The Austin City Limits Music Festival is set to kick off its first weekend from October 3 to 5, with the second weekend following on October 10 to 12. As the festival attracts thousands of music lovers from across the nation to Zilker Park, drivers are advised to brace for significant traffic congestion in the area.
Jacob Barrett, the City of Austin’s transportation program manager, highlighted that the fall festival season typically generates some of the highest traffic demand on local roads. Key streets such as Azie Morton Road, Stratford Drive, and Barton Springs Road will be closed during the festival weekends, urging drivers to avoid these routes if possible.
To help alleviate congestion, city officials recommend alternative travel routes. For those traveling north to south, using the MoPac express lanes or exiting early at Cesar Chavez Street to connect with Lake Austin Boulevard or Enfield Road can help bypass Zilker Park traffic. East to west travelers are advised to avoid Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and consider using East 12th or East 24th streets instead, which will provide a better flow around the festival.
In an effort to ensure safety and efficiency for all, whether festival-goers or not, officials encourage the community to reconsider their transportation options. Carpooling, utilizing public transit, or even biking are suggested as means to mitigate road congestion. Barrett emphasized the importance of planning trips during this busy period and finding ways to travel without adding more vehicles to the road.
Rideshare services will have designated pickup and drop-off zones; south of the river, these will be located across Lamar Boulevard on Barton Springs Road and Riverside Drive, while north of the river, the zone will be available along Stephen F. Austin Drive near Crenshaw Bridge.
Despite the festival’s activities, several local amenities will remain accessible, such as Barton Springs Pool (through the South Gate entrance) and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. However, festival-related parking or drop-offs will not be permitted in these areas.
For complete details on road closures and travel options, residents and visitors can refer to the city’s official communications regarding the festival. The excitement surrounding the Austin City Limits Music Festival serves as a reminder of the community’s vibrant cultural scene, promising an exhilarating experience for attendees while emphasizing the importance of responsible transportation choices.