FAQ: What you need to know besides who's playing

We pored over our past coverage, interviewed some Austin City Limits Music Festival veterans and combed the festival's Web site to bring you these tips for getting the most out of your time at Zilker Park this weekend.

Where do I park?

As usual, there's no on-site parking during the festival. In the past, some businesses near Zilker Park have sold parking spaces, but prices have hit as high as $100 for a three-day pass. Don't plan on parking in the neighborhoods near Zilker Park — access is restricted.

Capital Metro will offer a free shuttle service from Republic Square at Fourth and Guadalupe streets in downtown Austin. Shuttle service runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (the last shuttle leaves Zilker at 11 p.m.). Lines to board can be long.

Also keep in mind that with the shuttles departing from Republic Square, parking downtown is at a premium.

One tip we got from a previous festival-goer is to take a regular Cap Metro bus to the Barton Springs Road-Lamar Boulevard intersection. Worth a try.

Can someone drop me off at the festival?

Yes, but only in a set area (otherwise, prepare to be ticketed). According to the ACL Fest Web site: "The passenger drop-off area is at the north end of the MoPac (Loop 1) Pedestrian Bridge on Stephen F. Austin Drive." Cabs will have their own pickup and drop-off area.

Can I go in and out of the festival?

Three-day ticket holders can enter and leave the festival on the same day. One-day ticket holders cannot. You have to go through security each time you enter.

Are there ATMs on festival grounds?

Yes, but you'll avoid the lines if you remember to bring cash.

Are dogs allowed?

Only service animals.

Can I record performances?

No. Video and audio recording equipment are not allowed.

Can I take pictures?

You can bring a personal camera, but not professional equipment, such as tripods.

Will I have cell phone reception?

Maybe. Reports from vary from year to year: Some had no problems with cells; others did. One advises relying mainly on texting, but other have even had some problems with that. Set your phone to vibrate; you probably won't be able to hear it ring.

My friend went to ACL in 2005 and said it was so dusty she'd never go back. Have improvements been made?

Zilker's irrigation system was improved in 2006 (with more improvements planned). Dust has not been a problem the past few years.

Random survival recommendations from our staff, who've attended every festival:

• Baby wipes: Totally essential, not only for wiping off the ACL funk, but also for all bathroom related grossness. And as a bonus, you could sell them to desperate fest-goers and make a little scratch.
• An essential, but not often discussed tip: deodorant on your inner thighs. Life saver. Learn it, live it, love it and be chafe-free.
• Small container of sanitizer, because the dispensers always seem to be empty
• Bandana (hats only give so much cover; tie it in front to keep the back of your neck covered)
• Visit a drug store rack, drop $5 for a cheap pair of sunglasses (rather than losing or breaking your expensive ones at the fest).
• Stuff to leave at home: Trade a full wallet for a money clip with just cash and your ID (for booze purchases). Also, you tend to bring a camera and rarely use it. Rely on your cell phone's camera if need arises. Keys have no business at a festival.

What to leave in, what to leave out

We've covered some of this in other questions, but here is the complete list from the festival Web site:

Allowed:

• Blankets

• Small, hand-held umbrellas

• Soft-sided coolers

• Baby strollers

• Portable/collapsible chair (no 'double-wide' chairs)

• Regular-size/unframed backpacks

• Two factory-sealed water bottles, up to 1 liter each

• Empty Camelbak or empty plastic container (e.g., Nalgene bottle)

• Ice in soft-sided cooler or Camelbak; no large bags allowed

• Binoculars

• Personal camera equipment (i.e. small digital cameras or point-and-click 35 mm cameras).

Prohibited:

• Weapons of any kind

• Illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia

• Framed or large backpacks

• Alcohol

• Glass containers

• Food or beverages, except for factory-sealed water bottles

• Skateboards, scooters or personal motorized vehicles

• Bicycles inside festival grounds

• Carts

• Large chains or spiked jewelry

• Fireworks

• Large umbrellas

• Non-collapsible chairs

• Hard-sided coolers

• Tents

• Pets (except service dogs)

• Video equipment

• Professional still camera equipment

• Audio recording equipment

• Unauthorized/unlicensed vending