Austin City Limits: Austin departments provide safety tips for festival goers

AUSTIN, Texas - Hundreds of thousands of music fans are expected to attend this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival. The two-weekend event starts Friday, October 6 bringing in more than 130 artists to Zilker Park.

First responders from multiple agencies held a press conference at the Austin Police Department's headquarters detailing the safety dos and don'ts for festival goers.

"We do want to encourage people to make responsible decisions in general and just provide some safety tips and reminders, whether you are inside or outside that festival," said Sgt. Destiny Silva, the Austin Police Department Public Information Officer.

"First and foremost, pay attention to your surroundings," Sgt. Silva said. "Knowing where you are at is paramount to your safety. If you are inside the festival, know where the exits are located."

The Austin Police Department says if you are bringing any valuables to be sure to record the serial numbers, not store all of your items in one place and be careful of what you consume. 

"Do not take anything whether it is alcohol, pills, any substances that you do not know where it came from," Sgt. Silva said.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there will be an Event Operation Center on the festival grounds to manage emergencies.

"There is about 13 different departments and agencies that make up Austin center for events," said Sara Henry, the Homeland Security & Emergency Management Communications Manager.

Among those are Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department, which both had recommendations for festival goers.

"Make sure that you are hydrating, make sure that you are using things like caffeine or alcohol in moderation," Captain Christa Stedman with ATCEMS said.

"We also encourage you to dispose of any smoking materials appropriately," Carrie Stewart, the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division Chief, said.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival estimates close to 225,000 music fans will be in attendance this year.

ACL FESTIVAL COVERAGE

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• Austin City Limits: What to know before purchasing tickets
• 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival: Know before you go
• ACL releases full schedule for 2023 music festival
• ACL Music Festival: Lineup for 2023 includes Kendrick Lamar, Shania Twain, Foo Fighters

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is expecting around 900,000 travelers, and is asking those flying to arrive two-and-a-half hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international travel.

"TSA normally recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight; we like to add on a half hour just because how record-breaking busy we've been," Leslie Ramirez, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Public Information Specialist, said.

According to APD, the roads surrounding Zilker Park will be closed. 

"The best resource is going to be to get there, and that will help you plan your trip, whether you’re taking a bus, a bike or whether you are using a micro mobility service," Henry said.

"We want everyone to have a great time," Sgt. Silva said. "We welcome anybody who might be visiting to Austin: welcome to Austin. We want everyone to enjoy the festival and keep our community safe."