The Sorenson Scoop

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Austin City Limits (ACL for short) is a 3-day outdoor concert experience featuring 130 bands from the big names, to those who are little known but have big time talent.

This year was my first year to go, and I thought I would share my experiences with you.

First of all, coming to this thing as a slightly preppy, more "sporty" type of person...I realized how uncool I am in this type of environment. This is a hipsters paradise. Your basic attire had to include: a fedora, sunglasses, some type of cool sundress, or shorts and flowy tank--think the whole fall line of Urban Outfitters and you've hit the nail on the head.

Now, there was plenty of barely clothed individuals, or those who looked like they just came from the ROT rally mixed in with the fratty Sperry wearing, SEC comb-overs, with sorority t-shirts on, but hipster is pretty much the large demographic here.

Some things to consider when purchasing tickets to this event, which are not cheap by the way ($180 for a 3-day pass...)
-Personal space is a luxury and you probably will not get at any point during this 3-day event
-Don't be surprised if you get an "herbal" aroma every 5 minutes. This is an outdoor hippy concert and you see it happening anywhere from the age of 16 to 87...
-Having a buzz helps when you have to use a porty potty for 3 days straight.
-In light of the aforementioned, drink water! It's hot as crap outside!!
-Pack a pancho
-Fanny packs are socially acceptable
-You've probably never heard of 80% of the bands playing, but chances are they are pretty good and/or entertaining
-Being drunk and passed out in the middle of the grass at 3 pm is probably not a good idea. Your friends will leave you and people will be stepping on you all day. (I'm not saying this from personal experience, but did witness first hand)
-The people watching is priceless in light of the cost output
-Sweat/waterproof sunscreen is a MUST. It's a pain when the folds of your elbow get burned from sweat collection and the washing away of the cheap sunscreen...

So what did I like about this fest that will lead me to get tickets next year you might ask?
-It's an experience from start to finish. A very well organized experience I must say for 130 bands and upwards of 65,000 attendees...
-People watching
-Sampling local Austin food. Many options all in one place.
-Finding new bands/music that I like
-Finally getting to see Coldplay live
-Learning the ropes of ACL. Glow sticks are a must. Hats are necessary. Flags/balloons/stuffed animals on poles are extremely helpful markers when looking for people/trying to figure out how to get back to your spot
-Living DT and experiencing the culture. Our running friends let us stay at their condo while they were out of town, and it was so easy to hop on/off the shuttle and be home! Now, we may not get the same luxury next year, but here's hoping!

And now for some photos of the experience...