Founded in 2002, Austin City Limits Music Festival presented by the Austin Parks Foundation is one of the premier destination festivals in the United States. ACL Festival is a 9-stage music, food and art festival that takes place on back-to-back weekends in Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park in the heart of Austin.
Since 2006, in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, Austin City Limits Music Festival has provided more than $71 million to Austin’s Park and Recreation System. This unique relationship ensures a portion of every ticket purchased supports parks throughout the entire City. The 2024 festival alone generated $8.4 million towards park support and improvements. Not only has Zilker Park benefitted, but hundreds of parks in communities throughout Austin have received funds as a result of the festival.
This discussion will explore the history of how Austin parks became the beneficiary of the Festival, how the partnership operates and what challenges and opportunities exist into the future.