I’ve been going to Austin City Limits since I was 12, and I have learned a thing or two. Although I do love it, there are a few things to make sure you do to have the best possible festival experience. Festival fashion is also my absolute favorite, so I’ll include some of my favorite past outfits!

First tip: Health! Almost every year, I’ve gotten super sick. I haven’t gotten to the root of the problem, but I do know some ways to prevent it. I think it is mainly due to the grass, dirt, and smoke in the air, so one great way to prevent this is a festival mask or bandana. You can get either of these SO cheap, and it really will make a world of difference. Bandanas fall off a lot more easier, so I personally really prefer to use a mask. Linking my exact one here:

Second tip: Hydration, baby! Although it can be a pain to have a backpack, BRING A CAMELBACK. ACL has hydration stations everywhere, and they will refill your camelback for free and as much as you want. They will also do this with a water bottle, but I have found it to be more of a hassle. You can buy waters, but it adds up fast and you won’t drink as much as you should.

Third tip: if you ever split up with your friends, determine a time and exact location to find each other later. People always think they will have better service than they do at festivals.

Above were my two outfits from this year (2019) and below are some old ones from 2017 and 2016. Some people might think I’m crazy for wearing pants to such a hot festival, but I have always thought it to be worth it. You will be doing a lot more sitting than you think, and the grass can be so itchy and uncomfortable. And, it can get real dirty real fast. I never advocate for a skirt- shorts if you have to! You always want to be comfortable and make sure nothing will go flying.

Some other random things: make sure to take a screenshot of the show times and stage schedules. If you have a brochure, you might lose it. If you have it pulled up online, you might lose service. I’ve also had my credit card stolen twice at ACL, so definitely take advantage of the cashless option they offer! You can register your credit card to your wristband, and then you won’t have to worry about losing it or having it stolen. Keep things like chapstick, sunscreen, Ibuprofen/Advil, and ponytail holders on you! Or band-aids if you’re like me and get blisters. Last- take things like zinc, vitamin C, and Claritin the day of! That will help keep you from getting sick.

I hope this was helpful! See y’all at the next one.

XOXO