Your Complete Guide to Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 (ACL Fest)

What to Know Before You Go — Lineup, Tickets, Tips & Local Insider Info

If you're a music lover in Texas—or anywhere on the planet—you’ve probably heard of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Held annually in the Live Music Capital of the World, this iconic event brings together legendary headliners, cutting-edge newcomers, and over 400,000 fans across two weekends.

ACL Fest 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest and boldest yet. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned festival-goer, here’s your full breakdown of what to expect, how to prepare, and why you don’t want to miss it.

🎤 Festival Overview

Dates:

• Weekend One: October 3–5, 2025

• Weekend Two: October 10–12, 2025

Location:Zilker Park, Austin, TXA sprawling 350-acre park offering skyline views, iconic food trucks, and one-of-a-kind Texas vibes.

🎶 2025 Lineup Highlights

The 2025 lineup brings together a killer mix of genres—pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, indie, country, and beyond. Here are a few of the confirmed headliners that have fans buzzing:

• Doja Cat – Pop superstar with Grammy-nominated hits

• The Strokes – Rock legends with that unmistakable early-2000s cool

• Luke Combs – Country hitmaker bringing Nashville energy to Austin

• Peso Pluma – Breakout Latin artist with massive global reach

• Tyler, The Creator, Tame Impala, Megan Thee Stallion, ODESZA, and more

Each weekend features 100+ artists across 8 stages, with some acts playing both weekends and others exclusive to one.

🎟️ Tickets & Passes

ACL offers several pass types depending on your festival style:

🎫 General Admission

• Access to 100+ performances, food vendors, art installations, and sponsor activations

• Pricing: $390+ for 3-day pass; single-day tix available (usually $170+)

💼 GA+

• Includes private lounges, shade, premium restrooms, and a full-service bar

🌟 VIP & Platinum

• VIP includes elevated viewing decks, golf cart shuttles, and exclusive lounges

• Platinum offers backstage access, all-inclusive food and drink, front-row stage views, and valet service

Tip: ACL passes tend to sell out quickly—especially VIP/Platinum tiers. Buy early or look for resale options from trusted outlets.

🍔 Food, Art & Culture

ACL Fest isn’t just about the music—it’s a celebration of Austin itself.

🍽️ Eats: ACL Eats Food Court

Expect iconic Texas vendors like:

• Torchy’s Tacos

• Micklethwait Craft Meats

• Burro Cheese Kitchen

• Chi’Lantro Korean BBQ

• Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available

  
  

🎨 ACL Art Market

A curated selection of local artists, vintage fashion vendors, and handmade jewelry. Great for one-of-a-kind finds.

🧒 Family-Friendly? You Bet.

ACL is extremely family-friendly with its “Kidzapalooza” stage, interactive play spaces, and activities for kids 10 & under (who get in FREE with a ticketed adult).

♻️ Sustainability & Vibes

ACL takes sustainability seriously with:

• Compostable food containers

• Free refillable water stations (bring a reusable bottle)

• Bike valet and shuttle services to reduce car traffic

Dress for hot days and cool nights, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen!

🏨 Where to Stay

Popular areas for lodging:

• Downtown Austin – walkable to Zilker Park

• South Congress – funky, trendy, close to great food

• East Austin – artsy, vibrant, more affordable options

• Airbnbs near Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek, or Zilker book FAST

Pro tip: ACL shuttles run from downtown to the gates, so staying central is always a win.

📸 Festival Tips & Must-Knows

• Get the ACL App for set times, maps, alerts, and real-time updates

• Arrive early for top stage spots and new artist discoveries

• Bring a hydration pack, sun hat, and portable phone charger

• Plan your lineup strategy ahead of time—there WILL be overlaps

• Check the bag policy before you go (clear bags only, no large backpacks)

📝 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival promises to be unforgettable—where local culture meets global music and the energy of Texas shines. Whether you're there for the music, the food, the fashion, or the vibes, ACL is a bucket-list experience for music fans of all kinds.

Bookmark this guide and follow us for more Austin-based festival coverage and insider updates.

More info:

• “ACL Fest 2025 lineup”

• “Austin City Limits music festival guide”

• “Best hotels near Zilker Park ACL”

• “Austin City Limits weekend 1 vs weekend 2”

• “What to pack for ACL Festival”