One of America’s most beloved outdoor music events is back for a major milestone. The Austin City Limits Music Festival turns 25 this year, and organizers are pulling out all the stops to celebrate. The 2026 edition runs across two weekends: October 2 to 4 and October 9 to 11, at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. With a stacked headliner lineup, multiple ticket tiers, and a festival experience unlike anything else in the country, this is one event you will want to plan for well in advance.
Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned ACL regular, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
A 25-Year Legacy in Austin’s Live Music Capital
The festival first opened its gates in 2002 as a two-day event with roots in indie rock and Americana. It drew its name and spirit from Austin City Limits, the longest-running music television show in American history. Over the decades, the event grew from a local gathering into one of the largest music festivals in the country.
Past headliners have included Metallica, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Billie Eilish, and Arcade Fire. The festival’s reputation for booking both global superstars and rising local talent has made it a consistent draw for music fans of all tastes. Additionally, since 2006, the event has contributed more than 79 million dollars to Zilker Park and other public green spaces across Austin through its partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation.
The 25th anniversary edition promises to honor that legacy while pushing the festival forward with new experiences and upgraded amenities.
Dates and Location: What You Need to Know
ACL Festival 2026 takes place over two separate three-day weekends at Zilker Park in South Austin. The park spans 351 acres along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake, roughly two miles from downtown Austin. Three entrance gates open daily at noon, with performances running until approximately 10 PM each evening.
| Weekend | Dates | Days |
| Weekend One | October 2–4, 2026 | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Weekend Two | October 9–11, 2026 | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
Both weekends feature the same general lineup, though some artists perform exclusively on one weekend. Skrillex appears during Weekend One only, while Kings of Leon performs during Weekend Two. Planning around these exclusive acts is worth doing early, especially since Weekend One three-day general admission passes are already sold out.
October in Austin typically brings warm days in the 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit range, with occasional rain. Comfortable footwear is essential. Attendees should expect to walk between five and ten miles per day across the sprawling festival grounds.
2026 Lineup: Headliners and Must-See Acts
The 25th anniversary lineup reflects the festival’s broad musical identity. Genres including pop, rock, electronic, folk, hip-hop, and indie all receive strong representation across the nine stages and more than 100 scheduled performances.
The headliners for 2026 include Charli XCX, Rufus Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, The XX, Skrillex (Weekend One), and Kings of Leon (Weekend Two). These are some of the biggest names in contemporary music, and their sets will close out the main stage each evening.
Beyond the headliners, the supporting lineup is equally impressive. Fans can look forward to performances from Turnstile, Labrinth, Lola Young, The Chainsmokers, Geese, Young Miko, Bleachers, SOFI TUKKER, Parcels, The War on Drugs, Leon Thomas, Brandon Flowers, The Marías, Role Model, Rilo Kiley, Djo, Pierce the Veil, Sabrina Claudio, Suki Waterhouse, Blood Orange, Steve Aoki, and many more.
The festival also maintains its tradition of spotlighting local Austin artists. Acts like Asleep at the Wheel, Night Traveler, Almost Heaven, Left Lucid, and DJ Cassandra represent the city’s thriving music scene on the smaller stages.
Day-by-Day Schedule Highlights
| Day | Key Performers |
| Fridays | Charli XCX, The Chainsmokers, Turnstile, Brandon Flowers |
| Saturdays | Rufus Du Sol, Lorde, Lola Young, Bleachers, Young Miko |
| Sundays | Twenty One Pilots, The XX, Geese, SOFI TUKKER, Parcels |
The Bonus Tracks stage and the culture-forward programming areas bring additional depth to the schedule throughout all six days.
Tickets: Tiers, Prices and How to Buy
ACL Festival 2026 offers a range of ticket options to suit different budgets and comfort levels. Weekend One three-day GA and GA+ passes have already sold out. However, single-day tickets and higher-tier passes remain available, and Weekend Two three-day GA tickets are still on sale in limited quantities.
Ticket Tiers and Starting Prices
| Ticket Type | Starting Price | Key Perks |
| General Admission (3-Day) | $325 | Access to all nine stages and festival grounds |
| GA+ (3-Day) | $700 | Private lounge, shade areas, upgraded restrooms, dedicated food vendors |
| VIP (3-Day) | $1,610 | VIP Groves, premium viewing areas, complimentary drinks, air-conditioned lounge, fast entry |
| Platinum (3-Day) | $5,150 | Front-of-stage viewing, all-day dining, golf cart transport, private parlor, merch checkout lane |
| Y’all Access (2 tickets) | $27,000 | Artist Village access, concierge, reserved parking, backstage viewing, Thursday dinner |
Layaway plans are available across all tiers. GA layaway starts at just 25 dollars down, making it easier to lock in tickets without paying the full amount upfront. Tickets are purchased through the official website at aclfestival.com. Secondary market platforms such as SeatGeek and TickPick also carry passes, though prices vary and availability changes quickly.
Children eight years old and under are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Each adult may bring up to two children at no cost.
A newly added Speakeasy Lounge option serves groups of 25 to 75 people. It includes a private, air-conditioned space with a complimentary bar, snacks, one meal per day, and a single-day VIP experience for all guests.
The Festival Experience: Food, Family and Entertainment
ACL Festival is far more than a music event. The festival grounds at Zilker Park offer a full day of experiences that extend well beyond the nine stages.
Food and Drink at ACL Eats
The ACL Eats area brings together more than 35 local food vendors serving Austin’s most iconic flavors. Returning favorites include Franklin Barbecue, Torchy’s Tacos, Home Slice Pizza, Amy’s Ice Creams, and a rotating selection of food trucks. A second food area, ACL Eats South, operates on the park’s southern end for the first time in 2026, offering even more variety.
Most food items are priced between 12 and 18 dollars. Free water refill stations are available throughout the park. Therefore, bringing a reusable water bottle is one of the smartest things any attendee can do.
Austin Kiddie Limits
Families with young children will find a dedicated area within the festival grounds called Austin Kiddie Limits. This family-friendly zone offers activities, entertainment, and programming designed specifically for younger attendees. The festival is genuinely all-ages, and the Kiddie Limits area makes it practical for parents to enjoy the full experience without compromise.
ACL Fest Nights and After-Hours Shows
The fun does not stop when the main stages go dark each evening. ACL Fest Nights brings festival artists to iconic Austin venues including Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, Emo’s, and ACL Live at the Moody Theater for late-night performances. These shows are separately ticketed. Platinum pass holders get presale access, but tickets are available to the general public as well.
Additionally, the broader Austin music scene runs its own parallel programming during both weekends. Bars, clubs, and smaller venues across the city host unofficial shows and parties throughout the week.
Art Market and Bonus Tracks Stage
Beyond music and food, the festival features an art market where local artists and artisans display and sell their work. The Bonus Tracks stage is a culture-forward performance space that highlights conversations, interviews, and creative programming outside the main music schedule.
Getting There and Staying Near Zilker Park
Zilker Park is located in South Austin, roughly two miles from the downtown area. Three entry gates open each festival day at noon.
The festival runs a free official shuttle service from Republic Square in downtown Austin directly to the park. Rideshare services are widely used, though drop-off and pick-up points require some walking, particularly during evening departures when traffic around Barton Springs Road increases significantly.
Hotels near Zilker Park and downtown Austin book out many months before the festival. Properties close to the venue often charge two to three times their normal rates during ACL weekends. Therefore, booking accommodation as early as possible is strongly advised. Staying slightly further from downtown and using the shuttle is a practical and budget-friendly alternative.
Streaming: Watch ACL 2026 From Home
For those who cannot attend in person, Disney+ and Hulu will serve as the official streaming destinations for ACL Festival 2026. Select live performances and interviews from Weekend One will be broadcast on both platforms. A full streaming schedule will be announced later in the summer.
Conclusion
ACL Festival 2026 is shaping up to be the most significant edition of the festival in years. The 25th anniversary celebration brings a powerful headliner lineup featuring Charli XCX, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, Rufus Du Sol, The XX, Skrillex, and Kings of Leon across two weekends in October. Tickets range from accessible general admission passes to premium luxury experiences, with layaway options available for those who want to spread out the cost. Beyond the music, the festival delivers outstanding food, family activities, late-night shows, and the full energy of Austin’s live music culture. Whether you attend Weekend One on October 2 to 4 or Weekend Two on October 9 to 11, planning ahead and acting quickly on tickets will make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is ACL Festival 2026?
ACL Festival 2026 takes place at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas across two weekends: October 2–4 (Weekend One) and October 9–11 (Weekend Two). Gates open daily at noon, with performances running until approximately 10 PM each night.
Who are the headliners at ACL Festival 2026?
The headliners for 2026 are Charli XCX, Rufus Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and The XX. Skrillex performs exclusively during Weekend One, while Kings of Leon appears only during Weekend Two. Both weekends share most of the broader supporting lineup.
How much do ACL Festival 2026 tickets cost?
Three-day General Admission passes start at $325. GA+ begins at $700, VIP at $1,610, and Platinum at $5,150. The premium Y’all Access package covers two people and starts at $27,000. Single-day tickets are also available. Layaway plans start at $25 down for GA passes.
Are children allowed at ACL Festival 2026?
Yes. The festival is all-ages. Children eight years old and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult, with a maximum of two children per adult. Austin Kiddie Limits provides dedicated family-friendly programming within the festival grounds.
Can I watch ACL Festival 2026 if I cannot attend in person?
Yes. Disney+ and Hulu are the official streaming partners for ACL Festival 2026. Select performances and interviews from Weekend One will be broadcast on both platforms. The full streaming schedule will be released later in the summer of 2026.
