Austin City Limits 2026: Dates, Lineup, Travel Guide & More

For six days in October, Zilker Park becomes one of the busiest and most exciting places in Austin. Music fans move between stages, local food vendors serve Austin favorites, and visitors from across the country come together for one of the city’s biggest annual events.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival returns in 2026 across two weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11. Choosing which weekend to attend is only the first step. Flight schedules, hotel locations, transportation to Zilker Park, ticket availability, and the artists performing each weekend can all shape your trip.

This guide covers the ACL Festival 2026 dates, lineup, ticket information, where to stay, how to reach Zilker Park, what to bring, and some of the best things to do in Austin beyond the festival.

What Is the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

The Austin City Limits Music Festival, commonly called ACL Festival, is one of Austin’s biggest annual music events. It began in 2002 and takes its name from the long-running television music program Austin City Limits.

The festival brings performers from several music genres to outdoor stages throughout Zilker Park. Visitors can spend the day moving between performances while enjoying local food, festival merchandise, art vendors, and other experiences.

ACL is more than a series of concerts. The event combines Austin’s live music culture with the city’s food, outdoor spaces, and creative atmosphere.

When Is Austin City Limits 2026?

The Austin City Limits 2026 dates are divided into two weekends:

Weekend One	Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Weekend Two	Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026

Both weekends feature many of the same major performers, although some artists are scheduled for only one weekend.

💡 Tip: Check the artist lineup carefully before choosing a weekend because the schedule is not completely identical.

Where Is Austin City Limits 2026 Held?

ACL Festival takes place at Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, Texas, one of Austin’s best-known outdoor spaces.

The park covers more than 350 acres near Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake. It is also home to attractions including Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Botanical Garden.

The outdoor setting gives festival visitors views of Austin’s skyline while allowing space for multiple music stages, food areas, merchandise stands, and festival activities.

Austin City Limits 2026 Lineup

The ACL Festival 2026 lineup includes major names from pop, rock, electronic, and alternative music.

The main headliners are:

Charli XCX

RÜFÜS DU SOL

Twenty One Pilots

Lorde

The xx

Skrillex — Weekend One only

Kings of Leon — Weekend Two only

Other announced performers include the following:

The Chainsmokers
Turnstile
Lola Young
Geese
Bleachers
The War on Drugs
Suki Waterhouse
Steve Aoki
Audrey Hobert
Brandon Flowers
Parcels

The festival features more than 100 performances across nine stages, giving visitors a mix of major headliners, established bands, and emerging artists.

💡 Tip: The detailed performance schedule and set times may be released or updated closer to the festival. Visitors should check the official ACL Festival schedule before finalizing their daily plans.

Weekend One or Weekend Two: Which Should You Choose?

Both ACL weekends offer a similar overall festival experience, but artist availability may help you decide.

Weekend One	Choose Weekend One if seeing Skrillex is one of your priorities. Skrillex is currently listed as a Weekend One performer.
Weekend Two	Choose Weekend Two if you want to see Kings of Leon, who are scheduled for the second weekend.

You should also compare:

Ticket availability
Flight prices
Hotel rates
Your preferred artists
Weekend-specific performances
Your available travel dates

Do not assume every artist will perform during both weekends. Review the lineup before buying festival tickets or booking travel.

What Does a General Admission Ticket Include?

A General Admission ticket provides festival entry and access to the music stages. Visitors can also purchase food and drinks from festival vendors and shop for official merchandise and items from art sellers.

The festival includes water refill stations, food options, and bars throughout the grounds.

Getting to Austin for ACL Festival 2026

Fly to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The nearest major airport to ACL Festival is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

AUS serves domestic routes from many major US cities, making Austin accessible for visitors traveling from places such as

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Las Vegas
Denver
Orlando
Miami
Atlanta
Seattle
San Francisco

Festival weekends may bring higher travel demand, so comparing flights before prices rise may help you find more suitable schedules and fares.

💡 Tip: When choosing a flight, consider arriving at least one day before your festival visit. This gives you time to check in, explore Austin, and avoid missing performances because of unexpected travel disruption.

How to Get to Zilker Park

There is no public festival parking at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Festival organizers recommend using public transportation, official shuttles, rideshare services, walking, or biking.

🚌 Public Transportation	CapMetro operates routes near Zilker Park. MetroRapid Route 803 is one of the public transportation options listed by festival organizers.
🚐 Festival Shuttles	ACL Festival plans to provide festival shuttle services. Final shuttle locations and operating hours are expected closer to the event dates.
🚗 Rideshare	Visitors using a rideshare app can enter Austin City Limits Music Festival or Zilker Park as the destination. The app may then direct passengers to an available festival drop-off point.
🚶 Walking or Biking	Walking and biking can be convenient for visitors staying in nearby areas. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail provides access toward the festival grounds.

💡 Tip: Allow additional time when entering and leaving because thousands of visitors may be traveling at the same time.

Festival Entrances and Accessibility

ACL Festival has three main entrances: East Barton Springs, West Barton Springs and the Lady Bird Entrance. Choose your entrance based on your transportation route and where you are approaching Zilker Park from.

The official opening hours for the 2026 festival are expected to be announced closer to the event. Check the latest festival information before leaving your hotel so you can plan enough time for transportation, security checks, and entry.

Accessibility information for the 2026 festival is still being finalized. Guests who require accessible transportation, entry assistance, viewing areas, or other accommodations should review the official ACL accessibility guidance before traveling.

Best Areas to Stay During Austin City Limits 2026

Hotels may fill quickly during ACL weekends, so book accommodations after confirming your festival dates.

Downtown Austin	Downtown is a convenient area for visitors who want restaurants, nightlife, live music, and access to city attractions. It may also suit first-time visitors who want to explore Austin outside festival hours.
South Congress	Walk along South Congress Avenue to explore local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, colorful murals, and live-music venues.
South Austin	South Austin can be useful for visitors who want to stay closer to Zilker Park. The area has restaurants, local businesses, and access to outdoor attractions.
East Austin	East Austin is popular for restaurants, nightlife, and creative local businesses. It may suit travelers who want to explore more of Austin’s food and entertainment scene.

Before booking, compare the hotel location with available festival transportation. A lower hotel rate may not be the best value if reaching Zilker Park becomes difficult.

What to Expect at ACL Festival 2026

Live Music Across Nine Stages

ACL features performances throughout the day on multiple stages. Visitors can create a personal schedule based on preferred artists while leaving time to walk between performance areas.

💡 Tip: Popular sets may attract large crowds, so arrive early when a performer is a priority.

Austin Food and Drinks

Festival food is an important part of the ACL experience. Visitors can find dishes from Austin restaurants and food businesses, including options suitable for different dietary preferences.

Food choices may include local favorites, sweet treats, snacks, and festival meals.

Art and Festival Shopping

Visitors can explore the ACL Art Market for clothing, jewelry, posters, and handmade products. Official festival and artist merchandise is also available.

Austin Kiddie Limits

ACL also includes Austin Kiddie Limits, an area created for children and families. General admission allows children aged eight and under to enter free when accompanied by a ticketed adult, subject to the festival’s limits and policies.

What to Bring to ACL Festival

Pack light and bring only items allowed under the official ACL Festival entry policy.

All guests and belongings may be searched at the entrance, so carrying fewer items can help you move through security more quickly.

Useful items to carry include:

🎟️ Festival wristband: Keep your wristband secure and ready for entry.

💧 Empty reusable water bottle: Empty reusable bottles, hydration packs, and plastic or aluminum water bottles are allowed. Refill your bottle at the festival’s water stations.

🎒 Approved festival bag: Check the latest ACL bag policy before attending and make sure your bag meets the permitted size and style requirements.

🔋 Portable phone charger: A battery pack can help keep your phone charged throughout the day.

🧴 Non-aerosol sunscreen: Sunscreen is allowed in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Aerosol sunscreen is not permitted.

🧼 Personal hand sanitizer: Containers of 3.4 ounces or less are allowed.

🕶️ Hat and sunglasses: These can help protect you from the sun during a full day outdoors.

👟 Comfortable walking shoes: Expect to spend several hours walking and standing around Zilker Park.

🧺 Blanket, sheet, or towel: These are allowed and can be useful when taking a break between performances.

🌬️ Portable misting fan: Personal misting fans with bottles no larger than 1.5 liters are permitted, but the bottle must be empty when entering.

📷 Basic camera: Consumer point-and-shoot cameras without detachable lenses are allowed. Professional cameras, tripods, selfie sticks, and other camera attachments are prohibited.

⚡ Factory-sealed electrolyte packets: Single-serving hydration or electrolyte packets are permitted when factory sealed.

Medication Information

Visitors carrying prescription medication must bring it in the original pharmacy-labeled container showing the patient’s name, prescription, and dosage. Only the amount needed for that day is allowed. Over-the-counter medication may also be carried in a reasonable daily amount and may be checked by medical staff at the entrance.

Festival rules may change before ACL Festival 2026. Check the latest official allowed-items and bag policies shortly before traveling.

Travel Tips for Austin City Limits 2026

Book flights and accommodations early because thousands of visitors travel to Austin during ACL weekends.

Choose your festival weekend based on the artists you most want to see rather than assuming both lineups are identical.

Download or save important information before entering the festival, including your schedule, hotel details, and transportation plan.

Wear comfortable shoes because visitors may spend much of the day walking or standing.

Carry an approved refillable water bottle and use the festival’s water stations.

Check the weather forecast before leaving your hotel and prepare for outdoor conditions.

Avoid driving toward Zilker Park because public festival parking is not available at the venue.

Purchase tickets only through authorized sources and review the wristband policy before attending.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Austin City Limits 2026?

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 will take place during two weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026.

Where is Austin City Limits 2026 held?

ACL Festival is held at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

Which airport is closest to ACL Festival?

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest major airport to the festival.

Is parking available at Zilker Park during ACL?

No public festival parking is available at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors should consider shuttles, public transportation, rideshare services, walking, or biking.

Is Austin City Limits suitable for families?

ACL includes Austin Kiddie Limits, a dedicated family area. Children aged eight and under may enter general admission free with a ticketed adult, subject to the festival’s current policy.

Are both ACL weekends the same?

Many performers appear during both weekends, but some artists are exclusive to one weekend. Visitors should compare the lineup before choosing dates.

Can visitors leave and re-enter ACL Festival on the same day?

Yes. Festivalgoers can leave and re-enter ACL Festival on the same day. Make sure your wristband is scanned when exiting and again when returning. Re-entry is currently allowed up to two times per day, subject to the festival’s latest wristband policy.

What should visitors wear to ACL Festival?

Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing outdoors. Check Austin’s weather forecast shortly before the event and plan accordingly.

Plan Your Austin Trip with Mundo Trip

Heading to Austin for ACL Festival 2026? Mundo Trip can help you compare flight options and plan a smoother journey to the Live Music Capital of the World. Book early, choose travel dates that fit your festival weekend, and get ready to enjoy Austin’s music, food, culture, and outdoor attractions.