Events

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025: Ultimate Guide to Lineup, Tickets, and Schedule

Zilker park: Austin city limits music festival

The Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 is set to transform Zilker Park into a music lover’s paradise this October, bringing together an incredible lineup of artists across multiple genres. This two-weekend extravaganza, taking place October 3-5 and 10-12, 2025, continues the tradition of one of America’s most beloved music festivals in the heart of the Live Music Capital of the World.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned ACL veteran, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 ACL Festival, from the star-studded lineup and ticket information to practical tips that will enhance your festival experience.

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 Dates and Location

ACL festival

The 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival will be held across two consecutive weekends:

  • Weekend One: October 3-5, 2025
  • Weekend Two: October 10-12, 2025

The festival takes place at the iconic Zilker Park, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road in the heart of Austin, Texas. This 351-acre metropolitan park provides a stunning backdrop for the festival, with the Austin skyline visible beyond the stages. The festival grounds open at noon each day, with performances continuing until 10 PM.

ACL 2025 Lineup

The 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival lineup features an impressive array of established superstars and emerging talents across various genres. Headlining this year’s festival are:

Friday Headliners

  • Hozier
  • Luke Combs
  • Cage The Elephant
  • Empire of the Sun

Saturday Headliners

  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • The Strokes
  • Doechii
  • DJO

Sunday Headliners

  • The Killers
  • John Summit
  • Feid
  • MK.Gee

Other notable acts performing across the festival’s nine stages include Rilo Kiley, Maren Morris, Dr. Dog, King Princess, Japanese Breakfast, Car Seat Headrest, Wet Leg, Gigi Perez, and dozens more talented artists representing rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, folk, and country music.

For the complete ACL 2025 lineup and daily schedule, visit the official ACL Festival website, where you can plan your perfect festival experience based on your musical preferences.

2025 ACL Festival Tickets

Securing your tickets early is essential, as the ACL Festival consistently sells out, especially for the most popular ticket types. Here are the available ticket options for the 2025 festival:

General Admission Tickets

  • 3-Day Tickets: Access to all three days of either Weekend One or Weekend Two
  • 1-Day Tickets: Access to a single day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) of either weekend
  • GA+ Tickets: Includes all General Admission benefits plus access to exclusive lounges with shade, seating, air-conditioned restrooms, and a full-service bar

VIP and Platinum Tickets

  • VIP Tickets: Offers premium viewing areas, dedicated entrances, exclusive food vendors, air-conditioned restrooms, and complimentary drinks
  • Platinum Tickets: The ultimate ACL experience with side-stage viewing, golf cart transportation between stages, exclusive lounges, complimentary food and beverages, and concierge service

Ticket prices for the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival range from approximately $135 for single-day General Admission to $4,800 for a 3-Day Platinum experience. Children 10 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Tickets can be purchased through the official ACL Festival website or authorized partners. Be wary of unauthorized resellers, as the festival uses digital wristbands that can be invalidated if not purchased through official channels.

Austin City Limits Music Festival Schedule

The ACL schedule is carefully crafted to provide diverse musical experiences throughout each day. Performances typically follow this general timeline:

  • Gates Open: 12:00 PM
  • First Performances: 12:30 PM
  • Headlining Acts: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Festival Closes: 10:00 PM

The complete Austin City Limits Music Festival schedule with specific set times is usually released a few weeks before the festival. The schedule is identical for both weekends, with the same artists performing on the same days and stages, though set times may vary slightly.

The festival features eight main stages spread throughout Zilker Park:

  • American Express Stage (Main Stage)
  • Honda Stage
  • Miller Lite Stage
  • T-Mobile Stage
  • BMI Stage
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
  • Barton Springs Stage
  • Austin Kiddie Limits Stage

Between performances, attendees can explore the ACL Eats food court featuring local Austin restaurants, the ACL Art Market showcasing work from local artisans, and various sponsor activations throughout the grounds.

Hotels Near Austin City Limits Music Festival

Finding the right accommodation is crucial for maximizing your Austin City Limits Music Festival experience. Here are some recommended areas and hotels to consider:

Downtown Austin (1-2 miles from Zilker Park)

  • The LINE Austin
  • JW Marriott Austin
  • Fairmont Austin
  • Hotel Van Zandt

South Congress (2-3 miles from Zilker Park)

  • South Congress Hotel
  • Hotel San José
  • Austin Motel
  • Colton House Hotel

Zilker/Barton Springs (Walking distance)

  • Carpenter Hotel
  • Austin Proper Hotel
  • Hyatt Regency Austin
  • Extended Stay America – Austin – Downtown

Many hotels offer special ACL Festival packages that may include shuttle service to and from the festival grounds. Booking accommodations well in advance is highly recommended, as Austin’s hotels fill quickly during the festival weekends.

For budget-conscious travelers, consider options in North Austin or near the airport, where you’ll find more affordable rates. Austin’s public transportation and rideshare services make it relatively easy to reach Zilker Park from these areas.

Luggage Storage Solutions with Radical Storage

One common challenge for ACL Music Festival attendees is managing luggage, especially for those traveling from out of town or staying at Airbnbs without early check-in or late checkout options. This is where Radical Storage offers the perfect solution.

Radical Storage provides convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage locations throughout Austin, making it ideal for festival-goers. For just €6 per bag per day, regardless of size or weight, you can store your luggage with verified local businesses (called “Angels”) and enjoy the festival hands-free.

Several Radical Storage locations are strategically positioned near Zilker Park and in downtown Austin, allowing you to drop off your bags before heading to the festival or store your purchases and merchandise during the day. The booking process is simple through their website or mobile app, and each item is covered by a guarantee against damage, loss, or theft.

This service is particularly valuable for:

  • Out-of-town visitors with early arrivals or late departures
  • Those staying in accommodations without storage options
  • Festival-goers who want to explore Austin before or after attending ACL
  • Anyone who purchases merchandise and doesn’t want to carry it throughout the day

Essential Tips for ACL Music Festival

What to Bring

  • Festival wristband (activated before arrival)
  • Valid ID
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Empty reusable water bottle (free refill stations available)
  • Portable phone charger
  • Light rain jacket or poncho (October weather can be unpredictable)
  • Small bag that meets size requirements (12″x12″x6″ or smaller)

What Not to Bring (ACL bag policy)

  • Outside food or beverages (except sealed water bottles)
  • Large bags or backpacks
  • Professional cameras or recording equipment
  • Drones
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Illegal substances

Transportation Options

  • Shuttle Service: Free shuttles run from Republic Square Park downtown to the festival entrance
  • Bicycle: Dedicated bike parking is available near the festival entrances
  • Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are established around the perimeter
  • Public Transportation: Capital Metro offers increased service during the festival
  • Walking: If staying nearby, walking is often the most convenient option

Weather Considerations

Austin in October typically features warm days and cooler evenings, with average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F. However, weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast before each day and dressing in layers is advisable.

ACL Festival FAQs

What time do gates open for the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

Gates open at 12:00 PM each day of the festival.

Can I leave and re-enter the festival?

No, the Austin City Limits Music Festival has a strict no re-entry policy.

Are there age restrictions for the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

No, the festival is all-ages. Children 10 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

What payment methods are accepted at the festival?

The festival is cashless, accepting all major credit cards and mobile payment options.

Is there a lost and found at the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

Yes, lost and found stations are located at the festival’s info booths.

Can I bring a camera to the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

Non-professional cameras (without detachable lenses) are permitted.

Are there medical facilities at the Austin City Limits Music Festival?

Yes, medical tents are stationed throughout the festival grounds.

Final Tips

The 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival promises to be another unforgettable celebration of music and culture in one of America’s most vibrant cities. With its diverse lineup featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, The Killers, and dozens more incredible artists across two weekends, ACL Fest continues to cement its reputation as a premier music festival.

For the latest updates on the festival, including any schedule changes or additional artist announcements, follow the official Austin City Limits Music Festival social media accounts and website.

Victoria P.

Copywriter and traveler - always curious, always on the move.