Every October, Zilker Park turns into a global stage when Austin City Limits Music Festival brings hundreds of thousands of fans, artists and vendors together. But in addition to its music legacy, ACL is also one of Austin’s biggest economic engines. Ahead of this year’s festival, here are five ways ACL leaves its financial mark on the city.

A half-billion dollar boost

According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report, ACL generated $534.8 million for the Austin economy, the highest in the festival’s history. That figure nearly doubles pre-pandemic levels, showing how much the festival bounced back and grew as one of the city’s largest events.Jobs, jobs, jobs

The festival supports thousands of local jobs, from stagehands and sound technicians to bartenders and rideshare drivers. In 2024 alone, ACL helped sustain more than 3,600 jobs, helping bring wages and tips into Austin households.

Tourism spending across the city 

Festivalgoers themselves drive most of ACL’s financial punch. In 2021, attendee expenditures made up $327.6 million of the festival’s overall impact. Just three years later, that number jumped to $415.4 million in 2024, a sharp increase that highlights both Austin’s booming tourism economy and the festival’s enduring pull.

Big rewards for Austin’s parks

Since 2006, ACL Fest has generated more than $71 million for Austin’s public parks system, funding everything from playground renovations to trail expansions. Each year, funds from the festival directly support the upkeep of Zilker Park and other green spaces, meaning ACL’s legacy lasts long after the final show.

Standing with the giants

The 2024 festival’s $534.8 million impact outpaced SXSW’s $377 million in 2024 and edged out Formula 1’s $481 million haul in 2023. Each event speaks to
different audiences and runs for different lengths, but together, they cement Austin’s global reputation as a hub for culture, tech, sports and entertainment.