Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026: Top Headliners and Festival Highlights

Something big is happening in Austin this October. The Austin City Limits Music Festival returns to Zilker Park for two full weekends of live music, culture, and community energy. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary, and organizers have pulled together one of the most exciting lineups in the festival’s history. From global pop icons to beloved rock bands and cutting-edge electronic artists, the 2026 edition promises an unforgettable experience for fans of every genre.

The dates are October 2–4 for Weekend One and October 9–11 for Weekend Two. Both weekends take place at the iconic Zilker Park in the heart of Austin, Texas.

A Quarter Century of Music in Austin

Few music festivals in the United States carry the cultural weight of ACL Fest. Since its debut in 2002, the event has grown from a single-weekend gathering into a two-weekend institution that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the country and around the world. The festival celebrates the spirit of Austin’s legendary public television show of the same name, bringing its legacy outdoors and into the park.

This 25th anniversary edition feels especially meaningful. The lineup reflects both where popular music stands today and where it has come from over the past two decades. Additionally, the festival continues its long-standing partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation, which has generated more than 79 million dollars for improvements to Zilker Park and other public green spaces across Austin since 2006.

2026 Headliners: Who Is Performing?

The headline acts for 2026 span pop, rock, electronic, and alternative music. Each weekend features a slightly different configuration, giving fans a reason to attend both if they can.

Charli XCX arrives as one of the defining pop voices of her generation. Her high-energy performances and loyal fanbase make her one of the most anticipated acts on the bill. Lorde brings a contrasting intensity — intimate, emotionally driven, and always compelling on a large stage. Together, they anchor the pop side of the lineup beautifully.

RÜFÜS DU SOL deliver atmospheric electronic music that feels perfectly suited to warm October nights under open skies. Additionally, The xx offer a quieter but deeply affecting alternative to the louder acts, making them a standout choice for fans who appreciate restraint and mood over spectacle.

Twenty One Pilots continue their run as one of the most reliably exciting live acts in music. Their genre-blending approach and theatrical stage shows draw huge crowds at every festival they play. Skrillex, returning exclusively for Weekend One, brings one of the most respected names in electronic music to the main stage. Meanwhile, Kings of Leon close out Weekend Two with a Southern rock sensibility and a catalog of songs that span more than two decades.

Notable Supporting Acts Across Both Weekends

The headliners are only part of the story. The broader lineup across all nine stages is deep and diverse.

The inclusion of Young Miko, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and other Latin artists continues a strong tradition at ACL Fest of celebrating globally influenced sounds. Furthermore, the festival maintains its commitment to Texas-based music, with a slate of homegrown artists performing across the nine stages throughout both weekends.

Rising Artists to Watch

One of the most rewarding parts of attending ACL Fest is discovering new talent. The 2026 lineup includes a strong selection of emerging names.

• Paris Paloma brings a distinctive folk-influenced sound that has won her a rapidly growing following.
• Lola Young is a soulful British singer with a voice that stops crowds in their tracks.
• Claire Rosinkranz offers breezy, sun-drenched pop that plays beautifully in an outdoor festival setting.
• Faouzia delivers big, emotionally powerful vocal performances rooted in pop and classical influences.
• Sienna Spiro and Sasha Keable round out a group of emerging female artists that give the 2026 lineup real depth.

These are the kinds of artists that attendees remember years later as the ones they saw before everyone else knew their names.

Ticket Options and Pricing

ACL Fest 2026 offers multiple ticket tiers to suit different budgets and experience preferences. Layaway plans are available for most ticket types, making it easier to spread the cost over time.

General Admission provides full access to all nine stages and the main festival grounds. GA+ adds an air-conditioned lounge and a dedicated bar, which is a meaningful upgrade on warm October afternoons.

VIP tickets bring the most notable new perks for 2026. Complimentary drinks return across all VIP Groves, covering beer, wine, cocktails, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options throughout the day. A brand-new enclosed, air-conditioned lounge opens in VIP Grove East, providing a cool retreat between sets. A dedicated VIP entrance at Barton Springs East and elevated viewing decks at the American Express and T-Mobile stages round out the experience.

Platinum guests enjoy even more exclusive access, including front-of-stage viewing at select performances and additional hospitality amenities. Children aged eight and under enter free with a ticketed adult, with a limit of two children per adult. This policy applies to General Admission and GA+ tickets.

Single-day tickets are also available for those who cannot commit to a full weekend. These offer a flexible entry point for local fans or those with limited schedules.

Festival Highlights Beyond the Music

ACL Fest has never been only about the performances. The experience extends well beyond the stages.

Austin Kiddie Limits returns as a dedicated programming area for young children and families. It features age-appropriate performances and activities that make the festival genuinely welcoming for attendees of all ages. Therefore, parents do not have to choose between going to the festival and bringing their kids.

The Bonus Tracks stage continues to spotlight culture-forward conversations, creative sessions, and intimate performances that go beyond standard concert formats. It has become one of the most talked-about areas of the festival in recent years.

Disney+ and Hulu serve as the official streaming partners for ACL Fest 2026. Select live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from Weekend One will stream on both platforms. A full broadcast schedule will be announced closer to the event date, so fans who cannot attend in person will still have ways to connect with the festival.

The food and vendor experience across Zilker Park continues to reflect Austin’s vibrant culinary scene. Local restaurants, independent vendors, and food trucks bring the city’s culture directly into the festival grounds.

Getting to Zilker Park

Zilker Park sits near the center of Austin, making it accessible from most parts of the city. Festival organizers recommend using public shuttles, rideshare services, bikes, or walking routes from nearby neighborhoods. Driving to the park during festival hours is not advised, as parking is extremely limited and traffic can be significant.

October weather in Austin is generally favorable for outdoor events. Daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, with cooler evenings. However, it is worth bringing a light layer for night sets and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Conclusion

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of 25 years of live music in Austin. The two-weekend event at Zilker Park, running October 2–4 and October 9–11, brings together an extraordinary range of headliners including Charli XCX, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The xx, Skrillex, and Kings of Leon. Supporting acts span every genre, and a strong group of emerging artists adds further discovery to the experience. With upgraded VIP amenities, family-friendly programming, and streaming access for at-home fans, this anniversary edition has something to offer everyone. Whether you attend one day or both full weekends, ACL Fest 2026 is a celebration worth being part of.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026?

The festival takes place at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, across two weekends: October 2–4 (Weekend One) and October 9–11 (Weekend Two). Gates open at noon each day.

Who are the headliners for ACL Fest 2026?

The main headliners are Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and The xx, performing across both weekends. Skrillex headlines exclusively on Weekend One, while Kings of Leon close out Weekend Two.

How much do tickets cost for ACL Fest 2026?

Three-day General Admission tickets start at $325. GA+ begins at $700, VIP at $1,610, and Platinum at $5,150. Layaway payment plans are available for most ticket tiers. Single-day tickets are also on sale for those who prefer a one-day experience.

Are children allowed at ACL Fest 2026?

Yes. Children aged eight and under enter free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Each ticketed adult may bring up to two children at no charge under this policy. Austin Kiddie Limits offers dedicated programming and activities for younger attendees.

Can I watch ACL Fest 2026 if I cannot attend in person?

Yes. Disney+ and Hulu are the official streaming partners for this year’s festival. Select live performances and content from Weekend One will stream on both platforms. A full broadcast schedule will be announced by the festival before the event begins.

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