The 2009 Austin City Limits Festival has hit Austin this weekend, October 2-4, 2009.  This 3-day festival is a celebration of the musical talents of artists from all genres, including country, R&B, alternative, gospel and more.  This year, the jam-packed lineup of 130 bands includes: Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, John Legend and Asleep at the Wheel on Friday, the Dave Matthews Band, the Levon Helm Band, Ghostland Observatory, Mos Def and Eek-a-Mouse on Saturday and Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Toadies, B-52s and the Arctic Monkeys on Sunday.  That's just the tip of the iceberg of talent, though.  For a complete rundown of the show schedules, please visit the Austin City Limits Festival website.

Some quick tips to make your festival experience better:

1. Prepare for the warm Austin weather.  Drink lots of water.  Water fountains will be available throughout Zilker Park.  Put lots of sunscreen on and re-apply often.  Cooling fans will also be available at Mr. Mister, Sister Mister and Zilker Beach.  But, you might want to bring your umbrella as well in case rain makes an appearance suddenly.

2. Transportation to and from Zilker Park is limited.  There will be no parking available around the festival grounds.  These are your options:

• Free Shuttle - Runs from Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe) to the Barton Springs exit from 10am-11pm every day of the festival.
• Bicycle - Ride your bike and lock it up at the free racks near either festival entrance.  Bring your own lock.
• Scooter - The Barton Springs Pool parking lot is available for scooter parking right off Robert E Lee.
• Hoof it - Pedestrians are allowed to be picked up/dropped off at the north end of the Mopac footbridge (on Stephen F Austin Dr).  It's just a short walk to the Lady Bird Lake festival entrance from there.
• Taxi - Taxis are allowed to pick up/drop off on William Barton, just south of Barton Springs.  Share a ride with a friend.

3. Recycle and win.  Several eco-friendly activities will be taking place before and during the ACL Festival.  Participation is not only fun but can reap awards, like a collectible ACL t-shirt or a chance to win a 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid.

4. Attend an autograph session.  For more info on who is signing and when, please visit the ACL website.

5. Check out the ACL Festival's FAQ section to see what you are allowed to bring and what should be left at home.

For more information on what's happening at the festival and when, please visit the Austin City Limits website.  To find out how you can make Austin your home, please contact me.  I'm always happy to help.