Since 2002, the Austin City Limits Music Festival has been one of the must see music events in Austin, and this year is certainly no exception. With 3 days, 8 stages, and 74 bands all in one festival, the 2010 Austin City Limits Music Festival is an epic event. The 2010 festival will take place October 8th-10th. You can choose between single day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or a three day pass. Three day pass holders are given a wristband which allows them re-entry into the festival for the entire event. Single day pass holders may not re-enter the festival once they leave. Once you have your tickets, what are your travel options?
The festival is held at 2100 Barton Springs Road in beautiful 46 acre Zilker Park. To help keep the park looking beautiful, no parking is allowed at the festival site. A free shuttle is provided to concert goers to and from the event site. The shuttle service will run from 10am-11pm all weekend long, and be sure to visit the farmers market on Saturday the 9th at the shuttle site from 9am-1pm. You may also take a taxi to the gates, get dropped off by a friend, or ride your bike to the grounds. Bike racks are provided at the main gates. Though camping is not permitted inside the park, there are many camping options in the Austin area. If a night in a tent is not your idea of a good time, there are many hotels options in the downtown Austin area.
This year’s lineup is an eclectic mix. The Eagles, Muse, Phish, The Strokes, M.I.A., The Flaming Lips, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, Norah Jones, Sonic Youth, and Blues Traveler are just a few of the 74 bands that will be appearing at this year’s event. Performances start at 11am and last until 10pm every day. There is something for everyone, even the kids. Children under 10 are admitted free with a paid adult admission. The Austin Kiddie Limits area has lots of great activities for your kids to enjoy. There are several music workshops where they can learn to play the drums and guitar with real instruments or you can attend the hip hop workshop and learn to rhyme, scratch, and beat box where you’ll receive a CD of your mix to take home. Once your little one has learned to play, they can look the part with temporary tattoos and punk hairdo booths. If they are tired of rocking out, they can relax in the H-E-B Zilker Beach area and build a sand castle or relax in the shade.
In between shows you can enjoy a wide array of art, food, and other activities. The SoCo Art Market, located near the Wildflower Center Stage, is a great place to browse what the art community of Austin has to offer. Austin Eats Food Court has a wide array of food to please any palate, including pizza, sandwiches, pasta primavera, bbq, tacos, and everything in between. There are also many fine beverage and desert choices.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family. If you choose to go for an afternoon or immerse yourself for the whole weekend, there are many exciting options for you to enjoy.
