Long-time friends Pam Griffin and Shelly Hefferton did not speak for months before this October. As the two went on about their lives, one little detail stayed tucked away in the backs of their minds, a detail that annually makes its way to the front around this time of year: Austin City Limits. 

“Life gets going and keeps you apart,” Griffin said. “We just come here together and it’s us against the crowd in a beautiful way.”

Hefferton, an attendee since the festival began in 2002, and her late best friend Bridget made attending ACL an annual tradition. Once Griffin moved into Hefferton’s neighborhood in 2011, Hefferton and Bridget welcomed her into their tradition. Ever since the two lost Bridget to cancer, Hefferton and Griffin said they honor their best friend at every ACL. 

“There’s so many memories, and they’re intertwined with our best friend, Bridget,” Hefferton said. “She persevered through any personal challenge to get here till the end. It’s her festival, and I would be remiss unless I say that I am here every year because of her.”

Hefferton and Griffin said the three kept coming back regardless of the lineup, not only because of their friendship, but also for the combination of Austin’s two prides: Zilker and live music. 

“It’s such a good vibe down here at Zilker Park, and we’re just so happy to be here,” Hefferton said. “It’s such a communal experience and a festival of peace, love, fun and music. That’s what keeps Austin alive — live music.” 

Hefferton said the group all made it through challenges to attend every year, turning those moments of challenges into fond memories. 

“I remember getting off of bed rest after I had a complicated pregnancy. As soon as I got off, I was allowed to go to ACL,” Hefferton said. “I ran through the field and fell, and then had to get back on bed rest. But it was okay, because I got to go to ACL.”

Seasoned festival-goers, Griffin said she and Hefferton prioritize making memories over the daunting and exhausting nature of the festival. 

“We don’t get freaked out by the crowds. We make our plan about where we’re gonna go from point A to point B,” Griffin said. “We hold hands, we push through. At the end of three days, when we’re so tired … we can’t wait until next year.”