Austin City Limits 2026: Festival Guide
🎵 ACL 2026 Coming Soon!
Austin City Limits Music Festival returns for two weekends in October 2026 to Zilker Park.
Dates: TBD (typically first two weekends of October)
Lineup announcement expected: Spring 2026
Tickets on sale: TBD (typically May)
Check back for updates or sign up for notifications on the official ACL Festival website. We'll update this guide as soon as 2026 details are announced!
About Austin City Limits Music Festival
Austin City Limits Music Festival has grown from its humble 2002 beginnings into one of America's premier music destinations. Held annually across two weekends in October, ACL transforms Austin's beloved Zilker Park into a sprawling musical wonderland featuring 140+ artists across eight stages.
With 75,000 daily attendees, ACL combines world-class music with Austin's legendary food scene, creating an authentic Texas festival experience that celebrates both emerging artists and global superstars.
2026 Festival Facts
- 📅 Dates: TBD (Two weekends in October 2026)
- 📍 Location: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
- 🎤 Stages: 8 stages, 140+ artists (typical)
- 👥 Capacity: 75,000 per day
- 🏞️ Size: 350 acres in the heart of Austin
Quick Navigation
What to Expect at ACL 2026
🎵 The Lineup
ACL traditionally features an eclectic mix of genres—rock, indie, country, hip-hop, electronic, and more. Expect 140+ artists across two weekends, from global headliners to breakout local acts. Past years have featured artists like The Killers, Hozier, Luke Combs, The Strokes, and Sabrina Carpenter.
2026 lineup typically announced: April/May 2026
🎪 The Experience
Eight stages spread across Zilker Park's 350 acres. From intimate BMI Stage performances to massive American Express and T-Mobile stage headliners, you'll walk 5-10 miles navigating between sets. Expect Texas heat (70-85°F), occasional rain, and the best live music atmosphere in the country.
🍖 Austin Eats
ACL Eats brings Austin's famous food scene to the festival. Expect local favorites like Franklin Barbecue, Torchy's Tacos, Home Slice Pizza, and dozens of food trucks. Options for every dietary preference, though prices are premium ($12-18 per item). Free water refill stations throughout.
🎉 Aftershows & More
ACL Fest Nights brings festival artists to iconic Austin venues like Stubb's, Emo's, and ACL Live at The Moody Theater. Plus, the city comes alive with unofficial shows, parties, and special events all weekend long. Austin Kiddie Limits provides family-friendly entertainment for younger festival-goers.
💡 Planning Ahead for 2026
- • Book lodging NOW if you want to stay near downtown Austin or Zilker Park
- • Tickets typically sell out within hours of going on sale in May
- • Weekend Two (Oct 9-11) generally has slightly better availability than Weekend One
- • Sign up for ACL's email list to get notified the moment tickets go on sale
- • Consider package deals (hotel + tickets) for convenience
Festival Stages & Navigation
Strategic insights for each stage to help you navigate crowds, find the best spots, and plan efficient set transitions:
🎸 American Express Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Largest stage, heaviest crowds. Arrive 45-60 minutes early for headliners, 30 minutes for mid-tier acts.
Best Positioning
Center-left offers best sound balance. VIP viewing deck elevated on right side. Avoid far right - sound delays and obstructed views.
Logistics
Limited natural shade - peak sun 2-6 PM. Food vendors 100 yards behind stage. Restrooms often crowded - use Miller Lite area facilities.
Stage Transitions
8-minute walk to T-Mobile, 5 minutes to Lady Bird. Allow 15 minutes to exit crowds after headliners.
📱 T-Mobile Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Second largest stage. Moderate crowds for mid-day, packed for headliners. Arrive 30-45 minutes early for prime acts.
Best Positioning
Right side has superior acoustics and less dense crowds. Left side closer to food/drinks. Center gets very packed.
Logistics
Good tree shade on periphery. Multiple food courts nearby. Clean restroom facilities 2 minutes east. Water stations well-positioned.
Stage Transitions
Perfect central location. 3 minutes to Miller Lite, 6 minutes to BMI, 8 minutes to American Express. Efficient for stage-hopping.
🍺 Miller Lite Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Mid-size stage, lighter crowds. Easy to get close 15-20 minutes before most acts. Perfect for discovering new artists.
Best Positioning
Intimate setting allows good views from anywhere. Sound quality excellent throughout. Left side slightly better for taller crowds.
Logistics
Excellent shade from large oak trees. Premium bar selection nearby. Less crowded restrooms. Comfortable grass seating area.
Stage Transitions
Quick access to T-Mobile (3 min) and BMI (4 min). Longer walk to American Express (10 min). Good for afternoon stage-hopping.
🎵 BMI Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Smallest stage with intimate setting. Easy to get close even 10-15 minutes before shows. Most relaxed atmosphere.
Best Positioning
Anywhere offers great views due to small size. Front row easily accessible. Musicians often interact closely with audience.
Logistics
Limited shade - bring hat for afternoon sets. Fewer food options nearby. Quieter restrooms. Great for breaks between major acts.
Stage Transitions
Central location ideal for quick transitions. 4 minutes to Miller Lite, 6 minutes to T-Mobile, 5 minutes to Tito's.
📻 Beatbox Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Medium capacity, younger crowds for indie/alternative acts. Arrive 20-30 minutes early for popular artists.
Best Positioning
Center offers best sound clarity. Right side has slight elevation advantage. Left side easier exit for stage transitions.
Logistics
Partial shade coverage. Food trucks scattered nearby. Portable restrooms - quality varies. Water station at rear.
Stage Transitions
Moderate distance to other stages. 7 minutes to Lady Bird, 9 minutes to T-Mobile. Plan extra time for transitions.
🍸 Tito's Handmade Vodka Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Smaller stage, chill vibes. Easy access most times. Silent Disco after 8 PM draws different crowd. Great for breaks.
Best Positioning
Circular layout allows 360-degree viewing. Bar seating available on perimeter. Dance floor opens up for electronic sets.
Logistics
Premium cocktail bar with AC seating area. Clean restrooms nearby. Good shade options. Best stage for networking/socializing.
Stage Transitions
Central-ish location. 5 minutes to BMI, 8 minutes to T-Mobile. Perfect meeting spot - distinctive landmarks.
🐦 Lady Bird Stage
Capacity & Crowds
Mid-size stage, mixed crowds. Perfect for afternoon shows with good energy. Gets packed for popular indie acts.
Best Positioning
Slight slope provides natural amphitheater effect. Back areas still offer good sightlines. Right side has sound advantage.
Logistics
Excellent tree shade nearby for breaks. Quality food vendors adjacent. Well-maintained restrooms. Water refill easily accessible.
Stage Transitions
Shorter walk to American Express (5 min). Moderate distance to other stages. Factor in crowd density for exit timing.
🗺️ Navigation Pro Tips
Peak Traffic Times
- 4-6 PM: Heaviest stage-to-stage movement
- 7:30-8:30 PM: Major bottlenecks at main stages
- Set changes: Allow extra 5-10 minutes
Accessibility Features
- ADA viewing areas at all main stages
- Paved pathways between major venues
- Accessible restrooms marked on app
Comfort Zones
- Barton Springs Road: Best shade + seating
- Miller Lite area: Quieter, family-friendly
- Tito's Stage: AC bar for heat relief
Insider Tips & Festival Strategies
🎯 Best Viewing Strategies
- •T-Mobile Stage: Arrive 30-45 mins early for headliners; right side has better sound
- •Miller Lite: Smaller crowds, great for discovering new artists
- •BMI Stage: Most intimate setting, easy to get close
- •Lady Bird: Perfect for afternoon shows, good shade trees nearby
- •VIP Viewing: Worth it for Saturday night headliners only
⏰ Timing & Logistics
- •Gates open: Typically 11:00 AM - arrive early to beat entry lines
- •Peak crowds: 4-8 PM on all stages - plan accordingly
- •Stage walking time: Allow 10-15 minutes between distant stages
- •Food lines: Shortest at 11 AM-1 PM and after 8 PM
- •Shuttle timing: Extra 30-45 minutes after headliners end
🎪 Festival Navigation
- •Wristband activation: Do this BEFORE arriving (online or app)
- •Meeting spots: Tito's Handmade Vodka stage has the best landmarks
- •Shade strategy: Tree line along Barton Springs Road for breaks
- •Bathroom lines: Shortest near Miller Lite and BMI stages
- •Phone charging: Bring portable battery - outlets are scarce
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- •Water: Free refill stations throughout - bring empty bottle
- •Food strategy: Eat big breakfast, snack at festival, dinner after
- •Merch: Buy on Sunday for potential discounts
- •Drinks: Pre-drink responsibly - festival alcohol is expensive
- •Parking: Book neighborhood spots in advance online
🏆 Pro Tips from Festival Veterans
- • Download the ACL Festival app before you go - it has set times, maps, and real-time updates
- • Saturday is the most crowded day - consider Friday or Sunday for easier navigation
- • Bring a bandana for dust and a light jacket for evening temperature drops
- • Take photos of your parking spot - everything looks the same after dark
Where to Stay: Austin Neighborhoods & Booking Strategy
🏨 Downtown Austin (Most Popular)
- •Distance to ACL: 2-3 miles, 15-min shuttle ride
- •Best for: Aftershows, restaurants, nightlife access
- •Hotels: W Austin, JW Marriott, Hilton Austin
- •Pros: Official shuttle pickup, walkable entertainment
- •Cons: Most expensive, books out earliest
🎸 South Congress (SoCo)
- •Distance to ACL: 1-2 miles, bike/rideshare friendly
- •Best for: Austin culture, vintage shopping, food trucks
- •Hotels: Hotel San José, Austin Motel, South Congress Hotel
- •Pros: Authentic Austin vibe, great restaurants
- •Cons: Limited shuttle access, higher rideshare costs
🌮 East Austin
- •Distance to ACL: 3-4 miles, 20-min ride
- •Best for: Trendy restaurants, local breweries, artsy scene
- •Hotels: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, Canopy by Hilton
- •Pros: Hip neighborhood, good value, food scene
- •Cons: Longer commute, fewer shuttle options
🏞️ Zilker/Barton Springs Area
- •Distance to ACL: Walking distance or short bike ride
- •Best for: Proximity to festival, outdoor activities
- •Options: Mostly Airbnb/VRBO, few hotels
- •Pros: Walk to festival, quieter after hours
- •Cons: Limited dining, books out first
Booking Timeline & Strategy for 2026
- NOW - Spring 2026: Best hotel rates and availability. Book NOW for prime locations near downtown or Zilker.
- Summer 2026: Prices increase 20-30%. Downtown hotels start selling out.
- September 2026: Limited availability, premium pricing. Focus on East Austin or Airport area.
- Festival Week: Extremely limited, 2-3x normal rates. Consider staying outside Austin.
💡 2026 Lodging Pro Tip
Book your accommodation NOW if you're serious about attending ACL 2026. Hotels near Zilker Park and downtown Austin typically sell out 6-9 months before the festival. Many hotels offer free cancellation, so you can always adjust your plans later.
Wristband Options & VIP Packages 2026 Pricing TBD
ACL typically offers four tiers of wristbands. Specific 2026 pricing and details will be announced in Spring 2026. Here's what each tier typically includes:
General Admission (GA)
- Access to 140+ bands on 8 stages
- Food, bars, merchandise, and water stations available for purchase
- Full festival grounds access
GA+ (Enhanced Experience)
- Everything in GA plus premium upgrades
- Exclusive lounge with shade, seating, and activities
- Upgraded restrooms and private bar area
- Complimentary water station and curated food options
VIP (Premium Access)
- Two VIP lounges with main stage viewing decks
- Dedicated entrance and private bars
- Concierge services and preferred locker pricing
- Live streaming screens plus all GA access
Platinum (Ultimate Experience)
- Air-conditioned Platinum Lounge with premium amenities
- Premium viewing at six stages
- Complimentary food, beverages, and golf cart transport
- Private entrances, free WiFi, and complimentary lockers
- Access to all tiers (GA, GA+, VIP)
🎫 When Tickets Go On Sale
ACL 2026 tickets typically go on sale in May 2026, shortly after the lineup announcement. They sell out within hours, sometimes minutes for popular tiers.
- • Sign up for ACL's email list to get notified immediately when tickets drop
- • Weekend Two (Oct 9-11) generally has better availability than Weekend One
- • 3-day passes sell out faster than single-day tickets
- • Have your payment info ready and use multiple devices if possible
ACL Eats: What to Expect
ACL Eats brings together Austin's iconic flavors and festival classics. While specific 2026 vendors will be announced closer to the festival, here's what you can typically expect based on past years:
Pizza & Italian
Home Slice Pizza and other Austin pizza favorites are regular fixtures
Tacos & Mexican
Torchy's Tacos and local taco trucks serving breakfast tacos all day
BBQ & American
Award-winning BBQ from Austin's top pitmasters like Micklethwait
International
Asian fusion, Middle Eastern, South American, and more from Austin's diverse food scene
🍔 Food Budget Planning
- • Expect to pay $12-18 per food item, $5-8 for snacks
- • Beers typically $10-12, cocktails $12-15
- • Water is FREE at refill stations - bring an empty bottle
- • Budget $30-50 per person per day for food/drinks
- • Most vendors accept credit/debit cards
Parking, Transportation & Getting There
- No onsite parking for general attendees. Use Austin's public transportation, festival shuttles, or rideshare for best access.
- Official Festival Shuttle: Typically runs from Republic Square downtown to Zilker Park all festival days, included with your ticket.
- Rideshare: Use the designated drop-off/pick-up at the park's south entrance for Uber/Lyft/taxis. Expect surge pricing and delays after headliners.
- Biking: Free bike parking near Barton Springs Road entrance; bring your own lock.
- Capital Metro: Austin's bus system serves Zilker Park area. Plan routes in advance.
- ADA Parking: Limited accessible parking available with advance permit.
- Neighborhoods: No festival parking in surrounding neighborhoods; towing enforced.
- Plan ahead! Arrive early for best shuttle/bike access and allow extra time for security checks.
Austin Beyond ACL: Music City Essentials
Make the most of your Austin visit with these local favorites and cultural hotspots that define the city's legendary music and food scene:
🎸 Iconic Music Venues
🍖 Essential Austin Eats
🌊 Outdoor Austin
🛍️ Shopping & Culture
🤠 Austin Insider Tips
Festival Survival Tips
- Bring a reusable water bottle (free water refill stations available)
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for hours of walking and standing
- Portable chargers recommended (power outlets are rare)
- Light rain gear or poncho—Austin weather can change fast
- Set up a meet spot with your group in case phones die
- Download the official ACL app before arriving for maps and schedules
- Bring cash for tips and smaller vendors (though most accept cards)
- Consider earplugs for protecting your hearing during loud sets
Accessibility
ACL is committed to accessibility. There are accessible viewing areas, restrooms, parking (with permit), and festival info booths. Contact ACL in advance for specific accessibility needs and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 2026 lineup be announced?
Typically in April or early May 2026. Sign up for ACL's email list for instant notifications.
When do tickets go on sale?
Usually in May, shortly after the lineup announcement. They sell out extremely fast (within hours), so be ready!
What time do gates open?
Typically 11:00 AM each day (confirm closer to the event).
Can I leave and re-enter?
Yes, re-entry is allowed with your wristband.
Is the festival rain or shine?
Yes, the event takes place rain or shine. Bring weather-appropriate gear.
Are lockers available?
Yes, multi-day and single-day lockers can be reserved in advance or at the festival.
Should I choose Weekend One or Weekend Two?
The lineup is identical both weekends. Weekend Two typically has better ticket availability and slightly smaller crowds. Weekend One has more buzz and excitement as the first shows. Specific 2026 dates TBD.
Is there a lost & found?
Yes, visit the Guest Services tent or check online after the festival.
Disclaimer
This is an unofficial, independent festival guide created for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with Austin City Limits Music Festival, C3 Presents, or any official festival organizers. All information is compiled from publicly available sources and past festival experiences. For the most current and official information, including ticket sales and lineup announcements, please visit the official ACL Festival website.