- October 2, 2023

Get Ready For ACL Fest With These Austin Pop-Ups and Parties

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Can’t wait to kick off ACL Fest 2023? Or perhaps you want to get in on the fun without even going to the festival. Either way, this list is for you!

Here are all the ACL Fest pop-ups and parties happening in 2023

Thursday, October 5

2nd Street Block Party – Unofficial ACL Pregame – DJ music and drink specials will be flowing in between the patios of CRU and Upstairs Circus, plus inside participating stores and restaurants. There will also be tarot card readings, a tattoo artist, and exclusive deals from 3 to 7 p.m.

Friday, October 6

ACL Fest Live Morning Broadcast – Join ACL Live Radio at the Long Center on October 6 and 7 as they kick off the first weekend of the festival! For just a $5 donation to HAAM, they’ll be bringing you a morning of live performances from some of your favorite ACL Fest artists in a more intimate setting. Friday’s lineup of artists includes: Calder Allen (8:45 a.m.), Mac Saturn (9:30 a.m.), Breland (10:15 a.m.), Ben Kweller (11 a.m.), and Portugal. The Man (11:45 a.m.).

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Friday’s performance features Jed Harrelson from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Spin at Mayfair – SPIN is hosting an exclusive two-night after party with Mayfair to kick off weekend 1.  Enjoy sets by some of the hottest EDM DJs out now, curated by SPIN! Admittance is FREE and will be based on arrival time and capacity. Friday night will feature performances from Konstantina Gianni and KROMI.

Saturday, October 7

ACL Fest Live Morning Broadcast – Join ACL Live Radio at the Long Center on October 6 and 7 as they kick off the first weekend of the festival! For just a $5 donation to HAAM, they’ll be bringing you a morning of live performances from some of your favorite ACL Fest artists in a more intimate setting. Saturday’s lineup of artists includes: Husbands (8:45 a.m.), Abraham Alexander (9:30 a.m.), Michigander (10:15 a.m.), Bailen (11 a.m.), and The Revivalists (11:45 a.m.).

#GRWM Pop-Up – Hotel Van Zandt’s lobby will be activated and open to the public from 12 to 4 p.m. with experiences like an Austin Glitter Bar, vintage band t-shirts from Fitted Vintage, handmade jewelry from Anvil & Aura, and more. DJ Cassandra will keep the energy high as guests get ready to head to the festival.

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Saturday features Vinyl Brunch + Shadow Brand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spin at Mayfair – SPIN is hosting an exclusive two-night after party with Mayfair to kick off weekend 1.  Enjoy sets by some of the hottest EDM DJs out now, curated by SPIN! Admittance is FREE and will be based on arrival time and capacity. Friday night will feature performances from Sam Blacky and guest MOSKA!

Sunday, October 8

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Sunday features Jazz Brunch with Shane Dickens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Geraldine’s Record Society from 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, October 11

Party for the Parks Fundraiser ($$) – All-access is the only ticket level this year to ensure everyone enjoys the same elevated experience. Ticket includes: an array of delicious dining options, complimentary libations from some of Austin’s premiere beverage brands, lounge seating, and shuttle service. The night will conclude with a Concert Under the Stars featuring ACL artist, Portugal. The Man!

Thursday, October 12

ACL House – 3Ten celebrates Austin’s biggest month of music by hosting a Foo Fighters watch party. At this FREE event, guests will sip cocktails, strike a pose at the photo booth, spin the prize wheel for ACL swag, and enter a drawing for ACL Weekend 2 passes! RSVP here.

2nd Street Block Party – Unofficial ACL Pregame – DJ music and drink specials will be flowing in between the patios of CRU and Upstairs Circus, plus inside participating stores and restaurants. There will also be tarot card readings, a tattoo artist, and exclusive deals from 3 to 7 p.m.

Friday, October 13

ACL x Parachute Home – Kick off the weekend at Parachute Home on South Congress Avenue with some delightful mixed drinks courtesy of Desert Door Sotol from 12 to 5 p.m.

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Friday features Smooth Nature from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 14

#GRWM Pop-Up – Hotel Van Zandt’s lobby will be activated and open to the public from 12 to 4 p.m. with experiences like an Austin Glitter Bar, vintage band t-shirts from Fitted Vintage, handmade jewelry from Anvil & Aura, and more. DJ Cassandra will keep the energy high as guests get ready to head to the festival.

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Friday features Vinyl Brunch + James Speer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, October 15

The Heart of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Geraldines will host live music throughout the festival on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. From national sensations to emerging local artists, the Geraldine’s stage is a destination for guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. Friday features Jazz Brunch with Sammy Epstein from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Geraldine’s Record Society from 6 to 9 p.m.


Of course, there’s always ACL Fest Nights! These separately ticketed shows are offered at a handful of local music venues during the festival. Check out all of the venues and featured artists here.