09 Sep Go Behind the Scenes at ACL Live’s All-New Venue Tours
Experience the magic of ACL Live at the Moody Theater like never before
Our Chamber staff, board, and partners experienced the magic of ACL Live firsthand with a special tour through Austin’s most legendary music venue!
About ACL Live’s All-New Venue Tours
There’s no place like Austin when it comes to live music, and there’s no venue more iconic than ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Home to the legendary PBS series Austin City Limits — now celebrating 50 years — ACL Live at the Moody Theater has opened its doors in a whole new way with all-new daytime tours that let you step behind the curtain of one of music’s most historic stages.
Discover 50 Years of Music History
From Willie Nelson to contemporary icons, Austin City Limits has hosted outlaws, rebels, and innovators across every genre. On this tour, you’ll take an immersive journey through five decades of music history with interactive exhibits, exclusive footage, rare memorabilia, and iconic photography from Scott Newton (ACL’s official photographer since 1972) and Allison Narro (ACL Live’s house photographer).
Go Backstage Like an Artist
Your 90-minute guided tour will take you where fans rarely get to go—backstage, into the artist greenrooms, the poster gallery, and even Willie’s famous porch. You’ll get insider stories about the artists who’ve graced the stage and peek into the control room to see how the show is brought to life for millions of viewers around the world.
Stand in the Spotlight
Few experiences compare to standing on the ACL Live stage, looking out at the same skyline backdrop made famous by PBS’s Austin City Limits. Don’t forget to capture the moment — photo packages are available starting at $10 so you can take home a piece of the magic.
Plan Your Visit
Tours are available Friday through Monday from 10 AM – 2 PM (except holidays and select dates). Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and is limited to 20 people, so advance tickets are highly recommended. The venue and tours are fully wheelchair accessible.
🎟️ Get your tickets now at acllive.com
✨ As the Austin LGBT Chamber gears up for our 6th Annual Pride in Local Music Festival at 3TEN ACL Live, we’re thrilled to partner with a venue that continues to define Austin’s live music scene. Whether you’re a lifelong Austinite or visiting for the first time, the ACL Live Tour is a must-do experience that connects you to the heart and soul of the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Looking to support the Chamber and ACL Live at the Moody Theater? Consider purchasing a VIP Ticket to Pride in Local Music.
Queer Artists Who’ve Graced the ACL Stage
- Brandi Carlile — GRAMMY-winning powerhouse and out LGBTQ+ trailblazer (2010, 2018, 2022).
- Indigo Girls — Folk-rock icons Amy Ray & Emily Saliers, proudly lesbian duo (1992, 1998).
- k.d. lang — Velvet-voiced legend and lesbian icon (1988).
- St. Vincent (Annie Clark) — Art-pop virtuoso who openly identifies as queer (2009, 2018, 2022).
- Phoebe Bridgers — Indie star who has openly identified as queer/bi (2021).
- Billie Eilish — Global pop innovator who has publicly identified as queer (2020).
- Joan Baez — Folk luminary who has spoken about loving women; often recognized as bi/pan (1994).
- Tracy Chapman — Revered artist who keeps labels private; widely celebrated in LGBTQ+ history (2003).
Note: Artists’ identities are self-defined and evolve over time; the list reflects how these artists have publicly described themselves or are widely recognized in reputable coverage.
More iconic artists who have performed on the ACL Live Stage
- Willie Nelson — the very first ACL performer in 1975 and frequent guest.
- Dolly Parton (2001) — country legend with global impact.
- Flaco Jimenez (1976, 1980, 1995, and 1999 as part of Mexican Roots Music.
- George Strait (1982, 1984, 1986, 1989) — “King of Country.”
- Reba McEntire (1988) — one of country’s most celebrated vocalists.
- The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) (1999, 2001, 2007, 2013) — groundbreaking Texas trio.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble (1983, 1989, 1995 retrospective) — blues-rock icon.
- Foo Fighters (2008, 2015, 2023) — powerhouse rock band.
- Radiohead (2012) — influential alternative rock pioneers.
- Pearl Jam (2009) — Seattle grunge icons.
- Coldplay (2005, 2011) — British stadium rock band.
- John Legend (2006) — Grammy and EGOT-winning artist.
- Norah Jones (2002, 2007, 2013) — acclaimed jazz-pop singer-songwriter.
- John Mayer (2003, 2007) — pop-rock guitar virtuoso.
- Paul McCartney (2018) — Beatle on the ACL stage!
- B.B. King (1983, 1996, 2001) — the “King of the Blues.”
- Ray Charles (1980, 1984, 1997) — one of the greatest voices of the 20th century.
- Bonnie Raitt (2002) — blues-rock and Americana icon.
- Etta James (2005) — legendary soul and blues singer.