The Austin City Limits Music Festival has concluded after two exciting weekends filled with music, shifting weather, and vibrant crowds at Zilker Park. Following a muddy start during the first weekend, the weather improved significantly for the second, attracting sun-soaked fans eager to enjoy more live performances.
Festival-goers reported that a significant portion of their spending was directed toward local food and drink vendors, indulging in a wide array of options from gourmet tacos to traditional festival favorites. This enthusiasm for local cuisine aligns with the festival’s substantial economic impact, which previously generated over $557 million for Austin’s economy, as detailed in past reports.
While major headline artists drew significant crowds to Zilker Park, attendees also devoted considerable time and money to sampling the festival’s diverse food offerings. Attendee Andrea Garza shared her delight, stating, “I’ve had some amazing tacos, chicken shawarma… like really good food.” Others, such as Sherrie Sludge, returning for her third consecutive year, expressed their fondness for classic festival treats, including corn dogs and cheeseburgers. Fan Lyla Hughes highlighted her top purchases, which included “specifically the Dubai chocolate strawberries, ice cream, and a lot of chicken strips.”
The economic footprint of the festival is noteworthy, with last year’s report indicating that it contributed over $557 million to the Austin economy. This figure encompassed $118.8 million on food and beverages, $87.4 million on lodging, and $33.1 million on airfare. Festival participant Benjamin Vilalto remarked, “We’re buying stuff from vendors, foods, all that, all types of stuff, and a little bit of everything.”
In addition to their spending, attendees were well-prepared for the unpredictable central Texas weather, having swapped rain gear from the previous weekend for bandanas to shield against dust. “I kind of knew it was going to be super dusty, but, you know, we’re out here. It’s great. It’s amazing,” Vilalto commented.
Those who have attended in the past noted that while the conditions were dusty, they were preferable compared to previous years. “This is my third year coming here, and the dust the last two years was definitely way worse,” Sludge stated. Despite the long walks to the park gates and the challenges posed by the terrain, attendees felt the experience was worth the effort and expense. Beyond food, many took the opportunity to explore local artisan pop-ups throughout the festival grounds. Garza mentioned, “I got like some cool permanent jewelry and stuff. I feel proud to put my money into that. I’m not afraid to spend the money if I feel like it is worth it. Absolutely.”
