One of the biggest annual music events in a city that is known for its live music festivals and venues, the first weekend of the 2014 Austin City Limits Music Festival is just two days away!
If you’re curious about what the highlights of this year’s event will be, here’s a brief overview that can help you decide whether or not to pursue a last-minute festival pass.
Austin City Limits Logistical Details
Austin’s beloved Zilker Park will play host to the Austin City Limits Music Festival October 3 to 5, 2014 and again October 10 to 12, 2014. Three-day passes have been sold out for awhile, but it might be possible to get your hands on one if you’re looking. Last time we checked, one-day wristbands were still available for some days on both weekends. This year, attendees can link their wristbands to a credit card and purchase food, drinks, works of art, and memorabilia in a cashless fashion. Accessible parking, restrooms, and music viewing areas are available so everyone can enjoy the event.
Making Soundwaves
More than 130 artists will congregate in Austin’s Zilker Park over the next two weekends to energize and entertain fans from around the world. To list all of the prominent names slated to be in attendance would be exhausting, so be sure to check out the lineup and schedule yourself. A few of the more well-known artists and bands who will play this year, however, include Pearl Jam, Eminem, Calvin Harris, Outkast, Skrillex, Beck, Lorde, Eminem, Zedd, Spoon, Foster the People, Icona Pop, Tune-Yards, and Cults. With such breadth of talent, deciding who to watch can be a challenge. Explore the event’s website for tools that can help you coordinate your schedule.
Austin City Limits Art Market
Austin City Limits revolves around music, but there is plenty else to do and see during the festival. One highlight is browsing the clothes, posters, and ornamental knick-knacks handcrafted by local artisans. Several local boutiques will also have a presence, where limited edition special items and other desirable wares can be purchased.
Austin Kiddie Limits
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a family-friendly affair. People who want to bring their children can do so without worrying their kids will get bored or interfere with their own fun. Open 11AM to 5PM all weekend long, Austin Kiddie Limits has its own lineup. This year, it includes Peter Distefano and Tor, School of Rock, and The Q Brothers. Other activities and entertainment available include an open canvas for painting, a lemonade stand that doubles as a benefit for the Foundation for Children with Cancer, a hip hop workshop, video karaoke, and a drum zone. Kids 10-years-old and under can attend for free if they are with a pass-holding adult.
Chef Showcase and Chow
Sponsored by Austin Food & Wine, the Chef Showcase promises to be a highlight of the festival. Each day, a different regionally renowned chef will give demonstrations and cook up some of his or her most impressive dishes. Regardless of whether you find the time to visit the Austin City Limits Chef Showcase, you won’t go hungry. Local vendors will serve up their culinary creations and attendees with vegetarian or gluten-free diets will have plenty of options to choose from.
While fewer people attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival than South by Southwest, you can expect downtown Austin to be busier than usual next weekend. If you have festival passes and live in a nearby apartment community like AMLI 300, AMLI Downtown, or AMLI on 2nd, you have the advantage of being able to walk or cycle to Zilker Park, saving time, money, and hassle. We wish everyone who attends a safe and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Is Austin City Limits your favorite Austin music festival? If not, which one is?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst