With Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park this weekend and next, it’s important to know what to bring to keep yourself looking good, staying hydrated and avoiding a sunburn. Whether you’re fanny packing it, bringing a backpack or just sticking your wallet in your shorts, here are some guidelines as to what you can bring into the park to make the best of your festival experience.

By Maddy Hill and Angela Bonilla

Lip Balm with SPF

Keep your lips hydrated by putting on lip balm with SPF to protect them from the sun.  Since you’re probably going to take quite a few selfies this weekend, keep your lips in good condition for your smile. Look for a lip balm with vitamin E, aloe and SPF.

Earplugs

Earplugs are perfect for when you need to take a break from the incessant vocalization, heart-throbbing bass and loud guitar chords (or borderline screaming — Twenty One Pilots, anyone?). Over time, consistent exposure to loud environments deteriorates inner ear hairs that facilitate hearing, leading to irreversible hearing loss. Give your ears the break they deserve and prevent future hearing loss.  

Blotting Wipes

Refresh your skin and prevent oiliness by carrying a pack of oil blotting wipes. Not only are packs of oil blotting wipes extremely thin, but you can swipe them across your T-zone while you use the port-a-potty and toss them out before you step back outside.

Thick Hair Elastics

There’s no escaping the sweaty mess that results from a day full of dancing, sweating and head bobbing to your favorite bands. Pull your hair up between sets and pictures with a thick elastic, which won’t crease your fabulous mane.  

Small Wallet

Keep the essential cards in a small wallet to maximize the space in your bag this weekend. Two ideal options for ACL include a flip-open wallet or a hard shell wallet that prevents water damage in case of rain. If you’re bringing a fanny pack, put your wallet on the inside zipper by your hip to prevent theft.  

Sunscreen Face Stick

Protecting yourself from the sun is one of the hardest challenges for festival-goers. It’s easy to lose yourself in the music and forget to reapply, so make it easy on yourself by carrying a sunscreen stick for your face. It’s quick, easy and won’t be a mess when you’re trying to run from stage to stage.

Poncho

Is it really a Texas festival if a chance of rain doesn’t threaten to put the whole thing off? Don’t let bad weather stop you from jamming to your favorite ACL artists. Pack a poncho and go worry-free.

Empty Water Bottle

While many people think it’s prohibited to bring water into ACL, the festival’s website clearly states that folks can bring two factory sealed water bottles. If you’re still worried about bringing water into the event, grab an empty CamelBak or aluminum water bottle before leaving home. With multiple water filling stations available, you don’t have to go thirsty.

Polarized sunglasses

Don’t be that person holding your palm up to your face to block the sun while everyone else is rocking out. Wear sunglasses, specifically polarized sunglasses to prevent glare from the equipment on the stage. Not only will sunglasses protect your eyes, but you are more likely to prevent getting a headache from squinting.

Portable Charger

It’s never fun when you lose your friends at ACL and have no means of communicating because your phone died three sets in. Bring a portable charger so you don’t have to wait in line at charging stations, preferably one with extra USB ports so your friends can charge their devices, too.

Extra Cash

If you aren’t planning on setting up the Cashless feature for your ACL wristband, it’s best to have some extra cash on hand. Any number of situations could arise at ACL — you could lose your credit card or, more commonly, run into a vendor that only accepts cash. Don’t risk being left without food or a taxi home by carrying some spare change.