How to Get Tickets to Austin City Limits Tapings

This Austin-based PBS show has been running since 1976 and has featured artists ranging from Willie Nelson and Ray Charles to Coldplay and the Killers. They film on the UT campus. Even with little change in the format since the beginning, including the Austin skyline as the backdrop, these tapings remain the toughest-to-get tickets in town. But, the experience is one-of-a-kind, especially for live music lovers.

Things You'll Need

• Persistence and patience.

Instructions

1. Tickets for these tapings are never sold, only given away. Call the station's hotline [phone]) to get updates on upcoming shows.

2. The hotline will list the performer and time. They will also name radio stations, usually KGSR or KLBJ, to listen to two to three days prior to taping. For out-of-town folks, both stations stream online.

3. The stations will announce a location and time to get the tickets. It is a first-come, first-served basis. If you want tickets, you should be willing to drop things on short notice and stand in line for an hour or more depending on the bands performing.

4. There is a two-ticket limit per person. These tickets don't guarantee entry to the show. Be prepared to get in line early before the taping. But, it's all worth it. They usually tape two shows at a time and free Shiner Bock is served after you get through the doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the websites of your favorite bands. Many times, they will leak information of tapings along with their scheduled shows in Austin.

• Set up reminders to call the hotline on a regular basis.

• Donate $5,000 or more to Austin City Limits, you'll get 20 free tickets guaranteeing admission.

• A set of tickets is earmarked for the band and the label. If you've got a connection, now is the time to use it.

• Get there early and be willing to stand in line.

• These tapings should not be confused with the annual Austin City Limits festival held in the fall.