Austin’s biggest party returns to Zilker Park for two consecutive weekends this October, and the lineup is stacked. Austin City Limits Music Festival runs October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025, featuring nine stages with over 100 performances across genres from hip-hop to rock, country to EDM.
This marks the 24th year that ACL has transformed Austin’s most beloved park into a music lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a local planning your weekends or traveling from out of town, here’s what you need to know to make the most of ACL Fest 2025.
The Headliners You Can’t Miss
The 2025 lineup features Hozier, Luke Combs, Cage The Elephant and Empire of The Sun on Friday; Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, Doechii and Djo on Saturday; and Doja Cat, John Summit, Feid, T-Pain and MK.gee on Sunday.
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter brings her chart-topping hits and powerhouse vocals. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier delivers his soulful, gospel-influenced sound. The Strokes return with their legendary indie rock energy. Doja Cat promises a high-energy performance mixing hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Country superstar Luke Combs represents Nashville’s finest, while electronic artist John Summit will get the crowd moving with his house music beats.
Deep Lineup, Hidden Gems
Beyond the headliners, the festival lineup includes T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, Mk.gee, Wet Leg, Dr. Dog, King Princess, Japanese Breakfast, Magdalena Bay, Marina, MJ Lenderman, Passion Pit, The Dare, Confidence Man, and Panda Bear.
Some artists play only one weekend: Maren Morris, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, and Hotline TNT appear weekend one, while Rilo Kiley, Car Seat Headrest, TOPS, julie, Dizzy Fae, and shallowater perform weekend two. Check the full lineup at aclfestival.com to plan which weekend matches your must-see artists.
The festival excels at giving emerging artists exposure alongside established stars. Those nine stages mean you’ll discover new favorites between catching the big names you came to see.
More Than Just Music
ACL Eats showcases Austin’s renowned food scene with options from the city’s best-known eateries, breweries, and food trucks, featuring everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream and fresh juice. The culinary lineup changes each year, but expect local favorites alongside festival classics.
The ACL Art Market features handcrafted jewelry, clothing, posters, and artisanal goods from local and national artists—the perfect place to grab a unique souvenir or gift. You’ll also find official festival merchandise and artist merch tents throughout the grounds.
Need a break from the sun and crowds? The festival provides hydration stations for water bottle refills, accessible restrooms, and relaxation zones where you can recharge in the shade before heading back to the music.
Ticket Options for Every Budget
Weekend One General Admission tickets are sold out, but Weekend Two and single-day passes remain available. General Admission 3-Day tickets start at $360.
For upgraded experiences, consider GA+ tickets that include extra amenities, or VIP passes with access to private lounges and viewing decks. VIP perks include dedicated food vendors, complimentary salon services like festival hair braiding and glitter, chair massages, jumbo screens streaming festival stages and sports games, complimentary WiFi and mobile charging, and dedicated VIP entry lanes.
The festival offers Platinum tickets and even private Bungalows for groups seeking luxury experiences. Each Bungalow accommodates 10 wristbands per day with complimentary dinner, grab-and-go snacks, air-conditioned restrooms, and WiFi.
Layaway plans are available with 50% down, and you can even pay over time after the festival ends. Hotel packages combine tickets with accommodations near Zilker Park.
Getting Ready for Festival Day
Gates open around noon and the festival runs until 10 PM each day. The festival is held at Zilker Park in South Austin and can be accessed through three different entrances.
Kids 8 and under get free General Admission (limit two children per ticketed adult), making this a family-friendly event. Austin Kiddie Limits provides activities specifically designed for younger festival-goers.
The festival provides specially designated lanes at entrances for patrons with disabilities, along with parking accommodations. Reach out to [email protected] to request necessary accommodations.
What Makes ACL Special
Austin City Limits began in 2002, inspired by the legendary PBS music series of the same name—the longest-running music television show in American history. Over two decades, ACL has hosted everyone from Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish.
The festival’s formula works because it balances massive headliners with emerging talent across diverse genres. You might catch tomorrow’s biggest star on a smaller stage before they blow up nationally. That’s happened countless times over ACL’s history.
The setting helps too. Zilker Park sits in the heart of Austin, offering easy access from downtown while providing the space and natural beauty needed for a world-class festival. The park’s trees offer shade during hot October afternoons, and the layout keeps stages close enough to catch multiple acts without marathon walks.
A portion of every ticket sale benefits the Austin Parks Foundation, supporting over 300 public parks, trails, and green spaces across the city. Your festival experience helps maintain and improve the spaces that make Austin special.
Plan Your Weekend
Start by reviewing the full lineup at aclfestival.com and marking your must-see artists. The day-by-day schedule will be released closer to the festival dates, showing exactly when and where each artist performs.
Download the official ACL Festival app to stay updated on set times, stage locations, and any last-minute changes. The app also provides maps and helps you plan your route between stages.
Book accommodations early if you’re traveling to Austin. October is peak festival season, and hotels near downtown and South Austin fill up fast. Consider staying somewhere on the city’s excellent public transit system for easy festival access.
Prepare for Texas weather—October in Austin can be hot, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. You’ll walk miles between stages, and standing in the sun takes its toll. Hydration stations throughout the festival provide free water refills, so bring an empty reusable bottle.
Check what items you can and cannot bring into the festival. Clear bags are typically required, and the festival has specific rules about items like cameras, blankets, and food.
Festival Dates: October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025
Location: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
Hours: Approximately noon to 10 PM daily
Tickets: Starting at $360 for 3-day GA passes; layaway plans available
Kids Policy: Children 8 and under free with ticketed adult (limit two per adult)
Website: aclfestival.com
Full Lineup: Visit aclfestival.com/lineup
Accessibility: Contact [email protected] for accommodations
Pro Tip: Weekend One GA tickets are already sold out, so don’t wait on Weekend Two if you want guaranteed entry. Single-day tickets will be available later, but three-day passes offer the best value and flexibility. Activate your wristband and register for cashless payments before you arrive to breeze through entry and spend more time enjoying the music.
