Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live) (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: With nightly national acts, intimate 3TEN sets, bar service, and easy single-seat booking, a solo visitor can enjoy music, mingle, and exit on their own schedule without logistics hassles.
Positives:
- Intimate venues: Small crowds at 3TEN make it easy to meet fellow music fans.
- Free entry options: Lottery and summer DJ nights offer budget-friendly ways to experience ACL Live.
Challenges:
- High demand tickets: Popular shows and lotteries book up quickly, so plan ahead.
- Late end times: Shows often finish after midnight—arrange safe transport back to your lodging.
What is Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)?
- A live performance venue housed in the Moody Theater in downtown Austin that serves as the home stage for the Austin City Limits television series
- A fully equipped broadcast and recording facility featuring production studios, control rooms, and a dedicated taping stage for live television concerts
- 3TEN ACL Live: an adjacent subterranean listening room and bar with a 350-person capacity, stage area, and lounge-style seating
What is so special about Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live) for solo trip?
- Attend intimate 3TEN performances and free summer DJ nights
- Win free ACL TV taping seats through the online lottery
- Go backstage on a behind-the-stage tour with on-stage photo access
- Relax on the Moody Theater’s open-air music porch before shows
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Most shows last about 90 minutes plus time to explore the lobby and grab a drink.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
Catch a house show at 3TEN:
Attend an intimate gig featuring local or emerging artists in a 350-capacity listening room.
Tip: Buy tickets ($20–$35) online early and grab a seat near the stage for the best sound.
Join a free ACL Live Summer Set:
Enjoy indoor DJ dance nights during summer with no cover charge.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot and sample seasonal cocktails on the outdoor patio.
Enter the ACL TV taping lottery:
Apply online for a chance at free tickets to Austin City Limits TV tapings.
Tip: Submit your entry as soon as the lottery opens—slots fill within hours.
Take the behind-the-stage tour:
Go backstage at Moody Theater to see the broadcast booth and production spaces.
Tip: Book in advance for $48 and bring your camera for on-stage photo ops.
Explore the music porch:
Relax in the lobby’s open-air area with free Wi-Fi and merch displays before shows.
Tip: Visit 30 minutes before doors open to mingle and spot sponsor activations.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
- Sign up early: Join the TV taping lottery and 3TEN mailing list as soon as dates are released.
- Use mobile ticketing: Link tickets in your phone wallet to speed entry and avoid line waits.
- Grab floor seats quickly: For standing-room shows, arrive at doors 15 minutes early to get front-row spots.
Reviews of Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
Aya Brea K
This has been an unforgettable experience. I came specifically to see The Killers, and I had been waiting for many years to attend one of their concerts. I highly recommend it — it is truly remarkable. Words cannot fully capture it. Please note that the merchandise is relatively expensive, but the quality is excellent. Thank you, Austin, TX.
Azul Del Sol
If you’re debating seeing a show here — DO IT!!! I had the pleasure of seeing MARINA (with headliner, Mallrat) here. My seats were way in the back (only $25) but even from the furthest seat, we were so close!! The AC was bumping so the venue was nice and cold, water was reasonably priced ($4), good concession options, clean bathrooms, easy access to parking lot, staff was SO friendly, sound quali...
RicK
Went there during the week, first tour, and we ended up with a private tour, just us! Great background information, Willie history, fantastic exhibits, fun to see who all has played there and who is in their Hall of Fame :-). Gift shop was even having a sale, with some items even up to 75% off. Can't resist a tourist T-shirt at that price! Take a picture of yourself with Willie in the front!
marajawanna
Good sized venue. BEST concert staff i've interacted with. You can tell security love their jobs and overall great vibes. The view after the show was to die for. and i saw my goat Cuco there. LOVED IT
Eric Grundelman
Went for the PBR draft and Shane Smith concert after. Everybody at the venue was super helpful. Not a bad seat in the house and the bar accommodations were awesome. VERY customer service oriented. Great venue with accessibility for all. Awesome vibe in the place.
When is the best time to visit Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live) (Austin, United States)?
In summer, join free DJ nights at 3TEN. In cooler months, focus on indoor shows and check the theater’s schedule for holiday specials.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 3TEN show ticket | USD 30 |
| Cocktail | USD 12 |
| Shareable plate | USD 18 |
| Behind-the-stage tour | USD 48 |
| Total Estimated | USD 108 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
Address: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
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About Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live)
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