The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival draws hundreds of thousands of people
to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, every year. With multiple stages of music, food vendors, and activities, there’s a
lot to be excited about. Because the right fuel can make or break your weekend, it’s best to plan what you’ll eat
and drink before, during, and after the festival. Staying hydrated and maintaining mindful eating habits will help
you enjoy this multi-day event.

While ACL has a no outside food or drink policy, you’ll find plenty of on-site vendors and nutritious options
nearby. To make your experience as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled tips for navigating food at ACL. Whether you
need help finding nutritious meals for specific dietary needs or simply choosing food and drinks before, during, and
after the festival, this guide has you covered.

Tips for Planning Meals Before and After the Festival

While you can’t bring your own food or drinks
into ACL, you can plan nourishing meals before and after each day of the fest. Here are some tips to help:

Eat a Balanced Meal Before You Go 

Before you head into the festival each day, try to eat a meal with protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy
fats. For example, these meals can help you start your day off right:

• A breakfast taco with eggs, beans, and avocado
• A grain bowl with chicken or tofu, greens, and brown rice
• Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts
• A whole-grain sandwich with turkey or tempeh and a side salad

Pair these meals with plenty of water. It’s best to start hydrating a few days before ACL to prepare for the heat
and activity.

Hit up Local Nutritious Spots

If you’d rather grab a quick bite at a local restaurant before heading to the festival, you’ll find many nourishing
options in Austin. For example, The Well, known for its local and sustainable ingredients, is just minutes from Zilker Park. Bouldin Creek Cafe is another restaurant that offers vegan fare, while Casa de Luz has fresh, locally sourced food, including plant-based, macrobiotic plates. Alternatively, placed conveniently near one of the festival
entrances, JuiceLand on Barton Springs Road offers smoothies, juices, and plant-forward bowls.  

Prep Your Post-Festival Meals

Stock your hotel mini fridge or home kitchen with easy meals you can eat after getting back from the festival each
night. These could include overnight oats, cut fruit, hummus and veggies, protein bars, or a ready-to-eat protein
like rotisserie chicken or baked tofu. Prep a grain or pasta salad ahead so you can eat as soon as you get back. You
can find quick and flavorful frozen rice options that cook in 3–5 minutes at most grocery stores, such
as Grain Trust. The next morning, refuel with something balanced, like pre-made oatmeal such as MUSH or Oats Overnight, with banana and nut butter, or eggs with tortillas and salsa. 

ACL Festival Dietary Tips — Navigating Food Options Inside the Festival  

Beyond the sets and stages, what you eat and drink will shape your experience. Austin is known for its vibrant food
scene and plant-based, locally sourced meals, so you’re sure to find tasty and nutritious options within the
festival grounds. Here’s our Austin music festival food guide to make your experience as enjoyable as
possible: 

1. Check the Food Vendor Map

Before heading to the festival, check the ACL app
for a list of its food vendors. Knowing what they have before going will make planning and finding nourishing
options that much easier. Austin City Limits festival food is typically known for its diverse options, from barbecue
to Tex-Mex and tacos. You can also use the food vendor map to plan where you’ll go between music sets when you need
nourishment.  

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a leading issue at music festivals. So, make sure you’re sipping water consistently each day of ACL. You are allowed to bring a reusable water
bottle, so be sure to continuously refill it, and consider adding electrolytes if it’s hot or you sweat a lot. In
the morning, drink a glass or two of water, then keep a steady pace during the festival by taking small sips
regularly. Caffeine is OK, but make sure you match it with water, and go easy on alcohol to avoid dehydration.

3. Prioritize Essential Nutrients

Mindful eating at music festivals can be as easy as searching for food with the essential nutrients. Look for
vendor signage that reveals ingredients to ensure you follow a balanced meal pattern. Examples might include:

• Rice Bowl: Brown rice (carbs), grilled chicken (protein), avocado (healthy fat), and mixed vegetables
• Whole-Grain Wrap: Whole-grain tortilla (carbs), turkey or tofu (protein), hummus or avocado (healthy fat), and
  fresh veggies
• Avocado Toast with Egg: Whole-grain bread (carbs), egg (protein), avocado (healthy fat), and tomato or spinach
  (vegetables)
• Grain Bowl: Quinoa (carbs), grilled salmon or beans (protein), olive oil or avocado (healthy fat), roasted
  broccoli and peppers (vegetables)
• Mediterranean Plate: Couscous or whole-grain pita (carbs), grilled chicken or chickpeas (protein), olive oil or
  tahini (healthy fat), cucumber, tomato, and spinach salad (vegetables)

While there are ACL festival food restrictions, following a general rule of getting essential nutrients and staying
hydrated can ensure you feel full, satisfied, and energized throughout the festival. 

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Practice mindful meal patterns by listening to your body throughout the festival and making conscious decisions
about what you eat. Pay close attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and take breaks and rest when needed. Allow yourself to enjoy festival treats, but remember that balance is key —
be flexible and go easy on yourself, or even share with friends if you start to feel full. 

Tips for Festival-Goers With Specific Dietary Needs

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or managing allergies, a little prep goes a long way. While outside food and
drinks aren’t allowed inside the festival grounds, ACL has specified that patrons with special medical dietary
restrictions can bring in items. You can also follow these tips for eating at music festivals when you have a specific nutritional need:
 

• Research vendors: As soon as ACL releases the vendor lists and menus, mark three to five safe
  options on your map. You might even follow vendors on social media and ask them about their ingredients,
  cross-contact and other dietary questions.   
• Have an allergy plan: If prescribed, be sure to remember your allergy medications or have a
  medical ID when entering the festival. Let your group know about your plan and mark any medical tents on the
  festival map. 
• Read food signs during the festival: When you enter the festival, look for gluten-free,
  vegan, nut-free, or dairy-free options to help you determine where to eat. Note that “gluten-friendly” can mean
  cross-contact, so ask about this when you visit a food vendor.
• Ask about ingredients: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the food options at each
  vendor, such as whether they have a dedicated fryer or if they can change gloves. You might also double-check
  whether they have corn or flour tortillas or the types of ingredients in sauces to confirm you’re not allergic to
  them.
• Have a post-festival safety net: Stock your car or hotel with safe snacks, like protein
  bars, fruit, nuts, and instant oats for a late-night bite after the show.

Fuel Your ACL Weekend With Registered Dietitians

To ensure nutritious eating at Austin City Limits and make the weekend as enjoyable as possible, plan your food,
hydrate, and make meal plans for each day. Your mind and body will thank you for it, and you’ll have the energy to
enjoy this exciting festival to the fullest. If you need additional support, turn to Doherty Nutrition. 

Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists provide weight-inclusive, evidence-based guidance grounded in intuitive eating. We can help you map balanced
pre-fest meals, dietary needs, and post-show recovery snacks so you can feel energized all weekend. We offer virtual
and in-person sessions tailored to your needs. If you choose to visit us in person, our office is conveniently
located just a 5-minute drive from Zilker Park.

To get started, book a consultation with us
today. Take the first step toward a flexible, sustainable approach to festival — and everyday — fueling.

Links:

1. https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/acl-survival-guide/ 
2. https://support.aclfestival.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405460843412-What-items-are-allowed-prohibited-at-ACL
3. https://support.aclfestival.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407019200404-Is-there-a-mobile-app
4. https://www.eatwellatx.com/locations
5. https://bouldincreekcafe.com/
6. https://www.casadeluz.org/home
7. https://www.juiceland.com/locations/barton-springs/
8. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2025/04/08/this-music-festival-season-stay-on-the-fun-side-of-the-medical-tent-with-this-advice
9. https://dohertynutrition.com/resources/blog/breaking-down-different-types-of-hunger/
10. https://support.aclfestival.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405452971924-I-have-special-dietary-needs-and-or-have-prescription-medicine-that-I-need-Can-I-bring-this
11. https://dohertynutrition.com/our-team-2/
12. https://dohertynutrition.com/request-counseling/