This is one of the country’s hottest festivals—literally and figuratively. Scheduled annually in the inferno of Austin’s mid-September, the Austin City Limits Festival (ACL Fest) features searing temperatures and equally scorching bands.

Presented by the organizers of the long-running PBS show of the same name, this event is one of those no-brainers that should have been in existence since the show’s inception in 1975. Alas, the festival premiered in 2002, and has since become a renowned event among music fans of all types.

Artists range from legends like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty to big names such as Coldplay, Wilco, and the Arcade Fire to up-and-comers (came-and-wenters?) like Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys. Over the years, festival organizers have learned some valuable lessons about hosting a successful event by offering the following amenities: dozens of exclusively local food vendors, shade and misting tents, free water stations, and an Austin Kiddie Limits stage.

Organizers claim the festival will continue to take place during the blistering month of September since it is the only time to amass the hundred-plus bands that remain on the road wrapping up summer tours. Despite the sweltering conditions, nearly 70,000 fans quickly snap up tickets each year. It’s only rock ‘n roll.… For more information, visit www.aclfestival.com.