One Wristband, No group Chat: Experiencing ACL Solo

Christabell Nunez, Austin City Limits Festival 2026

I walked into Zilker a little nervous. Then I heard the music.

Besties, going to a festival alone sounds a little intimidating until you’re there, hearing the music and realizing you’re exactly where you want to be.

I attended ACL Weekend One to cover the festival for Ribbon Magazine, including an Instagram takeover. I knew friends who were going, but I only ran into one person and then never saw them again the rest of the weekend.

So it was me, my rain boots, a clear backpack full of supplies, and whatever caught my attention.

My husband dropped me off at Zilker no high-priced ridesharing here—and I’ll admit I felt a little nervous walking in. But once I heard the music and the people around me sounding excited and happy, that feeling changed.

I belonged here.

Solo, but in Good Company

My previous solo concert experience was Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shows in Houston, nights one and two. And when you’re with the Hive, are you ever truly alone?

ACL was a different experience. There were multiple stages, artists I didn’t know, and an entire festival to explore. I came with an open mind: listen to new music, discover new artists, and if I made a few friends along the way, amazing.

I didn’t need that last part to happen for the weekend to be worth it.

Once I settled in, I never felt awkward being solo. I did my own thing and walked anywhere and everywhere. With so much happening around me, there was always something I wanted to check out.

No “Where Are You?” Texts Required

One of the best parts of going alone was choosing my own pace.

Sometimes I moved closer to a stage to experience the excitement of an artist’s diehard fans. Other times, I stayed farther back so I could dance without making someone else an unwilling participant in my choreography.

I could stop for an unfamiliar artist, explore an activation, or browse the market without coordinating anyone else’s plans.

That freedom helped me discover music I might otherwise have missed. I went in knowing only a small part of the lineup and left with new favorites, including Young Miko.

My only scheduling complaint? I couldn’t run fast enough to every stage. Apparently, my music taste has more stamina than my legs.

A Backpack With a Purpose

I watched the weather like a hawk before the weekend and packed accordingly: a rain poncho, hair ties, two bandanas, a rechargeable fan, a towel, and my own phone charger. Rain boots completed the look.

Being prepared helped me enjoy the festival without spending the whole time thinking about the rain. And that cool breeze? I appreciated her.

Saturday’s long entrance line did cost me DJ Cassandra’s set, which still hurts. But once inside, I kept moving and made the most of the day.

My Breaks Came With a Little Work

Because I was covering ACL, my breaks sometimes meant heading into the media lounge to post, upload, and send out content.

The lounge had a hospitality area, Wi-Fi, and its own bathrooms the elevated kind of portable restroom, which I very much appreciated. Those were perks of my media access, and they helped me balance enjoying the festival with getting my coverage out.

I brought my own charger, but I also noticed charging areas at a few brand activations. Between capturing content and checking the schedule, my phone had a full-time job that weekend, too.

Plenty to Explore Between Sets

The food hall always seemed packed, and it smelled delicious. There was so much to choose from, plus an area for sweet treats with Amy’s Ice Creams, Sno Beach, and more.

Then there was the market. Roommate Collective sent me home with two star hair clips, stickers, and a corndog hat.

Did I arrive knowing I needed a corndog hat? No. But going solo meant nobody was there to question that purchase, and I support that kind of freedom.

Between the music, shopping, food areas, and activations, taking a break from a stage didn’t mean running out of things to do.

Besties, I’d Do It Again ||

Besties, I’d Do It Again ||

I loved taking myself to ACL. The little bit of nervousness I felt at the entrance didn’t stay with me. Instead, I spent two days following my curiosity, dancing, discovering artists, and enjoying my own company.

If you’re thinking about going alone, that’s what I’d want you to know: I was nervous, too. Then I got inside, heard the music, and had so much fun.

I’m already excited for ACL 2027. Until then, there’s a growing playlist to listen to, a corndog hat to wear, and another solo adventure to figure out.

Besties, which festival is next?