Jess Nelson Featured Image by Charles Reagan Hackleman for ACL W1 2024
Bestie…it’s happening. Austin City Limits 2025 just dropped its insane lineup and if you need us, we’ll be crying over our group chat trying to decide which weekend to hit (or both… because, duh).
From October 3–5 and October 10–12, ACL is taking over Zilker Park for two weekends of sunshine, music, and literal magic. This year’s lineup? Iconic. The food? Cheffed up. The vibes? Immaculate.
Headliners That Are Giving Main Character Energy
Whether you’re here for guitar solos, synths, twangy vocals, or bass drops, ACL 2025 is stacked with all your faves (and some surprise obsessions in the making).
This year’s headliners are next level, with a little something for everyone. Doja Cat is set to deliver a full-on fashion moment while bringing her signature brand of pop chaos to the stage. Hozier returns to make us all collectively cry in public (in the best, most cathartic way), and Luke Combs is bringing that big-hearted country energy with vocals that hit you right in the soul.
Then there’s The Strokes — yes, that band you’ve had on repeat since 2001 — true indie rock legends ready to melt faces. For the dance floor lovers, John Summit will be your house music serotonin supplier, while Sabrina Carpenter, our glittery glam-pop It Girl, is ready to slay the main stage. And if Doechii isn’t your favorite yet, just wait — her sharp lyrics and electric stage energy will make sure she is by the end of the weekend.
But Wait, There’s So. Much. More.
Beyond the headliners, the lineup is a buffet of genres, moods, and sonic surprises. Whether you’re crying, moshing, or straight-up twirling, there’s a stage for that:
- Alt & Indie Lovers: We’ve got Cage the Elephant, Modest Mouse, Wet Leg, The Backseat Lovers, Japanese Breakfast, Rilo Kiley (weekend two exclusive!), and the always-groovy Dr. Dog.
- Pop Girlies & Guy Crushes: Come thru Marina, King Princess, Olivia Dean, Willow, RIIZE, and Role Model— mood setters and playlist staples.
- Electro + Dance Floor: Empire of the Sun is basically a synth-pop fairy tale. Plus Passion Pit, Polo & Pan, Zeds Dead, Sammy Virji, and Disco Lines to get you moving.
- Sad Cowboy Core: Hello, Gregory Alan Isakov, Dylan Gossett, Sam Barber, Spacey Jane, and Tanner Usrey. Catch us romanticizing heartbreak in the grass.
- Genre-Bending Cool Kids: MK.gee, Magdalena Bay, Phantogram, Ocean Alley, Cat Power, and Teen Jesus & the Jean Teasers are bringing that vibe.
- Emo Revival Is Real: Pierce the Veil (W2 only!) and Bilmuri are repping for the emotional rockers. Scream therapy session? Booked.
- On-the-Rise Must-Sees: MJ Lenderman, Gigi Perez, Jensen McRae, Fujii Kaze, Yoke Lore, Avalon, and Celeste are just a few names you’ll be bragging about seeing early.
Like, there are over 100 artists, and this barely scratches the surface. No matter your mood, genre, or playlist vibe, there’s someone waiting to blow your mind on stage.
It’s Not Just Music, It’s an Entire World
You’re not just going to a concert — you’re entering an ACL wonderland. Zilker Park transforms into a vibrant music city with:
- Art installations that glow, move, and surprise you around every corner.
- Incredible food and drink vendors repping Austin’s best — think brisket tacos, gourmet vegan bites, iced matcha lattes, cold craft beer, and frozen everything.
- Vintage shopping, fan-favorite merch, and exclusive pre-order collections like the 2025 Rattler Collection (that lineup tee? Say less).
Need to recharge mid-set? ACL’s got:
- Chill zones (some shaded, thank the festival gods),
- Secret bars
- And lounges for GA+ and VIP where you can livestream sets or even catch the big game.
Hotels, Add-Ons & Luxe Vibes? Oh, We’re Curating
This year, ACL is going all in on personalizing your fest experience. You can:
- Score exclusive hotel rates and bundle with tickets
- Upgrade to GA+ for a shaded lounge, private bar, jumbo screens & chill
- Go VIP for access to two lounges, air-conditioned restrooms (yes please), and prime stage viewing decks
- Or go full Platinum for front-of-stage viewing, all-day dining, a free bar, and golf cart rides because… why not?
Hosting a crew? Try the new Party Space add-on (new for 2025!) or book a Cabana or Bungalow for that bougie group hang.
Tickets? You Can Literally Start for $25 Down
3-Day Tickets go on sale TODAY at 12pm CT, starting at just $25 down with ACL’s layaway plan — so like, no excuses. Whether you’re going GA or balling out with Platinum, this is the move.
And it gets even better: a portion of every ticket supports Austin Parks Foundation, which helps care for over 300+ parks and trails. So yes, you’re partying and giving back.
Head to aclfestival.com to snag your passes before they’re gone.
Bonus Tips to Be That Girl (Or Guy or They) at ACL
- Sign up for SMS updates so you don’t miss the set times, surprise shows, or afterparty announcements (trust us).
- Follow ACL on Instagram, TikTok, and X for lineup reveals, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
- Pre-order your merch now — nothing worse than wanting the lineup hoodie and seeing it sold out by Saturday.
So yeah. ACL 2025 is coming in fast, and it’s the kind of festival you’ll tell your friends about for years. Whether you’re there for the music, the vibes, the eats, the fits, or just the golden-hour magic of Austin in October — this year’s fest is not the one to miss.
Zilker is calling, babe. We’ll see you in the grass.
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