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The 2026 ACL lineup just dropped, and Charli XCX, Lorde, and Skrillex headline a stacked October festival that’ll reshape Austin’s music calendar. After months of clues and speculation, Austin City Limits Music Festival revealed its 25th anniversary roster today, May 5, featuring seven major headliners across two weekends.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Festival Dates: October 2-4 and October 9-11, 2026 at Zilker Park
- Headliners: Charli XCX, Lorde, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, Rüfüs Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots, The xx
- 3-Day Tickets: On sale today at 12 PM CT via aclfestival.com
- Total Artists: 100+ performers across the genre-fluid lineup
Genre-Bending Headliners Shake Up Austin’s Biggest Festival
Charli XCX and Lorde bring avant-garde pop energy to the festival’s opening weekend, while Skrillex anchors the electronic and dubstep contingent for Week 1. Kings of Leon leads the classic rock representation in Week 2, sandwiched between Rüfüs Du Sol‘s electronic grooves and Twenty One Pilots‘ genre-defying indie-pop. The xx offers minimalist indie brilliance across both weekends, creating a refreshingly diverse headliner slate that spans pop, rock, electronic, and alternative music.
The two-weekend structure allows fans to choose their preferred headliner mix, with distinct personality between Week 1 and Week 2. Neither weekend overwhelmingly dominates, democratizing the experience across the 75,000 daily capacity at Zilker Park.
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Secondary Acts Prove This Lineup Runs Deep
Beyond the headliners, 19 secondary acts elevate the roster with serious star power. The Chainsmokers, Turnstile, Labrinth, and Brandon Flowers anchor the second tier, delivering proven crowd-moving sets. Lola Young, an emerging force in electronic music, and Geese, the Brooklyn indie darlings, represent the festival’s commitment to balancing veterans with rising stars.
Bleachers, Amyl and the Sniffers, and The War on Drugs fill out a depth chart that rewards deep dives into the full schedule. Steve Aoki‘s production wizardry and Natasha Bedingfield‘s pop-nostalgia factor round out the mid-card with reliable, high-energy performers who rarely disappoint live.
Tickets, VIP Access, and Festival Details
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Zilker Park, Austin, TX |
| Weekend 1 | October 2-4, 2026 |
| Weekend 2 | October 9-11, 2026 |
| 3-Day Pass Sale | Today, May 5 at 12 PM CT |
| Pass Tiers | GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum |
| Single-Day Tickets | Available later in 2026 |
| Daily Capacity | 75,000 fans per day |
Three-day passes launch at noon CT today on aclfestival.com, with tiered pricing expected to increase as inventory tightens. VIP pass upgrades now include enclosed AC lounges and dedicated VIP entry at Barton Springs East Entrance, plus complimentary drinks in the VIP groves. Platinum passes offer maximum amenities for fans seeking premium experience.
“Austin City Limits is celebrating 25 years of bringing the world’s most exciting artists to Zilker Park. This lineup reflects our commitment to genre diversity and emerging talent.”
— ACL Festival organizers, C3 Presents
Why This Year’s Lineup Matters for Music Fans
Charli XCX‘s experimental pop approach and Lorde‘s art-pop sophistication signal a festival willing to embrace avant-garde sensibilities. Skrillex‘s presence confirms dubstep and electronic music remain festival staples. Kings of Leon, The War on Drugs, and Bleachers anchor the indie-rock contingent without sacrificing innovation.
The Austin festival has historically attracted 450,000+ attendees across both weekends, generating $557.8 million in economic impact annually. This lineup should replicate that success, with Weekend 1 expected to sell faster given the Skrillex and Charli XCX draw. Weekend 2’s Kings of Leon card appeals to older demographics and classic rock lovers.
How Does the 2026 Lineup Compare to Previous Years?
Recent ACL festivals have featured The Strokes, Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, and Mumford and Sons as marquee acts. The 2026 roster tilts younger with Charli XCX and emerging artists like Lola Young, while maintaining crossover appeal through Kings of Leon and The xx. This genre balance ensures broad appeal across generational divides.
ACL’s growth trajectory continues through 2040 after the city signed a renewed agreement. The festival contributed over $4.7 billion to Austin’s economy since 2002, making it a cultural pillar alongside SXSW. This year’s lineup positions the festival to maintain that momentum through the 25th anniversary celebration.
