Sure, ACL Fest is a musical festival at its core. But it’s become so much more than that! As much as it’s about the music, it’s also about the food, the drinks, the fashion, and the people-watching.
Though the ticket price can be steep, a fun festival weekend doesn’t have to break the bank. That’s because there are plenty of freebies to be found in and around the fest!
Here are a few of our favorite freebies at ACL 2024:
- Check out the That Tito’s Thing next to the Tito’s Stage to learn the story, take home custom swag, hit the photo booth, and get a custom engraved dog tag.
- Don’t miss your chance to try your hand at the claw machine for a chance to win big! One of those claw machine prizes is wristbands to check out the That Tito’s Lounge. It is the best private grove in the festival to lounge and enjoy cocktails from 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. Enjoy side stage viewing of the Tito’s stage with comfortable seating, a variety of cocktails, big TV screenings showing festival stages and even some football!
- New this year, the festival and Tito’s are teaming up to support Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, a nonprofit organization that provides access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income, working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. It’s hometown festival meets hometown spirit as they launch their first ever collaborative merchandise collection benefiting HAAM. The merchandise collection, which features two shirts, a hat, and a bandana, will be available at Tito’s ACL festival activation on Saturday, October 5, and Saturday, October 12.
- A specially designed t-shirt awaits those who spend some of their festival down time helping to keep the park clean with their Rock & Recycle program, which is co-presented by H-E-B.
- Nothing beats the heat like staying hydrated, and because ACL cares about you and the environment, you just need to bring your reusable containers and head to the YETI Hydration stations for free, cool, filtered water to keep you going.
- In past years, festival goers could snag a bandana, sunglasses, a variety of pins, and even a pic with George Strait (don’t be fooled, it’s just a cut-out, y’all) at the Don’t Mess With Texas booth.
Check In To The Amex Experience
At the Amex Experience, all festival goers can explore an immersive space where they’ll encounter unexpected moments of delight, such as:
- A merch customization room, which is exclusively available to Card Members, offering either a complimentary trucker hat or mini-tote bag that can be personalized with fun pins. They will also have access to a “Get Ready With Me” area, where they can freshen up and snap a pic with their new hat or mini tote.
- A small business market where guests can shop from local Austin small businesses selling festival-fun items like accessories, artwork, jewelry and unique, vintage apparel. Businesses featured in the market include Xtao’, Future Vagabond and Paper Work.
- A disco-cowboy inspired bar featuring cocktails and ready-to-drink options, such as beer, wine, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic offerings.
- At a new Mystery Merch Window on the outside of the Amex Experience, Card Members will have exclusive access to purchase a mystery box of merch from festival headliner Dua Lipa in addition to official Austin City Limits Music Festival merch, while supplies last.
- As in past years, attendees who register their wristband for ACL Cashless Payments with an Amex Card will receive a $5 Cashless spend credit that can be used at ACL Fest.
- New this year, a new Amex Saloon is exclusively available to premium Card Members next to the American Express Stage. The space will offer beverages for purchase and shaded lawn games and seating. Card Members and guests can also enjoy personalized boot branding and sign up for American Express Side Stage viewing access (while capacities allow).
Even More Freebies
- Children ages 8 and under can once again attend the festival for free when accompanied by a paid ticketed adult. The limit is two children per ticketed adult. However, this year it will be necessary for them to register for the Tag-Your-Kid program to receive a wristband, which will serve as their ticket for festival entry. Read more about Tag-Your-Kid requirements here.
- Be sure to bring the kids by Austin Kiddie Limits. Activities include: Lifeway Yoga with ATX Yoga Girl, presented by Kefir, a button station, strolling circus performers, a hip hop workship, photobooth, and so much more! Full details here.
- T-Mobile customers and their guests can flex Magenta Status and enjoy side stage access and other perks.
