ACL Fest 2026: Music, Austin, and a Little Bit of Mud

It’s that time of year again, Austin.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is back at Zilker Park for its 25th anniversary, October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026.

For two weekends, Zilker becomes one of the biggest music destinations in the country, bringing together longtime favorites, rising artists, huge headliners, local talent, and plenty of bands you may not know yet.

And if you’re anything like us, the hardest part isn’t deciding whether to go. It’s figuring out who you absolutely cannot miss.

View the Full ACL Fest 2026 Lineup →   |   See the Full ACL Schedule + Set Times →

Our Must-See Pick: Jesse Welles

If we had to circle one name on the schedule, it would be Jesse Welles.

There is something about Welles that feels especially right for an Austin festival. His music is raw, thoughtful, direct and deeply rooted in songwriting. In a lineup filled with massive productions and huge stages, his set offers a chance to slow down for a minute and really listen.

That is part of what makes ACL so much fun. Yes, there are the artists everyone already knows. But some of the best festival memories come from discovering someone you may not have known much about before walking into their set.

Jesse Welles is that artist for us.

Put him on your schedule. You won’t want to miss this one.

There Is a Lot to See at ACL 2026

Of course, Jesse Welles is only one piece of a very full ACL weekend.

This year’s lineup stretches across pop, rock, punk, electronic, indie, Americana and plenty in between, with artists including Charli xcx, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, Turnstile, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Lorde, The xx, Twenty One Pilots, Geese, Sofi Tukker, The War on Drugs, Bleachers, Leon Thomas, Brandon Flowers and many more.

There are artists you'll already have on repeat, artists your friends will insist you see, and artists whose names you may not recognize yet.

And honestly, that is one of our favorite things about ACL.

You can make the perfect schedule before you arrive, but once you're inside Zilker Park, plans have a funny way of changing. You hear music coming from another stage. Someone tells you about a band you've never heard of. You decide to stay for one more song.

Before you know it, you've discovered your new favorite artist.

Now About That Austin Weather...

Let’s talk about the part of ACL that has absolutely nothing to do with the lineup.

The weather.

Weekend One is arriving after plenty of rain around Central Texas, with wet ground around Zilker Park and more rain possible throughout the weekend.

Translation: plan for mud.

This is probably not the weekend to break in your brand-new white sneakers.

Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, check the forecast before you leave home, and plan for changing conditions. Comfortable shoes are not optional.

You are going to walk. A lot.

What to Bring to ACL Fest

A little preparation goes a long way when you're spending most of the day outside.

• Comfortable shoes you don't mind getting muddy
• Non-aerosol sunscreen
• An empty reusable water bottle or permitted hydration pack
• A portable phone charger
• Your festival wristband
• Your saved ACL schedule
• A little flexibility

One important thing to check before packing: ACL has specific bag and prohibited-item policies. Larger permitted bags must be clear, and umbrellas are among the items not allowed inside the festival.

Check the Official ACL Bag Policy →

See ACL's Allowed + Prohibited Items →

Getting to Zilker Park

If you haven't made your transportation plan yet, do that before you head out.

There is no general festival parking at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods. ACL recommends options including its downtown festival shuttle, CapMetro, rideshare, biking and walking.

Festival shuttles begin running from Sand Beach Park in downtown Austin at 11:30 AM each festival day and drop guests near the Barton Springs West entrance.

See Official ACL Transportation + Parking Info →

Your ACL Fest 2026 Quick Links

• Full 2026 Lineup
• Daily Schedule + Set Times
• Official ACL Fest Website
• Transportation + Getting to Zilker
• Bag Policy

Why We Love ACL

There is something uniquely Austin about ACL Fest.

It's big, but it still feels connected to the city's love of live music. Artists come in from around the world, but there's still something unmistakably Austin about spending a weekend wandering through Zilker Park with music coming from every direction.

It's loud. It's energetic. Sometimes it's hot. Apparently this year it may be muddy.

And somewhere between the music, the food, the crowds and the people you came with, you'll probably make a memory you'll be talking about long after the stages come down.

So grab your friends, make your schedule, wear the right shoes and get ready for another ACL weekend.

And if you're looking for us?

We'll be making our way to Jesse Welles.

Stay dry, y'all. 🤠🌧️🎶