Coming up - ACL Music Festival in Austin, Texas on October 2-4 & 9-11, 2026

ACL Music Festival in Austin, Texas on October 2-4 & 9-11, 2026.

Austin City Limits Music Festival Celebrates 25 Years With a Landmark 2026 Lineup

For a quarter century, Austin City Limits Music Festival has been more than just another stop on the annual festival circuit. It has become a defining part of Austin's identity, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talent, local musicians, acclaimed chefs, artists, and hundreds of thousands of music fans in one of the country's most recognizable urban parks.

That tradition continues as ACL Fest celebrates its 25th anniversary with another diverse lineup spanning pop, rock, alternative, electronic, indie, hip hop, folk, country, Americana, and everything in between. The festival returns to Zilker Park over two weekends, October 2 through 4 and October 9 through 11, once again transforming the heart of Austin into one of the largest live music gatherings in the United States. The 2026 edition features headliners Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, Skrillex during Weekend One, Kings of Leon during Weekend Two, and The xx, joined by more than 100 additional artists performing across nine stages.

While the lineup is always the biggest attraction, ACL Fest has long distinguished itself by creating an experience that extends far beyond music. Local restaurants, art installations, family activities, wellness programming, and one of the most scenic festival settings in the country have helped make the event a destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world.

A Festival Built on an Austin Tradition

The festival traces its roots to the legendary Austin City Limits television series, which debuted in 1974 and remains the longest running music television program in American history. The television show helped establish Austin as the "Live Music Capital of the World," showcasing everyone from country legends and blues pioneers to rock icons and contemporary artists.

Inspired by the success of the television program, the first Austin City Limits Music Festival was held in 2002. Organizers envisioned an event that celebrated the city's diverse musical heritage while introducing audiences to artists representing virtually every genre.

That vision proved remarkably successful. Over the years the festival has welcomed legendary performers including Metallica, Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons, The Cure, Neil Young, Pearl Jam, and hundreds more, while also giving rising artists opportunities to perform before massive audiences early in their careers.

Today, ACL Fest consistently ranks among North America's premier music festivals, combining major headliners with carefully curated undercards that encourage discovery. Many attendees arrive with plans to see a handful of favorite artists only to leave talking about a performer they had never heard before stepping into Zilker Park.

Why Zilker Park Is the Perfect Home

Few festivals can match the setting of ACL Fest. Located along the banks of Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park offers sweeping views of the Austin skyline while providing hundreds of acres of open green space. Towering trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the grounds, while the city's downtown skyline creates a uniquely recognizable backdrop that has become synonymous with the festival itself.

Unlike festivals held at speedways or fairgrounds, Zilker Park feels woven into the fabric of the city. Visitors can spend the morning exploring downtown, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, or visiting nearby restaurants before walking directly into the festival grounds.

The location also reflects the character of Austin itself. Music, outdoor recreation, local food, art, and culture all come together in one place, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from nearly every other major music festival.

25 Years of Evolution

Reaching a 25th anniversary is a milestone few festivals achieve. During those twenty-five years, ACL Fest has evolved alongside the music industry. Early lineups leaned heavily toward rock, country, folk, and Americana. As musical tastes changed, so did the festival, embracing hip hop, electronic music, alternative pop, Latin artists, indie rock, and international performers while still maintaining strong ties to its Texas roots.

That willingness to evolve has helped the festival remain relevant across multiple generations of music fans. The 2026 lineup continues that tradition, balancing established headliners with artists currently reshaping popular music. Electronic music has one of its strongest showings in recent festival history, while indie rock, alternative music, singer-songwriters, and pop remain well represented throughout the weekend.

The Headliners

Every edition of ACL Fest features artists capable of filling arenas on their own, and the 2026 lineup is no exception.

Charli xcx

Few artists have experienced a more remarkable career evolution than Charli xcx. After first gaining international attention as a songwriter and collaborator, she steadily developed into one of pop music's most adventurous and influential performers. Rather than following conventional pop formulas, she embraced experimental production, electronic influences, and forward-thinking collaborations that helped redefine modern pop throughout the past decade.

Her willingness to constantly reinvent her sound has earned critical acclaim while building an intensely loyal fan base. Songs blend infectious hooks with club-inspired production, making her equally at home on festival main stages and dance floors around the world.

As one of the festival's anniversary headliners, Charli xcx represents the contemporary side of ACL Fest's musical identity, appealing to longtime followers while introducing new audiences to one of pop's most creative artists.

RÜFÜS DU SOL

Electronic music has become an increasingly important part of the festival landscape, and few groups have helped elevate melodic electronic music to arena status quite like RÜFÜS DU SOL. The Australian trio built its reputation through immersive live performances that combine electronic production with live instrumentation, creating cinematic soundscapes that feel equally suited for headphones or massive outdoor festivals.

Albums such as Atlas, Bloom, Solace, and Surrender showcased the group's continued musical growth while producing fan favorites that have become staples of their live performances.

Rather than relying solely on dance music conventions, RÜFÜS DU SOL incorporates elements of indie rock, ambient music, and atmospheric pop, resulting in performances that build gradually before exploding into euphoric crescendos. Their return as an ACL Fest headliner should be one of the weekend's most visually spectacular performances.

Twenty One Pilots

For more than a decade, Twenty One Pilots has occupied a unique space in modern rock. The duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun refuses to stay within a single genre, blending alternative rock, hip hop, electronic music, pop, reggae, and introspective songwriting into a style that has attracted millions of listeners worldwide.

Beginning with independent releases before breaking through with Vessel, the band reached another level of success with Blurryface, producing international hits while earning multiple awards and selling out arenas across the globe.

Subsequent releases continued expanding their ambitious conceptual storytelling, with each album exploring interconnected themes and evolving visual identities. Their festival performances are known for combining theatrical production with remarkable audience engagement, making them one of the most anticipated acts of the anniversary celebration.

Lorde

Since emerging as a teenager with the breakthrough single "Royals," Lorde has established herself as one of pop music's most thoughtful and distinctive voices. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, captured international attention with its minimalist production and introspective lyrics, earning multiple awards and setting the stage for a career built on artistic independence rather than following mainstream trends.

She continued that evolution with Melodrama, an album widely praised for its emotional storytelling and sophisticated songwriting. Its exploration of heartbreak, self-discovery, and growing up resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing her reputation as one of her generation's premier songwriters. Solar Power followed with a more relaxed, acoustic-inspired sound, demonstrating yet another shift in her artistic direction.

Rather than releasing music at a rapid pace, Lorde has remained selective, allowing each album to develop its own identity. That approach has helped build anticipation whenever she returns with new material or announces a tour.

Her appearance at the 25th anniversary of ACL Fest promises to be one of the festival's defining performances, bringing together fans who have followed her career from the beginning alongside newer listeners discovering her music for the first time.

The xx

For fans of atmospheric indie music, the return of The xx is among the most exciting bookings on this year's lineup. Formed in London, the trio consisting of Romy, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx built its reputation through understated arrangements, intimate vocal performances, and minimalist production that stood apart from much of contemporary indie rock.

Their self-titled debut album quickly became a critical and commercial success, introducing songs such as "Crystalised" and "Islands." The follow-up albums, Coexist and I See You, expanded their sonic palette while maintaining the emotional restraint and spacious production that became their signature.

Each member has also enjoyed successful solo projects in recent years, particularly Jamie xx, whose electronic productions have become staples at festivals around the world. Their reunion on the ACL Fest lineup gives audiences a chance to experience the chemistry that first made the band one of indie music's most respected acts.

Skrillex

Weekend One attendees will have the opportunity to see one of electronic music's most influential performers. Long before electronic dance music became a fixture at major American festivals, Skrillex helped introduce dubstep and bass music to a mainstream audience. His explosive productions, innovative sound design, and relentless creativity transformed expectations for electronic music in the early 2010s.

Since then, he has expanded far beyond a single genre. His work now incorporates house, UK garage, hip hop, drum and bass, Latin influences, and experimental electronic music, while collaborations with artists across nearly every musical style have demonstrated his remarkable versatility.

Beyond his solo work, Skrillex has become one of modern music's most sought-after producers, contributing to projects spanning pop, rap, rock, and electronic music. His appearance during Weekend One adds another major draw for dance music fans and continues ACL Fest's tradition of presenting globally recognized electronic artists.

Kings of Leon

Weekend Two features a different headlining experience with Kings of Leon, whose blend of Southern rock, alternative rock, and arena-ready anthems has made them festival favorites for more than two decades.

Formed by brothers Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill, and cousin Matthew Followill, the band initially built a loyal following through raw garage rock and Southern influences before achieving worldwide success with albums including Only by the Night and Come Around Sundown.

Songs such as "Use Somebody," "Sex on Fire," and "Closer" remain staples of rock radio while newer releases have demonstrated a continued willingness to evolve without abandoning the band's recognizable sound. Their return to ACL Fest should appeal to longtime festival attendees who have followed the band's career as well as younger fans discovering their extensive catalog.

More Artists Worth Catching

While the headliners naturally receive much of the attention, one of the greatest strengths of ACL Fest has always been the depth of its lineup. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers will have countless opportunities to discover artists performing earlier in the day before making their way to the evening headliners.

Turnstile

Few rock bands have experienced a rise comparable to Turnstile. Emerging from the hardcore scene in Baltimore, the band has steadily expanded its sound by incorporating melodic hooks, alternative rock, funk, and experimental influences while maintaining the intensity that first earned them a dedicated following.

Their breakthrough albums have introduced the group to audiences far beyond the hardcore community, making them one of the most talked-about modern rock bands. Their inclusion on the lineup continues ACL Fest's commitment to showcasing artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary guitar music.

Labrinth

Singer, songwriter, producer, and composer Labrinth has built one of the most diverse careers in modern music. In addition to his own acclaimed solo releases, he has produced for numerous internationally recognized artists and composed memorable scores for film and television. 

His work combines R&B, soul, gospel, electronic music, orchestral arrangements, and pop into a sound that is immediately recognizable. His festival performances often blur the line between concert and theatrical production, making his set one of the more intriguing performances of the weekend.

Lola Young

British singer-songwriter Lola Young has become one of the fastest-rising voices in contemporary pop and soul. Known for emotionally honest songwriting and a distinctive vocal style, she has steadily expanded her international audience through both streaming success and memorable live performances. Her appearance at ACL Fest reflects the festival's tradition of identifying artists whose careers continue to accelerate.

Bleachers

Led by Jack Antonoff, Bleachers has become one of indie pop's most recognizable acts. Antonoff's work extends far beyond his own band. As one of the music industry's most respected producers, he has collaborated with numerous award-winning artists while continuing to develop Bleachers into a successful touring act known for energetic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting.

SOFI TUKKER

The duo of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern has become synonymous with festival-ready electronic music. Drawing inspiration from dance, house, Brazilian rhythms, and global influences, SOFI TUKKER consistently delivers music designed for large outdoor crowds. Their vibrant performances have made them regular fixtures at major festivals around the world.

The Chainsmokers

Over the past decade, The Chainsmokers have evolved from electronic producers into one of the biggest crossover acts in popular music. The duo has combined dance music with pop songwriting, alternative influences, and live instrumentation to create a catalog that has generated billions of streams while remaining a reliable festival attraction.

The War on Drugs

For fans of expansive rock music, The War on Drugs offers one of the weekend's most compelling performances. Led by Adam Granduciel, the band has earned widespread acclaim for richly layered songs that blend heartland rock, Americana, classic rock, and atmospheric production. Their albums have consistently received praise for both songwriting and musicianship, making them one of the most respected bands in contemporary rock.

Parcels

Australian group Parcels has cultivated an international following through a seamless blend of funk, disco, indie pop, and electronic music. Their groove-oriented sound and polished musicianship have made them increasingly popular at festivals, where extended live arrangements often differ significantly from their studio recordings.

Leon Thomas

Singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Leon Thomas has emerged as one of R&B's most exciting contemporary artists. Having spent years writing and producing for others before stepping fully into the spotlight himself, he has developed a sophisticated sound that balances classic soul influences with modern production.

Young Miko

Puerto Rican artist Young Miko continues to expand her international profile through a blend of Latin trap, reggaeton, and hip hop. Her inclusion reflects both the growing global influence of Latin music and ACL Fest's ongoing commitment to presenting artists whose impact extends well beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Brandon Flowers

Weekend One also features a solo appearance from Brandon Flowers, best known as the frontman of The Killers. While his work with The Killers has produced some of modern rock's biggest anthems, his solo recordings reveal a more personal and introspective side of his songwriting. Fans of both projects will undoubtedly make this one of the weekend's most anticipated performances.

More Than Just the Music

One of the reasons Austin City Limits Music Festival has remained one of the country's premier music festivals for 25 years is that it has never focused solely on the lineup. While the artists draw visitors from around the world, the overall experience is what keeps many attendees returning year after year.

From locally inspired food and artisan shopping to family-friendly attractions and premium hospitality, the festival offers something to enjoy between performances.

Austin Eats
No visit to Austin would be complete without experiencing the city's celebrated food scene, and ACL Fest brings many of those flavors directly into Zilker Park through Austin Eats.

Rather than relying primarily on national concession vendors, the festival showcases restaurants and food trucks representing the city's diverse culinary culture. Festivalgoers can expect a wide selection of options ranging from authentic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites to Asian cuisine, pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, vegetarian selections, vegan dishes, desserts, and refreshing beverages.

The participating restaurants vary from year to year, giving returning visitors an opportunity to sample something new each time they attend. For visitors traveling from outside Texas, Austin Eats also provides a convenient introduction to many of the restaurants that have helped establish the city's national culinary reputation.

Whether grabbing a quick bite between sets or enjoying a leisurely meal while planning the rest of the day's schedule, the food has become an important part of the overall festival experience.

ACL Art Market
Music may be the centerpiece of the weekend, but creativity extends well beyond the stages. The ACL Art Market features artists and makers from across Texas, offering a curated selection of handcrafted goods, jewelry, artwork, clothing, home décor, accessories, and unique gifts.

Unlike the standard merchandise tents found at many festivals, the marketplace celebrates local craftsmanship and provides attendees with an opportunity to support independent artists while taking home something uniquely connected to their visit. For many visitors, browsing the booths between performances has become an annual tradition.

Bonus Tracks
Throughout the weekend, attendees will also discover the festival's Bonus Tracks area. Designed to provide interactive experiences beyond the music, this section of the festival often features sponsor activations, games, photo opportunities, product demonstrations, giveaways, and shaded areas where visitors can relax before heading back to the stages. These experiences continue to evolve each year, giving returning festivalgoers something new to explore while helping first-time visitors discover unexpected attractions throughout the grounds.

Austin Kiddie Limits
One of the features that separates ACL Fest from many other major music festivals is its commitment to families. Austin Kiddie Limits offers a dedicated area filled with activities designed specifically for younger attendees. Live performances, interactive entertainment, arts and crafts, educational programming, games, and hands-on experiences provide children with their own festival while parents enjoy the larger event. The family-friendly atmosphere has helped make ACL Fest a multigenerational tradition for many Texas families, with parents introducing children to live music in a welcoming outdoor environment.

Festival Merchandise
Official festival merchandise remains one of the most popular stops inside the grounds. Attendees can purchase exclusive 25th anniversary apparel, posters, hats, accessories, and commemorative items celebrating this milestone year. Artist merchandise is also available throughout the venue, allowing fans to take home shirts, vinyl records, posters, and other collectibles from many of the performers appearing during the festival. Popular items often sell out before the weekend concludes, making early shopping a good strategy for visitors looking for specific souvenirs.

VIP and Platinum Experiences

For those looking to elevate their festival weekend, ACL Fest offers several premium ticket options. VIP guests receive access to exclusive lounges, upgraded food and beverage options available for purchase, premium viewing areas at select stages, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated entry lanes, and additional amenities designed to make navigating the festival more comfortable.

The Platinum experience takes luxury even further, offering front-of-stage viewing at multiple stages, complimentary dining and beverages, air-conditioned hospitality spaces, dedicated transportation within the festival grounds, concierge services, and other premium benefits. While general admission remains the heart of the festival experience, these upgraded packages have become increasingly popular among visitors looking for additional comfort during long festival days.

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility has become an increasingly important part of major music festivals, and ACL Fest continues to emphasize sustainability initiatives throughout the event. Recycling and composting stations are located across the grounds, while refillable water stations encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles. 

Efforts to reduce waste, encourage responsible recycling, and preserve the beauty of Zilker Park help ensure the festival remains a responsible steward of one of Austin's most treasured public spaces. Festival organizers also encourage visitors to utilize public transportation, bicycles, rideshare services, and shuttle options whenever possible to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

Accessibility

ACL Fest continues to provide a wide range of accessibility services designed to help all guests enjoy the festival. Accessible viewing areas, mobility accommodations, accessible entrances, and additional services are available for guests with disabilities. Festival staff and volunteers are stationed throughout the grounds to assist attendees who may need additional support during the weekend. Visitors requiring specific accommodations are encouraged to review the festival's accessibility information before arriving to ensure the best possible experience.

Getting to the Festival

Anyone who has attended ACL Fest knows that transportation planning is almost as important as deciding which artists to see. Because Zilker Park sits near downtown Austin, parking immediately surrounding the festival is extremely limited. Most attendees choose one of several alternative transportation methods.

Festival shuttle service remains one of the most convenient options, transporting attendees between designated downtown pickup locations and the festival entrance throughout the day. Rideshare services also remain popular, although demand increases significantly following the evening headlining performances. Those using rideshare should expect delays during peak departure times.

Many locals choose to bicycle to the festival, taking advantage of Austin's extensive trail network and bicycle parking areas provided near the venue. Visitors staying downtown often find that walking offers the simplest solution while avoiding post-concert traffic altogether. Regardless of the method chosen, arriving early each day allows time to clear security, explore the grounds, and enjoy smaller artists before the largest crowds gather later in the afternoon.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Attending a major music festival is different from attending a traditional concert, and a little preparation can make the experience significantly more enjoyable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Most attendees spend the majority of the day on their feet while moving between stages spread throughout Zilker Park.

Because October weather in Central Texas can still be warm, staying hydrated is equally important. Taking advantage of the free water refill stations throughout the grounds can help visitors remain comfortable during long days outdoors. Checking the daily schedule before arriving also helps reduce unnecessary walking. 

While discovering new artists is part of the fun, identifying a few must-see performances ahead of time makes it easier to navigate the festival efficiently. Finally, leaving a little room for spontaneity often leads to the most memorable experiences. Some of the festival's most talked-about performances each year come from artists playing earlier in the day, long before the headliners take the stage.

A Quarter Century of Music

Few festivals remain culturally relevant for 25 years. Fewer still continue to evolve while maintaining the identity that made them successful in the first place.

The 2026 edition of Austin City Limits Music Festival celebrates that achievement with one of its strongest and most diverse lineups in recent memory. Whether attendees come to see global headliners like Charli xcx, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The xx, Skrillex, or Kings of Leon, discover tomorrow's breakout artists, sample some of Austin's best food, or simply spend a weekend surrounded by live music in one of the country's most scenic urban parks, the festival continues to offer an experience unlike any other.

Twenty-five years after its debut, ACL Fest remains a celebration of music, creativity, and the city that inspired it. For longtime attendees, it is a chance to continue a cherished tradition. For first-time visitors, there may be no better introduction to the energy, diversity, and spirit that have made Austin City Limits Music Festival one of America's most beloved annual events.

Complete lineup. Unless otherwise indicated, artists are scheduled to perform during both weekends of the festival. Artists marked "Weekend One" or "Weekend Two" are exclusive to that weekend.

Charli xcx
RÜFÜS DU SOL
Twenty One Pilots
Lorde
Skrillex (Weekend One)
Kings of Leon (Weekend Two)
The xx
Turnstile
Labrinth
Lola Young
The Chainsmokers
Geese
Young Miko
Bleachers
SOFI TUKKER
Parcels
The War on Drugs
Leon Thomas
Brandon Flowers (Weekend One)
Blood Orange
Lykke Li
Levity
Max McNown
Suki Waterhouse
Amyl and the Sniffers
SIENNA SPIRO (Weekend Two)
Snow Strippers
Cannons (Weekend One)
Steve Aoki
Audrey Hobert
Jesse Welles
BUNT.
it's murph
Fakemink
Palace (Weekend One)
Saint Motel
Houndmouth (Weekend Two)
Fcukers
Bella Kay (Weekend Two)
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Stella Lefty (Weekend One)
Paris Paloma
LP
Rusowsky
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Natasha Bedingfield (Weekend Two)
Łaszewo (Weekend Two)
Skye Newman
Balu Brigada
Claire Rosinkranz
Kingfishr (Weekend Two)
Marlon Funaki (Weekend One)
Rochelle Jordan (Weekend One)
Underscores (Weekend One)
Noga Erez
CMAT
Rebecca Black (Weekend One)
Arcy Drive
Rio Kosta
Finn Wolfhard
Josh Conway (Weekend One)
Ryan Beatty
Don West
Temper City
Ethan Regan (Weekend Two)
Charlotte Lawrence (Weekend Two)
Bo Staloch (Weekend One)
Molly Santana (Weekend One)
Bad Nerves (Weekend Two)
World Famous Pets (Weekend Two)
Gabriel Jacoby (Weekend Two)
Paloma Morphy
Sunday (1994)
Hunx and His Punx (Weekend One)
Rum Jungle (Weekend Two)
Calder Allen
Night Tapes
Faouzia
Fancy Hagood (Weekend One)
New Constellations (Weekend One)
Britton (Weekend One)
Solya (Weekend One)
Villanelle (Weekend One)
Kevin Atwater (Weekend Two)
Thomas Day (Weekend Two)
Asleep at the Wheel (Weekend One)
DJ Cassandra (Weekend One)
Cassandra Coleman (Weekend Two)
S.G. Goodman (Weekend Two)
Brigitte Calls Me Baby (Weekend Two)
Dallas Wax (Weekend Two)
Cure for Paranoia (Weekend One)
Night Traveler (Weekend One)
Grocery Bag
Nat Myers (Weekend Two)
Joe Jordan (Weekend Two)
Chloe Qisha (Weekend Two)
Happy Landing (Weekend Two)
Aaron Rowe (Weekend One)
Fai Laci (Weekend One)
Lauren Sanderson (Weekend One)
Vwillz (Weekend Two)
Sasha Keable (Weekend Two)
Emma Ogier (Weekend One)
Common People (Weekend Two)
Coleman Jennings (Weekend One)
Girlfriend (Weekend Two)
Izzy Escobar (Weekend One)
Elle Coves (Weekend One)
Damaris Bojor (Weekend Two)
Rubio (Weekend One)
Chelsea Jordan (Weekend Two)
Marzz (Weekend Two)
Fightmaster (Weekend One)
Lluvii (Weekend Two)
Montclair (Weekend Two)
Almost Heaven (Weekend Two)
Left Lucid (Weekend One)
Solomon Hicks (Weekend One)
Leon Knight (Weekend Two)
Presley Regier (Weekend Two)
The 4411 (Weekend One)
The Moriah Sisters (Weekend One)
The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective (Weekend Two)

ACL Music Festival
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