Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Austin City Limits (ACL) 2025: Essential Tips & Must-Have Items for Texas' Biggest Music Festival
14
items Heading to ACL? Discover essential tips and must-have items to make the most of the festival. *This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
Sections
1
Festival Packing Must-Haves
Festival Packing Must-Haves
Don’t get caught unprepared. Here’s the ultimate Austin City Limits packing list with all the gear, accessories, and essentials you’ll need for a smooth weekend.
A portable phone charger keeps you connected all day. Between navigating the map, coordinating with friends, and capturing memories, your battery can drain fast. A compact, high-capacity power bank ensures you’re charged and ready for every set.
Portable Chargers
Hand sanitizer is a small but essential festival item. With thousands of people, food vendors, and shared spaces, it’s an easy way to keep your hands clean throughout the day.
Hand Sanitizer Sprays
A waterproof blanket makes downtime between sets more comfortable. There are plenty of spots to sit throughout the park, but the ground can get muddy and extremely dirty. A compact, waterproof blanket keeps you dry and gives you a clean place to rela...
Waterproof Blanket
Last year, the porta-potties ran out of toilet paper on day one, and by the last day, things got pretty rough. These single-use wipes are a total lifesaver. I use them for the bathroom as well as to wipe my hands and face off when it gets too dusty.
Stall Mates Flushable Wipes - 30 Singles
A phone strap is seriously essential. Every year, a couple of my friends have their phones swiped right out of their pockets. Using a strap keeps your phone right with you, so no stressing about it getting stolen in the crowd and you can enjoy the mu...
SURPHY 2 Pack Phone Lanyard for Case, Pink & Gray
A travel-size first aid kit is perfect for handling little things like headaches or blisters from all the walking. While medical tents are available for serious injuries or illnesses, having your own kit means quick relief without leaving the fun.
Band-Aid Travel Ready 80pc First Aid Kit
The festival’s bag policy only allows clear backpacks 12 x 6 x 12 inches or bags smaller than 6 x 9 inches, making this the perfect option for carrying your essentials while getting through security quickly.
Clear Backpack
With free water refill stations located throughout Zilker Park, you can stay hydrated without overpaying for drinks. A lightweight, foldable bottle saves space and allows you to fold it up so it doesn't take up too much space when not in use.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Sunscreen is a must have for the hot and sunny Texas days! Note that aerosols are prohibited including sunscreen. I recommend stick sunscreen as it's easily applied and you won't have to touch your face with dirty hands.
Sunscreen
ACL pro tip: pack this lightweight collapsible chair. It’s easy to carry, folds up small, and gives you a comfy seat to relax between sets at Austin City Limits.
Collapsible Chair
If you prefer to have your backpack and water bottle combined, ACL allows small hydration backpacks as long as they are empty when entering. It’s comfortable to wear all day, has plenty of space for your essentials, and keeps water hands-free so you ...
Hydration Backpack
Zilker Park is famous for its dust, especially during Austin City Limits. A bandana or gaiter is a must-have festival essential to keep sand and dust out of your face, hair, and clothes so you can enjoy the music without taking the dirt home with you...
Bandana or Face Covering
Zilker Park gets hot during Austin City Limits, and a portable neck fan is a total game-changer. Lightweight and rechargeable, it keeps you cool through long sets under the Texas sun so you can focus on the music instead of the heat. A must-have fest...
Portable Personal Neck Fan
ACL days are long and hot. Staying hydrated is key. Liquid I.V. gives you fast electrolytes to keep your energy up while you enjoy all the sets at Zilker Park.
Liquid Iv Hydration Lemon Lime 10 Count 5.65 OZ