AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) generated $8.5 million in 2025 for Austin park improvements, according to festival organizer C3 Presents.
C3 Presents said the annual contribution supports projects through a long-running partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation (APF). The organization said ACL Fest has contributed more than $79 million to Austin’s park system over the past two decades.
APF Chief Executive Officer Colin Wallis said the funding supports park projects across the city.
“The impact of this partnership extends far beyond a single park,” Wallis said in a statement. He said the partnership has funded hundreds of park projects, including the development of Austin’s first all-abilities playground at Onion Creek Metro Park.
C3 Presents said ACL Fest has generated $557.8 million in local economic activity in 2025 and more than $4.7 billion since it began tracking economic impact in 2006.
Organizers said a portion of ticket sales supports city parks and that the 2025 contribution will fund both park projects and maintenance at Zilker Park, where the festival is held.
Festival proceeds will support projects across all 10 Austin City Council districts, including playground replacement at Chestnut Pocket Park in District 1, Phase 1 construction at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park in District 2, and the development of an all-abilities playground at Onion Creek Metro Park in District 2.
The funding will also support sport court improvements across all districts and trail and stewardship projects in greenbelts and preserves in Districts 5, 7, and 8.
APF said ACL Fest funding has supported more than 260 park projects over 21 years. Recent allocations have included $750,000 for Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Park, $390,000 for Rosewood Neighborhood Park playground improvements, and $145,000 for Scenic Brook Pocket Park.
