ACL 2026: Dates, Lineup, Tickets & Complete Festival Guide

ACL 2026 at a Glance

ACL 2026 Dates, Location & 25th-Anniversary Details

The 2026 Austin City Limits Music Festival returns to its longtime home at Zilker Park for a landmark celebration. This is the 25th edition of ACL Fest, with seven headliners and more than 100 performances across nine stages at Zilker Park. Since 2006, the festival — in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation — has generated more than $79 million for improvements to Zilker Park and other public parks across Austin. That legacy of reinvestment makes ACL one of the few major US festivals where the host venue actively benefits from the event year after year.

The two-weekend format, which ACL adopted in 2013, gives fans flexibility to choose the dates — and sometimes the exclusive acts — that best fit their schedule. Here is exactly when each weekend falls.

Weekend 1: October 2–4, 2026

Weekend 1 opens on Friday, October 2 and runs through Sunday, October 4, 2026. Historically, Weekend 1 tends to draw a slightly larger contingent of out-of-state travelers and media.

For 2026, Weekend 1 carries an exclusive headlining set from Skrillex — a draw for electronic-music fans who want to experience his production-heavy show on the festival's main stage after dark. If you are flying in, plan to arrive by Thursday evening at the latest; Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is roughly 20 minutes from Zilker Park outside of peak traffic, but rideshare wait times spike on Friday mornings of ACL weekend.

• Dates: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026

• Exclusive headliner: Skrillex

Weekend 2: October 9–11, 2026

Weekend 2 runs Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026 — exactly one week after Weekend 1 closes. The shared headliners — Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and The xx — perform both weekends. Kings of Leon is the exclusive headliner for Weekend 2.

• Dates: Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026

• Exclusive headliner: Kings of Leon

• Potential advantage: Historically softer resale pricing in some years

Zilker Park Venue Overview & Stage Map

Zilker Park is a 351-acre metropolitan park in south-central Austin, bordered by Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake. The ACL festival footprint occupies the park's Great Lawn and surrounding areas, transforming the green space into a multi-stage concert venue for each weekend.

For 2026, the festival spans nine stages. In previous years, the main stages have included:

• American Express Stage — the largest stage, positioned on the south end of the festival grounds, hosting the top-billed headliners each night.

• Honda Stage — the second-largest stage, typically on the north side, running a parallel headliner-tier schedule.

• Miller Lite Stage, T-Mobile Stage, Tito's Stage, BMI Stage — mid-size and smaller stages spread across the grounds, each showcasing different genre clusters from indie rock to hip-hop to Latin music.

• Austin Kiddie Limits — a family-friendly stage and activity area for younger attendees.

The festival grounds are roughly a 15-to-20-minute walk from end to end. Key landmarks to orient yourself: the main entrance gates sit along Barton Springs Road on the north side, while the south end of the grounds overlooks Lady Bird Lake. Food vendor rows, the ACL Art Market, and hydration stations are distributed throughout.

Check the official ACL app (typically released a few weeks before the festival) for the interactive stage map with GPS pin drops, set-time filters, and walking-time estimates between stages.

• Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704

• Stages: 9 stages for ACL 2026

• Layout tip: Download the official ACL app closer to the festival for an interactive GPS-enabled map

ACL 2026 Lineup: Headliners, Exclusives & Undercard Highlights

The ACL 2026 lineup was announced on May 5, 2026, and the 25th-anniversary roster is a genre-spanning statement. Seven headliners top a bill of 100-plus performances across pop, electronic, rock, indie, Latin, and hip-hop — the widest stylistic range ACL has programmed in years.

Below is the breakdown of who is playing both weekends, who is exclusive to one, and which undercard names deserve a spot on your personal schedule.

Headliners Confirmed for Both Weekends

Five of the seven headliners perform across both Weekend 1 and Weekend 2, meaning attendees of either weekend get access to the majority of the top-billed talent:

All five acts headline evening slots on the American Express or Honda stages, so there is no risk of a scheduling conflict among them — though undercard overlaps during the afternoon are inevitable at a multi-stage festival.

Weekend-Exclusive Headliners

Two headliners are exclusive to a single weekend, creating the most significant lineup split for fans choosing between Weekend 1 and Weekend 2:

Skrillex (Weekend 1 only) — Skrillex is one of the festival's two weekend-exclusive headliners, appearing during Weekend 1. His sets blend dubstep, house, drum-and-bass, and pop remixes into a visually intense, bass-heavy experience.

Kings of Leon (Weekend 2 only) — The Followill family band has delivered some of the most memorable rock sets in ACL history. Their catalog — from "Sex on Fire" to "The Bandit" — hits differently in the warm Austin night air.

• Weekend 1 exclusive: Skrillex (electronic)

• Weekend 2 exclusive: Kings of Leon (rock)

• Both weekends: Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, The xx

Undercard Highlights

ACL has always been a discovery festival — the kind of event where a 2:00 PM set on a small stage becomes a story you tell for years. The 2026 undercard is loaded with names worth arriving early for:

• Turnstile — The Baltimore hardcore-punk band has crossed over into festival-headliner territory on sheer energy alone. Their mosh-pit-meets-melody approach packs any stage.

• Labrinth — Known for his Emmy-winning Euphoria scores and soaring vocal range, Labrinth brings theatrical performances and a distinctive electronic sound to the festival.

• The War on Drugs — Adam Granduciel's band brings lush, Springsteen-esque heartland rock that sounds massive outdoors.

• Young Miko — One of the brightest voices in Latin trap and reggaeton, bringing the genre's growing festival presence to ACL's stages.

• Bleachers — Jack Antonoff's indie pop/rock band thrives on festival stages with sing-along anthems and raw enthusiasm.

• Audrey Hobert — A rising name worth watching; read more about her trajectory in TicketX Magazine's Audrey Hobert tour overview.

• Parcels — The Australian (Berlin-based) electropop group brings tight grooves and retro-futurist energy.

• SOFI TUKKER — High-energy electronic-pop duo whose sets double as dance parties.

• Geese — Brooklyn post-punk with sharp edges and unexpected song structures.

• The Marías — Dreamy psychedelic pop with bilingual lyrics and a hypnotic live presence.

Other notable names across the undercard include Brandon Flowers (Weekend 1), Rilo Kiley, Djo, Pierce The Veil, Role Model, Sabrina Claudio, Lola Young, and Leon Thomas.

• Discovery tip: Arrive early — some of the best sets happen on smaller stages between noon and 3 PM

• Latin representation: Young Miko, rusowsky, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Paloma Morphy reflect ACL's expanding genre diversity

• Rising artists to bookmark: Sienna Spiro, Bella Kay, Paris Paloma, Skye Newman, Claire Rosinkranz

Weekend 1 vs. Weekend 2 — How to Choose the Right ACL 2026 Weekend

Choosing between Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 is one of the most common decisions ACL fans face. Both weekends share the vast majority of the lineup, but meaningful differences in exclusive acts, crowd dynamics, weather patterns, and resale pricing can tip the scales. Here is a structured comparison to help you decide.

Lineup & Exclusive-Act Differences

The five shared headliners perform both weekends, while a number of undercard artists are exclusive to one weekend. The primary differentiator is the exclusive headliner slot:

Crowd Size, Weather History & Vibe

Both weekends draw massive crowds, but there are subtle differences in atmosphere and conditions:

Crowd density: Weekend 1 has historically skewed slightly larger in attendance, and tends to concentrate more out-of-town visitors into the October 2–4 window. Weekend 2 often has a slightly higher proportion of Austin locals and repeat attendees, which can give it a more community-driven feel.

Weather: Early October in Austin is transitional. Daytime highs typically range from the low 80s°F (27–28°C) to the upper 80s°F (30–32°C), with overnight lows dropping into the mid-60s°F (17–19°C). Rain is possible during both weekends — Austin averages measurable rainfall on several days in October — but prolonged, all-day downpours are uncommon. Weekend 2, falling a week later in the month, has a marginally higher chance of a cold-front arrival that can drop temperatures into the 70s°F during the day, which many attendees find more comfortable for an outdoor festival.

Vibe: Weekend 1 energy tends to feel slightly more intense and "event-driven," partly because artists are performing the material for the first time during the ACL cycle. Weekend 2 sets can feel looser and more polished, as artists have a full week to adjust their setlists and staging to Zilker Park's acoustics.

How ACL Resale Pricing Moves

Resale pricing for ACL fluctuates based on demand, ticket type, lineup announcements, and proximity to the festival. Because prices can change frequently, compare the final post-fee total before purchasing.

ACL 2026 Ticket Types, Tiers & Face-Value Prices

ACL 2026 offers four main ticket tiers for each weekend, each with different access levels, amenities, and price points. The figures below are face value from the festival's own on-sale; resale prices move with demand and can sit above or below them. Understanding what each tier includes helps you decide whether the upgrade is worth the spend — or whether standard GA delivers everything you need.

GA, GA+, VIP & Platinum — What Each Tier Includes

Is GA+ worth the upgrade? GA+ adds dedicated viewing areas, lounge seating, and other amenities beyond standard GA. The difference between GA and GA+ buys you comfort during the hottest hours of the day — a factor that matters more as afternoon temperatures climb.

Are Single-Day Passes Available for 2026?

Yes. ACL 2026 initially launched with 3-day wristbands only, but single-day passes for GA, VIP, Platinum, and Bungalow tiers have since been released alongside the day-by-day lineup. Single-day passes give fans the flexibility to attend specific days rather than committing to a full weekend.

Check the official ACL Festival website (aclfestival.com) for current single-day availability and pricing. On the resale market, individual-day wristbands also appear when 3-day passholders sell off specific days.

Are Primary Passes Still Available?

Three-day GA and GA+ tickets are currently on the festival's waitlist for both weekends, while select single-day tickets remain available. As of September 2026, fans can check the festival's primary ticket options, waitlists and verified resale inventory, with availability changing as the festival approaches.

The official ACL ticket page also provides access to verified resale inventory. Availability can fluctuate, so check the official ticket page for current options.

If verified resale inventory is sold out, trusted secondary marketplaces become another option. Prices on resale platforms will vary, and the total cost depends on whether the platform adds service fees at checkout.

How to Buy ACL 2026 Resale Tickets Safely

With many primary pass tiers sold out, the resale market is where most ACL 2026 buyers will find their tickets. Buying resale is perfectly normal — but the experience varies dramatically depending on which platform you use, how fees are structured, and what buyer protections are in place. This section walks through pricing, fee transparency, buyer guarantees, and scam avoidance.

Hidden Fees on Resale Platforms: What to Know

For years, "drip pricing" was the standard practice across the ticket resale industry. The regulatory landscape shifted on May 12, 2025, when the FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (16 CFR Part 464) began requiring businesses that sell live-event tickets to display the total price upfront, including all mandatory fees. The rule covers third-party platforms, resellers, and travel agents.

Despite the rule, the buyer's experience can still vary between platforms. Some marketplaces have restructured their pricing displays; others may handle compliance differently. The safest approach is to always verify the total at the checkout screen before entering payment information.

TicketX takes a different approach: the price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden fees, and the listed price is the final price. That makes it straightforward to compare true costs across platforms without mental math.

TicketX Buyer Guarantee Explained

Buying tickets on the secondary market comes with inherent risks: invalid barcodes, late delivery, last-minute cancellations, or sellers who never transfer the wristband. TicketX addresses these concerns through its Buyer Guarantee, which provides a full refund in four specific scenarios:

1. Fake or invalid tickets — If your ticket or wristband turns out to be counterfeit or otherwise invalid for entry, you receive a full refund.

2. Tickets not delivered in time — If your tickets do not arrive by the delivery deadline, you receive a full refund.

3. Event canceled without rescheduling — If the event is canceled outright and not rescheduled to a new date, you receive a full refund.

4. Seller fails to transfer — If the seller does not complete the ticket transfer as required, you receive a full refund.

These four protections cover the most common failure points in resale transactions. For complete details on terms, conditions, and the claims process, refer to TicketX's official terms of service on their website.

TicketX lists verified tickets from sellers on its marketplace — it is a resale platform, not a primary seller or box office. The Buyer Guarantee exists to give you confidence that your purchase is protected if something goes wrong on the seller's side.

How to Spot Fake ACL Wristbands

Peer-to-peer platforms are popular channels for ACL wristband resale — but they are also where fake-wristband scams are most common. Unlike established resale marketplaces that offer buyer protections, peer-to-peer transactions put the authentication burden entirely on you.

Here are practical tips to reduce your risk:

• Examine the wristband closely. Authentic ACL wristbands use RFID-embedded fabric bands with a unique barcode and holographic details. Counterfeits often have blurry printing, incorrect fonts, or flimsy clasps.

• Request proof of purchase. Ask the seller for their original order confirmation email from Ticketmaster or the ACL website. Cross-reference the order number and buyer name.

• Meet in a safe location. If buying locally, meet in a public place — many Austin Police Department substations offer designated safe-exchange zones.

• Never pay via non-reversible methods. Avoid Venmo (friends & family), Zelle, cryptocurrency, or cash for high-value transactions. Use a credit card or PayPal Goods & Services for chargeback protection.

• Test the RFID chip. If you receive a wristband before the festival, some NFC-reader apps can detect whether the RFID chip is present (though they cannot verify validity against ACL's database).

For a deeper dive on authentication across all event types, read TicketX Magazine's guide on how to spot fake concert tickets.

The safest alternative to peer-to-peer purchasing is using a resale marketplace with built-in buyer protection — such as TicketX's Buyer Guarantee — so that if a wristband turns out to be invalid, you are covered for a full refund.

ACL 2026 Festival Survival Guide — Zilker Park Tips

You have your wristband secured. Now it is time to prepare for three days under the Texas sun. Zilker Park is a spectacular festival venue, but it requires planning — from what you carry through the gates to how you get home after the last set. These tips will help you stay comfortable, hydrated, and focused on the music.

What to Bring & ACL Clear-Bag Policy

ACL requires most bags to be clear. Small clutch purses and fanny packs 6" × 9" or smaller do not need to be clear, while larger bags must be clear and smaller than 12" × 6" × 12". Small empty hydration packs are also permitted and do not need to be clear. Check the official ACL bag policy before attending, as requirements can change. 

What to bring:

• Clear bag within the posted size limits

• Empty refillable water bottle; check the current ACL FAQ for material restrictions.

• Portable phone charger (battery packs are allowed; no solar panels or generators)

• Sunscreen (non-aerosol; aerosol spray sunscreen has been prohibited in past years)

• Sunglasses and a hat or bandana

• Light rain jacket or compact poncho (Texas weather can shift quickly)

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or broken-in sandals (the grounds get dusty or muddy)

• Earplugs — essential for protecting your hearing across three days of high-decibel stages

Commonly prohibited items (verify on aclfestival.com):

• Professional cameras (detachable lenses)

• Drones

• Outside food and beverages (empty water bottles are the exception)

• Chairs, blankets larger than a standard beach towel

• Pets (service animals excepted)

• Weapons, illegal substances

• Key rule: Bags must be clear and within the size limit; small clutch purses are typically exempt

• Must-have: Empty refillable water bottle, portable charger, sunscreen, earplugs

• Confirm details: Check aclfestival.com for the 2026-specific prohibited-items list

Getting to Zilker Park: Shuttles, Rideshare & Bikes

Zilker Park has extremely limited on-site parking for festival attendees — effectively, there is none designated for GA or GA+ passholders. Planning your transportation in advance is essential.

ACL Shuttle: The festival provides shuttle service, but the official site advises attendees to check closer to the festival for the 2026 shuttle location and operating hours.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft): Rideshare is one of the most popular ways to get to and from Zilker Park, but drop-off and pickup zones are set by the festival and located several blocks from the main entrance to avoid congestion. Expect surge pricing after headliner sets end — budget accordingly. A common strategy is to walk 10–15 minutes away from the official rideshare zone before requesting a ride, which can reduce both wait times and prices.

Bikes: Austin's bike infrastructure makes cycling a viable option. The festival historically offers free, supervised bike parking (Bike Valet) near the entrance gates. If you are staying within a few miles of Zilker, biking is often the fastest and cheapest option.

Pedicabs: Pedicabs operate around the festival perimeter and can be a fun, if pricier, alternative for short distances.

• Best option for convenience: ACL Shuttle (buy passes early)

• Best option for flexibility: Rideshare (walk away from the designated zone to reduce surge)

• Best option for speed and cost: Bike + Bike Valet

Austin Weather in Early October & What to Wear

Austin in early October sits at the tail end of summer, which means heat is still a real factor. Here is what to expect and how to dress:

Temperature: Daytime highs in the first two weeks of October typically range from the low 80s°F to upper 80s°F (27–32°C). By late afternoon, temperatures begin to ease, and evening lows generally drop into the mid-60s°F (17–19°C). A light layer for after sunset is smart — the temperature swing between 3 PM and 10 PM can be noticeable.

Rain: October is not Austin's wettest month, but rain is always possible. Brief afternoon showers or thunderstorms can roll in with little warning. When rain does hit during ACL, the Zilker Park grounds — particularly the high-traffic paths between stages — can turn muddy quickly. A compact, packable rain jacket or poncho is worth the bag space.

Sun exposure: The sun is still strong in early October. Wear sunscreen (reapply every two hours), a hat, and sunglasses. Shade is limited outside of the GA+ and VIP lounge areas, so plan for extended direct-sun exposure during afternoon sets.

What to wear:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics)

• Comfortable shoes that can handle dust, grass, and potential mud

• A light hoodie or flannel for evenings

• Rain poncho (compact and packable)

• Daytime: Expect 80s°F; dress light, wear sunscreen, bring a hat

• Evening: Lows in the mid-60s°F; bring a light layer

• Rain prep: Pack a compact poncho; Zilker gets muddy fast

Food, Water & Payment Tips Inside the Festival

ACL is known for showcasing Austin's food scene inside the festival grounds. Dozens of local and regional food vendors set up shop, offering everything from BBQ brisket and tacos to vegan bowls and gourmet popsicles.

Water: Staying hydrated is critical in the Texas heat. ACL allows empty refillable water bottles (check the current year's material restrictions — some years prohibit metal bottles). Free water refill stations are distributed across the grounds. The single most important festival survival tip: drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty.

Food pricing: Festival food pricing runs higher than street prices — expect to pay roughly $12–$18 for most entrée items and $5–$8 for snacks. Beer and cocktails typically range from $10–$16 depending on the vendor and pour size. These are approximate ranges based on past editions; 2026 pricing may differ.

Payment: ACL has trended toward cashless payment in recent years. Most vendors accept credit/debit cards and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Carrying a small amount of cash is still advisable as a backup, but the festival has made cashless the default at most points of sale.

Budget tip: Eat a substantial meal before entering the festival each day. The combination of heat, walking, and hours of standing burns calories fast, and festival food costs add up across three days.

ACL 2026 FAQ

Below are the questions ACL first-timers and returning fans ask most about the 2026 festival — covering availability, ticket tiers, transfers, gate times, and streaming.

Is ACL 2026 sold out?

Three-day GA and GA+ tickets are currently on the festival's waitlist for both weekends, while select single-day tickets remain available. The official ACL ticket page also links to verified resale inventory, and availability can change as the festival approaches. On TicketX, the price you see is the price you pay, with no hidden fees.

Can I buy single-day ACL 2026 tickets?

Yes. Single-day passes for GA, VIP, Platinum, and Bungalow tiers have been released alongside the day-by-day lineup. Check the official ACL Festival website for current availability and pricing. On the resale market, individual-day wristbands may also appear if a 3-day passholder sells off specific days.

Is GA+ worth it at ACL?

For many attendees, GA+ is the most cost-effective upgrade. GA+ gives you access to dedicated viewing areas, lounge seating, and other amenities beyond standard GA. If you plan to spend significant time at the headliner stages and value having a cool-down retreat during peak afternoon heat, GA+ delivers meaningful comfort improvements. If you are the type of festivalgoer who roams between smaller stages and does not prioritize main-stage proximity, standard GA may serve you just as well.

Can I sell or transfer my ACL wristband?

Eligible ACL wristbands can be resold through the festival's official verified resale channel. ACL's wristband policy states that wristbands are non-transferable and non-exchangeable outside the authorized process, so buyers and sellers should use the festival's official resale options rather than attempting an informal transfer.

What time do ACL gates open?

Gate times for ACL 2026 should be confirmed closer to the festival. The festival's current FAQ has not yet published 2026 gate hours.

Will ACL 2026 be streamed?

Yes. Disney+ and Hulu have been confirmed as the official streaming destinations for ACL 2026, covering select live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.

If you cannot attend in person, streaming is the way to experience the festival live. Keep in mind that streaming coverage typically features a curated selection of performances rather than every set on every stage.