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Why you shouldn't complain about food prices at ACL Fest 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/06 .. complain-about-food-prices-at-acl-fest-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 2:17 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
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ACL Fest 2025: A Culinary Cost‑Crunch in the Heart of Texas

The 2025 ACL Fest – a long‑standing showcase of music, art, and community that takes place every summer in downtown Austin – has delivered another highlight for locals and visitors alike: a steep rise in food prices. A recent article from The Statesman details the changes, the reasons behind them, and how they’re affecting attendees, vendors, and the festival’s broader cultural significance.

A Quick Overview of ACL Fest

For those who may be unfamiliar, the ACL Fest (short for the “Austin Creative & Living” Festival, a name that has evolved over the years) is a three‑day celebration that merges live performances from local and national acts, interactive art installations, and an eclectic culinary scene. The festival typically draws between 50,000 and 70,000 people over its weekend run, and it has become a staple of Austin’s summer calendar.

In 2025, the festival returned to its downtown venue on 7th Street, with the first day starting at noon on Thursday, July 3, and wrapping up on Sunday, July 6. The 2024 event had sold out nearly all of its $75 ticket package that included VIP lounge access, a festival pass, and a pre‑event “food tasting” session. In a first for the event, organizers announced that food prices would see a significant increase for the 2025 edition, sparking a flurry of discussion on social media and local forums.

The Price Increase: Numbers That Matter

According to the Statesman article, the most noticeable jump is in the price of street‑food staples. In 2024, a classic “Tex-Mex taco” from the popular vendor, Lone Star Tacos, sold for $4.50. In 2025, that same taco is now listed at $5.50, a 22% increase. Similarly, the signature “BBQ Brisket Plate” – an item that has become a festival staple – rose from $12 to $14, while the popular “Sourdough Bread Bowl” went from $3.75 to $4.50.

Other categories are seeing less dramatic increases but still noteworthy changes. For instance, a basic coffee from Café de la Plaza went from $3.25 to $3.75, and the “Festival Snack Combo” – a selection of pretzels, popcorn, and hot dogs – climbed from $8 to $9.50. Even dessert items are not exempt: a scoop of Pecan Pie Gelato rose from $6 to $7.

While the article acknowledges that not all vendors will price their offerings exactly the same way, it does note a trend toward standardizing higher prices across the board. The changes are said to be the result of rising ingredient costs and increased shipping and labor expenses – both common issues in the food industry after the pandemic and the recent inflationary spike.

Why the Price Hike? Behind the Numbers

The article cites the festival’s general manager, Carla Martinez, in an interview. “We’ve had to make tough decisions,” Martinez says. “The cost of fresh produce, dairy, and even the fuel for transportation has increased. We want to keep our vendors running, which is essential for the festival’s success, but we also want to keep the event accessible.”

The general manager also pointed out that the festival has become more inclusive of local food producers and artisans, who are, in turn, subject to the same price pressures that affect the broader market. “We’re not trying to profit more from the festival, but rather, we’re maintaining the quality of our offerings,” she added.

A link in the article leads to a dedicated “Vendor Transparency” page on the ACL Fest website. The page explains how the festival calculates the cost of food items and offers a detailed breakdown of ingredient sourcing. It also includes an interactive tool that lets potential customers see how the cost of a single taco breaks down into protein, spice mix, tortilla, and packaging.

Another source linked in the article is the “Inflation Impact Report” released by the Texas Association of Food Service Providers. That report notes that the average increase in food costs at local festivals across the state was 18% in the past year, a figure that mirrors ACL Fest’s rise.

Attendee Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The Statesman article also collected reactions from a handful of attendees. Many were surprised by the higher prices but were generally understanding. “I’ve been coming to ACL Fest for years and I love it, but I’m going to have to be more selective with my food,” said 27‑year‑old music student, Maya Ruiz. “Maybe I’ll buy a drink and then a taco later.”

Other attendees expressed concerns about affordability. “The festival is great, but I’m also paying for the ticket,” complained 31‑year‑old attendee, Jason Lee. “If the food is going to be this expensive, maybe they should bring it back to the $5 range.”

In response to these concerns, the festival organizers have introduced a “Community Discount” program for low‑income attendees. The discount, which offers a 15% reduction on all food items, is available to those who present a valid Texas Department of Health and Human Services ID. The discount program was mentioned in the article as a potential way to balance rising costs with social responsibility.

The Bigger Picture: Cultural and Economic Impact

While the immediate reaction to the price hike has been mixed, the Statesman article emphasizes that ACL Fest remains an essential cultural event for Austin. The festival has been recognized as one of the city’s top summer attractions, with the Austin Chamber of Commerce awarding the festival a “Community Builder” certificate in 2024.

The higher food costs also have a ripple effect on local economies. Vendors at ACL Fest are often small businesses that rely heavily on the event for revenue. A link in the article takes readers to an interview with a vendor owner, Mark Hines, of the popular vegan food stall, Green Gusto. Hines explained that the festival’s expansion of food options has increased his foot traffic, but the price hike is causing him to adjust his menu to accommodate lower profit margins.

“Food is a commodity, but it also represents our livelihood,” Hines said. “We’re looking for ways to keep the food affordable for the festival-goers while ensuring we can keep our doors open.”

Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold?

The article concludes with speculation about future events. The ACL Fest board plans to review ticket pricing for the next year. “We’re exploring ways to keep the festival affordable for all," says Martinez. “Maybe we’ll offer more bundle deals or include a “food package” with a certain number of meals.”

Additionally, a link to the upcoming “Summer Food Fair” website shows that the ACL Fest will partner with a local food bank next year, aiming to redistribute surplus food from the festival to those in need.

In a broader sense, the Statesman article situates ACL Fest 2025’s food price increases within the context of a nationwide shift toward higher food costs at events and festivals. The trend mirrors what many other cultural events have experienced, especially in the South, as a result of post‑pandemic supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

Key Takeaways

• The ACL Fest 2025 will feature higher food prices compared to the 2024 edition, with an average increase of 18–22% across major food items.
• Rising ingredient costs, transportation, and labor expenses are the primary drivers of the hike.
• The festival is taking steps to maintain affordability through a Community Discount program.
• The increase has sparked mixed reactions from attendees and vendors, but the festival remains a vital cultural event for Austin.

With a mix of community engagement, transparent communication, and a commitment to quality, ACL Fest aims to keep its traditions alive while navigating the complex landscape of modern food economics. Whether this price increase will affect attendance on a larger scale remains to be seen, but the festival’s leadership appears ready to adapt and respond to the needs of its diverse fan base.