Festival Guide · 25th Anniversary
Austin City Limits
Music Festival 2026
Full lineup with artist bios, stage-by-stage navigation, Austin neighborhood breakdowns, and the logistics that make a festival weekend work.
On This Page
ACL 2026 at a Glance
Weekend One
Oct 2–4
Weekend Two
Oct 9–11
Venue
Zilker Park
Stages
9 Stages
Artists
140+ Acts
Daily Capacity
75,000
Overview
What to Expect at ACL 2026
From lineup to logistics — here’s what you’re walking into.
The Lineup
ACL’s 25th anniversary brings an unusually strong bill across all three days. Friday is headlined by Charli XCX, Skrillex, and Kings of Leon. Saturday brings RÜFÜS DU SOL, Lorde, and Lola Young. Sunday closes with Twenty One Pilots and The xx. Full lineup with bios in the section below.
The Experience
Nine stages across Zilker Park’s 350 acres. You’ll cover 5–10 miles per day moving between sets. Expect Texas heat in the 70–85°F range, occasional rain, and a crowd that knows how to be at a festival.
Austin Eats
ACL Eats pulls in Austin’s food scene — Franklin Barbecue, Torchy’s Tacos, Home Slice Pizza, and dozens of food trucks. Options for every diet; pricing runs $12–18 per item. Free water refill stations throughout the park.
Aftershows & More
ACL Fest Nights puts festival artists into Stubb’s, Emo’s, and ACL Live after hours. The city runs its own parallel programming all weekend. Austin Kiddie Limits handles the family side of the grounds.
What to do now
- GA and VIP wristbands are available now through Xenia — inventory on higher-demand tiers moves quickly
- Properties near Zilker Park and downtown book out months ahead; lodging is the time-sensitive piece
- Weekend Two (Oct 9–11) typically carries slightly better hotel availability than Weekend One
- Groups of four or more should inquire early to hold coordinated inventory
Official Poster · 25th Anniversary
ACL 2026 Lineup
Source: Official ACL 2026 poster, verified against aclfestival.com
No badge = both weekends ·
W1 Oct 2–4 only ·
W2 Oct 9–11 only
Headliners
Charli XCX
British pop artist whose 2024 album “BRAT” became a genuine cultural moment, blending hyperpop production with sharp, confessional songwriting. Known for “Boom Clap,” “Break the Rules,” and “360.”
Skrillex W1
Grammy-winning American producer and DJ who helped define mainstream dubstep with “Bangarang” and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.” Among the most technically demanding festival sets in electronic music.
Kings of Leon W2
Nashville rock band whose 2008 album “Only by the Night” produced arena staples “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Nine studio albums deep with a catalog that covers a full evening comfortably.
Turnstile
Baltimore hardcore band whose 2021 album “GLOW ON” earned audiences well beyond the punk circuit. Live shows are physically demanding in the best way.
Major Acts
Labrinth—British singer-producer who co-created the “Euphoria” soundtrack and writes for some of the biggest names in pop, bringing orchestral soul and experimental production to his own sets.
The Chainsmokers—New York DJ duo who defined a mid-2010s pop sound with “Closer” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” and have since moved into a more alternative electronic direction.
Leon Thomas—American R&B singer who established his own voice with 2023’s “Mutt” after years as a behind-the-scenes songwriter and collaborator.
Brandon Flowers W1—Lead singer of The Killers performing solo, drawing from the same expansive rock sensibility behind “Mr. Brightside,” “Human,” and decades of arena-filling material.
Amyl and the Sniffers—Australian pub rock and punk band fronted by Amy Taylor. High-octane live performances.
Steve Aoki—American EDM DJ and producer with one of the most recognizable live presences in electronic music, known for relentless sets and a prolific run of dance collaborations.
Natasha Bedingfield W2—British pop singer whose “Unwritten” became one of the defining anthems of the 2000s and found a second life in recent years as a cultural touchstone.
LP—American singer-songwriter with an otherworldly falsetto whose “Lost on You” became an international hit across Europe and Latin America before wider US recognition arrived.
Faouzia—Moroccan-Canadian singer known for powerful vocals and theatrical pop production; gained wider recognition through her collaboration with John Legend.
Rebecca Black W1—Viral at 13 with “Friday,” she’s since built a credible indie pop catalog as an adult artist on entirely her own terms.
Also Performing
Jesse Welles·BUNT.·Bella KayW2·Paris Paloma·Rusowsky·ŁaszewoW2·KingfishrW2·Marlon FunakiW1·CMAT·Bo StalochW1·Molly SantanaW1·World Famous PetsW2·Hunx and His PunxW1·New ConstellationsW1·Asleep at the WheelW1·S.G. GoodmanW2·Cassandra ColemanW2·Brigitte Calls Me BabyW2·Dallas WaxW2·Night TravelerW1·Grocery BagW1·Joe JordanW2·Happy LandingW2·GirlfriendW2·Elle CovesW1·Izzy EscobarW1·Almost HeavenW2·Solomon HicksW1·Leon KnightW2·The 4411W1
Headliners
RÜFÜS DU SOL
Sydney electronic trio whose blend of deep house, indie dance, and emotive songwriting has made them one of the largest live electronic acts in the world. “Bloom” and “Surrender” are two of the most consistent festival albums of the last decade.
Lorde
New Zealand singer-songwriter who debuted at 16 with “Royals” and announced one of the most distinct voices in modern pop. “Melodrama” remains one of the most closely studied pop records of its era.
Lola Young
South London singer-songwriter whose sound sits at the intersection of soul, indie, and R&B. “Conceited” and her debut album “This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway” established her quickly as a significant voice in UK music.
Young Miko
Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has become one of the leading voices in Latin trap and urban music, with crossover reach that runs across Spanish and English-speaking markets.
Major Acts
Bleachers—New York rock project fronted by Jack Antonoff, whose production credits include landmark albums for Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde. Bleachers channels 80s arena rock into anthemic guitar-pop.
Lykke Li—Swedish singer-songwriter known for melancholic indie pop with Nordic cool. “Wounded Rhymes” and “I Never Learn” remain two of the most emotionally direct albums the genre has produced.
Suki Waterhouse—British actress and singer whose debut album “I Can’t Let Go” earned strong critical reception for its country-tinged indie pop.
Rodrigo y Gabriela—Mexican acoustic guitar duo who blended flamenco, metal, and world music into a genuinely unique instrumental style after making their name busking in Dublin.
Finn Wolfhard—Canadian actor best known from “Stranger Things” who has fronted indie band Calpurnia and released solo singer-songwriter work across multiple projects.
Ryan Beatty—Los Angeles singer whose 2019 album “Boy in Jeans” drew critical attention for intimate indie pop and candid lyrical honesty.
Also Performing
It’s Murph·Fakemink·Levity·Sienna SpiroW2·PalaceW1·¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U·Skye Newman·Balu Brigada·Rochelle JordanW1·Arcy Drive·Don West·Temper City·Gabriel JacobyW2·Night Tapes·DJ CassandraW1·Cure for ParanoiaW1·Nat MyersW2·Chloe QishaW2·Fai LaciW1·Emma OgierW1·Common PeopleW2·Coleman JenningsW1·Damaris BojorW2·FightmasterW1·LLUVIIW2·MontclairW2·Left LucidW1·Presley RegierW2
Headliners
Twenty One Pilots
Columbus, Ohio duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun whose blend of alternative, hip-hop, pop, and rock has built them one of the most devoted global fanbases of the past decade. Their live shows are a production in their own right.
The xx
London trio whose 2009 self-titled debut arrived as one of the most critically acclaimed records of its era, pairing minimalist guitar and bass with emotional intimacy still rare in indie music. Member Jamie xx is also one of electronic music’s most respected solo producers.
Geese
Brooklyn indie rock band who formed as teenagers and broke through with their 2021 debut “Projector.” Comparisons to classic rock are warranted; the energy they bring to it is entirely their own.
Sofi Tukker
New York electronic duo known for multilingual dance music weaving Brazilian Portuguese and French alongside English. “Best Friend” and “Drinkee” are signature tracks, and their live sets are hard to stand still through.
Major Acts
Parcels—Australian five-piece based in Berlin whose disco-funk sound channels late-70s R&B; Daft Punk co-produced their track “Overnight,” which gives a clear signal of where they sit sonically.
The War on Drugs—Philadelphia indie rock band led by Adam Granduciel whose sprawling, Dylanesque guitar rock reached its high point with the Grammy-winning “A Deeper Understanding.”
Blood Orange—London-born, New York-based multi-instrumentalist Dev Hynes whose work blends R&B, post-punk, and electronic music with a deeply personal lyrical and visual sensibility.
Saint Motel—Los Angeles indie pop band known for synth-driven, danceable alternative pop and production-heavy music videos that have built them a consistent festival following.
Cannons W1—Los Angeles dream-pop trio whose retro-influenced synth sound and frontwoman Michelle Joy’s distinctive vocals have earned them a devoted following in indie and electronic circles.
Houndmouth W2—Indiana indie folk-rock band known for rootsy Americana songwriting and tight harmonies. “Golden Age” is their most widely recognized track.
Claire Rosinkranz—California singer-songwriter who broke through as a teenager with the viral “Backyard Boy” and has developed a hook-driven indie pop sound since.
Charlotte Lawrence W2—Los Angeles singer-songwriter known for moody alternative pop and a lyrical directness that distinguishes her from the broader LA pop scene.
Also Performing
Audrey Hobert·FCUKERS·Stella LeftyW1·UnderscoresW1·Noga Erez·Rio Kosta·Max McNown·Josh ConwayW1·Ethan ReganW2·Bad NervesW2·Paloma Morphy·Sunday (1994)·Rum JungleW2·Calder Allen·Fancy HagoodW1·BrittonW1·SolyaW1·VillanelleW1·Kevin AtwaterW2·Thomas DayW2·Aaron RoweW1·Lauren SandersonW1·VWILLZW2·Sasha KeableW2·RubioW1·MarzzW2·Chelsea JordanW2·The Moriah SistersW1·Huston-Tillotson University Jazz CollectiveW2
W1 Weekend 1 only (Oct 2–4)
W2 Weekend 2 only (Oct 9–11)
No badge = plays both weekends
Festival Navigation
Stage Positioning Guide
Based on the 2025 layout. Stage names may vary for 2026 — this page will be updated once confirmed.
American Express Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Largest stage, heaviest crowds. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for headliners, 30 for mid-tier acts.
Best Positioning
Center-left for best sound balance. VIP viewing deck elevated on the right. Avoid far right — sound delays and obstructed views.
Logistics
Limited natural shade, peak sun 2–6 PM. Food vendors 100 yards behind stage. Restrooms often crowded.
Transitions
8-minute walk to T-Mobile, 5 to Lady Bird. Allow 15 minutes to exit crowds after headliners.
T-Mobile Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Second-largest stage. Moderate crowds mid-day, packed for headliners. Arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Best Positioning
Right side has superior acoustics and less density. Left side closer to food and drinks. Center gets very packed.
Logistics
Good tree shade on periphery. Multiple food courts nearby. Clean restrooms 2 minutes east.
Transitions
3 minutes to Miller Lite, 6 to BMI, 8 to American Express.
Miller Lite Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Mid-size, lighter crowds. Get close 15–20 minutes before most acts. Good for discovering new artists.
Best Positioning
Intimate setting — views are good from anywhere. Sound quality consistent throughout.
Logistics
Excellent shade from large oak trees. Premium bar nearby. Less crowded restrooms. Comfortable grass seating.
Transitions
Quick access to T-Mobile (3 min) and BMI (4 min). Longer walk to American Express (10 min).
BMI Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Smallest stage, most relaxed atmosphere. Front row accessible 10–15 minutes before shows.
Best Positioning
Anywhere works due to the small size. Musicians often interact closely with audience from the front.
Logistics
Limited shade — hat required for afternoon sets. Fewer food options nearby. Quieter restrooms.
Transitions
Central location. 4 minutes to Miller Lite, 6 to T-Mobile, 5 to Tito’s.
Beatbox Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Medium capacity, typically younger crowds. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for popular artists.
Best Positioning
Center for best sound clarity. Right side slight elevation advantage. Left side easier exit for transitions.
Logistics
Partial shade. Food trucks nearby. Portable restrooms — quality varies. Water station at rear.
Transitions
7 minutes to Lady Bird, 9 to T-Mobile. Plan extra time getting in and out.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Smaller stage, relaxed atmosphere. Easy access most of the day. Silent Disco after 8 PM runs a different crowd.
Best Positioning
Circular layout allows 360-degree viewing. Bar seating on perimeter. Dance floor opens for electronic sets.
Logistics
Premium cocktail bar with AC seating area. Clean restrooms nearby. Good shade options.
Transitions
5 minutes to BMI, 8 to T-Mobile. Distinctive layout makes it a reliable group meeting spot.
Lady Bird Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Mid-size, mixed crowds. Good for afternoon sets. Gets packed quickly for popular indie acts.
Best Positioning
Slight slope creates a natural amphitheater effect. Back areas still have solid sightlines. Right side has the sound advantage.
Logistics
Excellent tree shade nearby for breaks between sets. Quality food vendors adjacent. Well-maintained restrooms.
Transitions
5 minutes to American Express. Moderate walk to other stages.
Navigation Notes
- Peak traffic: 4–6 PM for stage-to-stage movement; 7:30–8:30 PM for major bottlenecks
- Accessibility: ADA viewing areas at all main stages; paved pathways and accessible restrooms are marked in the official app
- Shade: Barton Springs Road tree line; Miller Lite area; Tito’s Stage AC seating for heat relief
From the Field
Insider Tips
Viewing Strategies
- Main stages: Arrive 30–45 min early for headliners
- Mid-size stages: Lighter crowds; better for discovering acts you don’t know
- Intimate stages: Front row often available 10 minutes out
- Afternoon shows: Better shade coverage, more manageable crowds
- VIP viewing: Most useful for Saturday headliners at the main stage
Timing
- Gates open: Typically 11:00 AM — arrive early for parking and entry
- Peak crowds: 4–8 PM across all stages
- Stage transitions: Allow 10–15 minutes between distant stages
- Food lines: Shortest 11 AM–1 PM and after 8 PM
- Shuttle timing: Add 30–45 minutes after headliners
Navigation
- Wristband activation: Complete this before arriving at the festival
- Meeting spots: Pick a distinctive landmark your group can find independently
- Shade: Tree line along Barton Springs Road
- Restrooms: Shortest lines near mid-size stages
- Phone charging: Bring a portable battery — outlets are scarce
Budget
- Water: Free refill stations throughout — bring an empty bottle
- Food: Large breakfast before entry, snacks inside, dinner after
- Merch: Sunday often sees lighter crowds at vendor areas
- Drinks: Festival alcohol is priced at festival rates
- Parking: Book neighborhood spots in advance; day-of is difficult
Worth Knowing
- Download the official ACL app before you go — it has set times, maps, and real-time updates
- Saturday is the most crowded day; Friday and Sunday are easier to navigate
- Bring a bandana for dust and a light jacket for the evening temperature drop
- Take a photo of your parking spot — the surrounding streets look identical after dark
Where to Stay
Austin Neighborhoods
Your hotel location shapes the whole weekend. Here’s how each area plays out.
Most Popular
Downtown Austin
- Distance: 2–3 miles, 15-min shuttle
- Best for: Aftershows, restaurants, nightlife
- Hotels: W Austin, JW Marriott, Hilton Austin
- Pros: Official shuttle pickup, walkable entertainment
- Cons: Most expensive; books out earliest
Local Favorite
South Congress (SoCo)
- Distance: 1–2 miles, bike or rideshare
- Best for: Austin culture, vintage shopping, food trucks
- Hotels: Hotel San José, Austin Motel, South Congress Hotel
- Pros: Authentic Austin neighborhood, walkable dining
- Cons: Limited shuttle access
Up & Coming
East Austin
- Distance: 3–4 miles, 20-min ride
- Best for: Restaurants, breweries, art scene
- Hotels: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, Canopy by Hilton
- Pros: Good value, strong food scene, interesting neighborhood
- Cons: Longer commute, fewer shuttle options
Closest to Festival
Zilker / Barton Springs
- Distance: Walking distance or short bike ride
- Best for: Festival proximity, outdoor activities
- Options: Mostly Airbnb and VRBO; few hotels
- Pros: Walk to and from the festival
- Cons: Limited dining; books out first of any area
Booking Timeline
Now – Spring 2026
Best rates and selection. The window to secure prime locations near downtown or Zilker.
Summer 2026
Prices increase 20–30%. Downtown hotels begin selling out.
September 2026
Limited availability at premium pricing. East Austin and Airport-area properties become the practical options.
Festival Week
Extremely limited; 2–3x normal rates. Staying outside Austin may be the only viable option.
On Lodging Timing
Properties near Zilker Park and downtown typically sell out 6–9 months before the festival. Many offer free cancellation, so booking now secures your options without locking in a final plan.
Tickets & VIP
Wristband Access
Four tiers across both weekends — GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum. Current pricing and live inventory on our dedicated wristband page.
Live Inventory
ACL 2026 Wristband Pricing
GA through Platinum for both weekends. Prices reflect current inventory. Includes a full breakdown of tier amenities for 2026, including new VIP additions.
ACL Eats
Food & Drinks
ACL Eats pulls Austin’s food scene into the festival grounds. Specific 2026 vendors will be confirmed closer to the event.
Pizza & Italian
Home Slice Pizza and other Austin pizza fixtures are consistent ACL presences year over year.
Tacos & Mexican
Torchy’s Tacos and local taco trucks running breakfast tacos throughout the day.
BBQ & American
Award-winning BBQ from Austin’s top pitmasters. Micklethwait is a consistent headliner at the food program.
International
Asian fusion, Middle Eastern, South American, and more from Austin’s food scene at festival pricing.
Budget Reference
- Food items typically run $12–18 each; snacks $5–8
- Beer $10–12; cocktails $12–15
- Water is free at refill stations — bring an empty bottle
- Plan $30–50 per person per day for food and drinks inside the grounds
- Most vendors take credit and debit cards
Getting There
Parking & Transportation
- No onsite parking for general attendees. Shuttle, rideshare, or bike are the practical options.
- Official festival shuttle: Runs from Republic Square downtown to Zilker Park on all festival days; included with your ticket.
- Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pick-up at the south entrance. Expect surge pricing and wait times after headliners.
- Biking: Free bike parking near Barton Springs Road entrance. Bring your own lock.
- Capital Metro: Austin’s bus system serves the Zilker Park area. Routes and timing worth planning in advance.
- ADA parking: Limited accessible parking available with an advance permit.
- Surrounding neighborhoods: Festival parking is prohibited and actively enforced with towing.
- Timing: Arrive early — shuttle and bike access is best before 1 PM; security lines build quickly.
The City
Austin Beyond the Festival
A festival weekend is worth building into a full Austin trip. Here’s what the city does well.
Music Venues
6th Street: Historic entertainment district with live music running from every venue on the strip
Red River District: More credible music scene; Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlies are the anchors
The Continental Club: Running since 1955 — late-night blues and rockabilly done right
Antone’s: Austin’s most storied venue, with a history that runs through every significant name in Texas music
Food Worth Planning Around
Franklin Barbecue: Plan around the wait; it’s worth building into your schedule
Joe’s Bakery: Breakfast tacos since 1962 — the East Austin original
South First Food Trucks: Korean BBQ, gourmet donuts, Thai — changes regularly
Amy’s Ice Cream: Austin institution; the scooping style is worth seeing once
Outdoor Austin
Barton Springs Pool: Natural spring-fed pool, 68–70°F year-round — practical after three days in Texas heat
Lady Bird Lake: Kayaks, paddleboards, and the Ann and Roy Butler Trail through downtown
Zilker Park: Your festival grounds, also good for a morning walk before gates open
Mount Bonnell: The highest point in Austin; a 15-minute drive from downtown for a panoramic view
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
South Congress (SoCo): Vintage shops, local boutiques, and the “I love you so much” mural that tourists photograph from both sides
East Austin: Where the galleries, vintage stores, and independent restaurants have moved
Rainey Street: Converted bungalows turned into bars — a more relaxed version of 6th Street
2nd Street District: Upscale shopping and dining in a walkable downtown block
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get wristbands now?
The 2026 lineup is confirmed and wristbands are available now through Xenia Events. See our wristband pricing page for current inventory across all tiers, or contact us to discuss a full package.
Should I choose Weekend One or Weekend Two?
The lineup is largely the same both weekends with a handful of exclusives on each. Weekend Two (Oct 9–11) typically has better hotel availability and slightly smaller crowds. Weekend One (Oct 2–4) carries more energy as the opening weekend. We can walk you through the trade-offs based on your group and what matters most.
What time do gates open?
Typically 11:00 AM each day. Confirm closer to the festival once the official schedule is posted.
Can I leave and re-enter the festival?
Yes. Re-entry is allowed with your wristband.
Is the festival rain or shine?
Yes, ACL runs regardless of weather. October in Austin can bring rain; a compact poncho takes up almost no space and is worth having.
Are lockers available?
Yes. Multi-day and single-day lockers can be reserved in advance or at the festival. Reserving ahead is worth it for a multi-day trip.
Is Xenia Events affiliated with ACL?
No. Xenia Events is an independent ticket and travel provider. We source verified inventory across GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tiers and coordinate the full trip around the festival.
Ready to Plan
Build Your ACL 2026 Weekend
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Disclaimer
Unofficial, independent festival guide. Not affiliated with Austin City Limits Music Festival, C3 Presents, or any official festival organizers. Artist bios are original editorial writing by Xenia Events. For official information, visit aclfestival.com.