ACL '09 Strategy Session

A tweet put it best: "I love how the star of #ACL fest is the terrain. I've read more about the plush grass that is now mud (with grass roots present) than bands" (by @AustinBloggy)

Yes, this year has presented special challenges beyond the usual how-do-I-get-there and what-do-I-wear-for-the-heat conundrums. Getting there is easy: shuttles from Republic Square Park are running on time and the long line moves quickly. Cabs know where to go and how to get you close in to the park. Walkers know to use the Mopac pedestrian bridge as a drop-off point. Transportation strategy: check.

When you start to get dressed for Austin's 100-degree days, you have one consideration: how to wear as little clothing as possible while looking decent. Remarkably, ACL hasn't seen rain before, so its fest-goers, while well-versed in the art of wearing little, are less versed in how to handle the mud. Here's a tip: if it's raining when you leave your house, you probably want a poncho. Clothing stratgey: not check.

For our final day of the fest, it's going to be muddy. Even if it doesn't rain, it's going to be muddy. It's already muddy.

Shoes: Wear your muddin' shoes. I have always envied those with cute galoshes, and never more than now. If not boots, wear old, ratty sneakers. Flip flops are a bad choice--they don't really flip in the mud, and you'll end up barefoot. Which is okay until you're jumping up and down at Pearl Jam and someone in cute galoshes steps on your barefoot.

Clothes: Wear your swimsuit. It'll dry faster than either shorts or undergarments would, and it's made for water. Ponchos? Yes, but don't let them spoil the fun. Embrace the rain! Let it add to the music. After all, you're dirty, sweaty, smelly, and now wet at a huge musical festival. Go with it.

New clothing strategy: check.

Our last bit on strategy: snaking into the front of a crowd. If you've decided to commit the crime of pushing past those who have been waiting for a show, it's easiest with a few people rather than a big group, and just smile and bear the insults hurled out you. A from-the-side approach works well, except at the bigger shows, when it can be better to approach from right behind the sound stage and snake your way in.

Enjoy Day 3 of ACL '09!