Going to the Austin City Limits Music Festival? Leave Your Allergies in the Dust with These Tips

In the following article, Thomas Leath, MD, offers guidance on how a person with allergies can enjoy the Austin City Limits Music Festival even during ragweed season. Dr. Leath is a board-certified Physician Allergist at Allergy Partners Austin.

This fall, the iconic Austin City Limits Music Festival will make its way to Zilker Park, and if you love live music, you might be headed that way, too. It’s an amazing event, with two full weekends of legendary musicians, visionary art exhibits, amazing food from celebrated local restaurants, and a diverse, fun-loving crowd.

In my humble opinion, it’s the best music festival in the world. It’s kind of a big deal!

Unfortunately, ragweed allergies are also kind of a big deal around here, and peak season is exactly when the festival starts. And with the rain and flooding throughout Central Texas, allergy season might be pretty intense this year.

But you don’t have to let ragweed stand between you and a life-changing cultural experience! Here’s how you can stop seasonal allergies from ruining your enjoyment of this once-yearly event!

Common Allergens in Austin

In October, the Zilker Park area is particularly susceptible to multiple allergens. The major player here is common ragweed, but there are other environmental antagonists that can cause symptoms to flare up. Let’s dive deeper!

Ragweed

This annual ragweed variant, known scientifically as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, is rampant throughout Central Texas.

Ragweed season typically kicks off in late summer and can last well into the fall, sometimes extending into early winter. This relentless plant flourishes in the region, and its pollen becomes airborne, traveling significant distances and even landing in areas where there is little to no ragweed growth. It has a sneaky way of sticking to clothes, shoes, bags, and hair.

Pigweed

Amaranthus retroflexus, commonly known by the charming moniker “pigweed,” is another prevalent allergen in Texas.

This plant thrives in warm climates and releases pollen late in the summer and midway through the fall. Its ability to flourish in various environments makes it a significant concern for those with seasonal allergies, especially during outdoor events that last from mid-morning to well into the late evening hours.

Some other common allergens you might encounter in Zilker Park include the following:

• Dust: Dust is like a party mix of every possible environmental allergen, containing pollen, dust mites, mold, dander, and synthetic fibers.
• Trees: Various trees, such as mountain cedar (mainly affecting winter allergies and causing the famous “Cedar Fever”), elm, and pecan, can trigger reactions in some allergy sufferers.
• Grasses: Lawn grasses like Bermuda, Fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass are just a few of the ornamental grasses that can cause sneezing and wheezing.

Preventing Allergies During Festival Season

Sadly, much of the typical allergy advice (stay indoors, check pollen counts before heading out, change your clothes often) isn’t feasible when attending an all-day outdoor festival. After all, you bought tickets months in advance – you’re not going to cancel because of high pollen counts!

So, what can you do? Here are some effective strategies to help you minimize allergy symptoms while enjoying the festival:

• Wear Protective Clothing and a Mask: Keeping irritants at bay can be as simple as dressing smartly and wearing a mask to shield against airborne pollen.
• Start Allergy Medications Early: Taking over-the-counter or prescribed allergy medications one or two weeks in advance can give your body a better chance to cope with allergens.
• Epi-Pen for Food Allergies: If you plan on sampling from food vendors and have food allergies, bring an Epi-Pen. While vendors do their best to highlight potential allergens, mix-ups can occur in the lively festival atmosphere.
• Keep Your Inhaler Nearby: If you have asthma, don’t forget your inhaler. The combination of heat and allergens can trigger asthma attacks, so be sure to store it correctly.
• Clean Up Afterward: Launder your clothes and shower after the day’s events to remove any allergens that may have clung on throughout the day.
• Sinus Rinse: Consider performing a sterile water sinus rinse at night to help clear out any pollen or dust collected during the festival.

Allergens Don’t Sleep at Night: Be Mindful of Triggers

Some of the best of the festival happens in the evening, but allergens don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule.

It might surprise you to learn that allergens often become more concentrated at night, particularly during ragweed season. Cool air can distribute pollen more effectively, while higher humidity levels can trap allergens in the night air. So, being vigilant about allergy prevention is just as critical at night as it is during the day!

Allergies Can Affect Anyone

Ragweed season can be brutal. During the festival, the crowds and activities can kick up such a thick cloud of dust and irritants that people who don’t generally have seasonal allergies will still get symptoms.

The unique combination of dust, ragweed, pollen, mold, and other allergens can create a perfect hay fever storm. Even if you don’t typically have problems with allergies, consider having a saline eye wash and a mask on hand. You never know when conditions might get windy or dusty, and being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your comfort.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival will be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community. But remember, if you find that allergies are giving you a hard time, don’t hesitate to consult with a board-certified allergist. Your health and enjoyment are paramount, so be proactive and plan ahead!