yes, please! Bill's Oyster is a can’t miss neighborhood cocktail bar and specialty seafood restaurant located in the heart of downtown Austin. It’s the ultimate place to meet up with your festival friends for some fresh seafood and craft cocktails.

  • Keep the night going at BarChi Sushi. After the show, swing by for late-night happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 10PM–12AM. Sip on sake, share signature rolls, and enjoy a menu made for after-hours cravings. 

    • Want to start the party earlier? Sundays are extra special with happy hour running all day long from 3–10PM.

  • Fresh fuel for festival days at Local Foods. This popular daytime stop is perfect for fueling up before heading into Zilker. The menu features scratch-made sandwiches, hearty salads, vegan options, and chef-created sides crafted with local ingredients whenever possible. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, a quick takeout bite, or sitting down for a casual brunch, it’s fresh, fast, and just what you need to start dancing at ACL.

  • Tacos & Mezcal before the music- Kick off your ACL weekend with bold flavors at La Condesa. Grab tacos and a mezcal margarita during their weekday happy hour (5–7pm, ½-off drinks + $3 tacos at the bar) before heading to Zilker or catching an after-show.

Shop: Bold Looks, Local Finds & Festival Must-Haves

Looking for the perfect ACL Fest fit or souvenir? The 2nd Street District has you covered with local boutiques and shops that make festival styling effortless. From cowboy boots and bold pieces, cool sunnies and statement hats, the most comfortable jeans you’ll ever dance in, or even official ACL merch, our downtown neighborhood is your one-stop destination. Here’s where to shop!

  • Love, Tito’s – Daytime Beats & Giveaways. Between sets at Zilker, keep the festival vibes flowing at Love, Tito’s. They’ll be hosting live DJ sets from 12–5pm on October 3–4 and October 10–11 (Friday & Saturday of both ACL weekends). Expect games, giveaways, and plenty of Tito’s spirit to fuel your festival fun.

  • Everything from cowboy boots to bold colors, HEMLINE is your place to shop for festival fits and game day outfits. Show up at Zilker Park ready to make heads turn. Or find your gameday threads for upcoming University of Texas football games. No matter the event, you’ll be dressed to impress.

  • Glitter, fringe, and good times! Festival fits are in abundance at Stella Dallas. Whether it’s sunnies and statement hats or boots and bold threads, this vibey boutique has everything you need to nail your ACL look.

  • Every festival weekend deserves a keepsake. Find authentic ACL merchandise and one-of-a-kind gifts at Austin Rocks, where music meets fashion. And the best part? You’ll be supporting local Austin artists with every purchase!

Conclusion:

Are you ready to rock weekend #1 of ACL Fest? A full-on city celebration is coming October 3-5, and the 2nd Street District is at the heart of it all. From late-night bites and happy hours to can’t-miss shopping and live music moments, our neighborhood is where you want to be before and after the show! And don’t worry if you’re catching the second round—stay tuned for more highlights on 2nd coming your way for Weekend 2, October 10-12.

And remember, the best way to stay in the loop about all things 2nd Street District is to follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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