AUSTIN, Texas --- It’s Weekend 2 of ACT Fest, and the festival can be a moneymaker for some homeowners.

It’s too late to make cash on your house this time around, but there are plenty of event year-round that bring people to Austin looking for a place to crash.

If you don’t mind house guests, your home could be one of more than 10,000 Austin homes available for short-term rental.

Airbnb estimates the monthly revenue for a home in Austin is around $2,000 if rented 15 days per month.

If you’re thinking of renting your home out, the first step is to apply for a short-term rental license, which is required by the City of Austin. The initial cost is $500 and it must be renewed every year for $300.

Your home will fall into one of three types defined by the city, and some are only allowed in certain commercial zoning districts. Once a license is issued, homeowners can advertise on popular websites including Airbnb, Homeaway, and VRBO, where vacationers search for homes.  

Companies like Airbnb and Homeaway give homeowners additional layers of security by offering up to $1 million in property damage and liability claims coverage, and also allow secure messaging for homeowners and potential guests to communicate prior to bookings so both feel comfortable.

The key to success is to provide a wonderful experience for your guests, which can result in high ratings and consistent bookings.

NAVIGATING ACL FEST

If you’re an ACL first-timer, we want to make sure you’re prepared. We sat down with local blogger and podcaster Kristy Owen for tips.

Your first trip to ACL can be overwhelming, but there are ways to organize and make the most of it.

Austin is known for its food scene, and now we have the proof. According to WalletHub, the city makes the top 10 list as one of the food-friendliest cities.

There’s no better place to check out what Austin has to offer in one place than ACL Fest. The ACL Eats food court has the most delicious festival foods, drinks, and sweets from local restaurants.

From pizza to popsicles, whether you’re gluten free, vegetarian or vegan, there is literally something for everyone. Don’t worry about bringing your wallet. All vendors take ACL’s cashless payments, as well as cash, credit and debit.

So in between checking out your must-see music acts, make sure you stop by the food court for must-try food as well.

HISTORY OF ACL FEST

As we round out the last weekend of ACL 2019, let’s take a look back at how it started.

Founded in 2002, the festival began as a one-weekend, two-day event.

Charlie Jones and Charles Attal, founders of Austin’s C3 Presents, put the festival together in just a few months.

Five stages hosted more than 60 bands, and one-day passes were $25.

More than 4,000 people enjoyed the music of Ryan Adams, Arc Angels and local favorites Asleep at the Wheel and Bob Sneider.

The next year, in 2003, the festival extended to three days and admission was $65 for all three.

ACL stayed as a one-weekend event until 2012, when the Austin City Council voted unanimously to allow it to expand to two consecutive weekends beginning the following year.

The festival grows every year with more bands, more ticket options and more vendors. Currently, it attracts around 450,000 people and more than 140 bands on nine stages. Ticket prices range from $105 to $3,600 for a three-day Platinum pass.