The Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 is not just a festival—it’s a rite of passage for music lovers across the globe. Held in the heart of Austin, Texas, the Live Music Capital of the World, this vibrant two-weekend event draws crowds with its massive artist lineups, local flavor, and undeniable Texas charm.
Whether you’re a festival regular or planning your very first ACL trip, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most out of your 2025 experience.
What is the Austin City Limits Music Festival?
Launched in 2002, the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) was inspired by the long-running PBS TV series Austin City Limits, which showcases live music performances from artists around the world. Since then, the festival has become a cornerstone of Texas culture and a highlight of the global music scene.
Set in Zilker Park, a sprawling urban oasis just outside downtown Austin, ACL spans two consecutive weekends, typically in early October. With more than 100 performances, 9 stages, and an atmosphere brimming with creativity, community, and inclusivity, ACL Fest is a celebration of all things music—and Austin.
2025 Festival Details at a Glance
- Location: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas
- Dates: October 3–5 and October 10–12, 2025
- Time: Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Expected Attendance: Over 450,000 people
- Stages: 9 total, including Honda, Miller Lite, American Express, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka stages
2025 Lineup – Who’s Playing?
While the official ACL 2025 lineup hasn’t dropped yet, anticipation is sky-high. Previous headliners include:
- Billie Eilish
- Foo Fighters
- Miley Cyrus
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Kendrick Lamar
- Paul McCartney
- The Cure
In addition to these international powerhouses, ACL showcases emerging talent and local Texas acts, giving you a chance to discover your new favorite artist before they hit the big time.
Pro tip: The lineup usually drops in May or June, so keep an eye on ACLFestival.com and their official socials.
More Than Just Music
ACL Eats: A Foodie’s Dream
ACL’s food court, ACL Eats, is basically a mini food festival within the festival. Expect a culinary tour of Austin’s best local restaurants, food trucks, and chefs.
Fan favorites include:
- Torchy’s Tacos
- Chi’Lantro
- Micklethwait BBQ
- Austin’s Pizza
- JuiceLand
- Burro Cheese Kitchen
Whether you’re vegan, keto, gluten-free, or just plain hungry, there’s something for everyone.
Austin Kiddie Limits
Families are welcome at ACL. Austin Kiddie Limits is a family-friendly zone with live kid-centric performances, hands-on music activities, dance workshops, and even a baby care station. Kids 10 and under get in for free with a ticketed adult!
ACL Art Market
Support local and national artists while browsing the Art Market, which features everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to poster prints and vintage finds. It’s a great place to snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
ACL Cares
ACL is about giving back. ACL Cares is the festival’s platform for activism and philanthropy, showcasing nonprofit organizations you can connect with on-site. Topics range from climate change and social justice to voter registration and mental health.
Sustainability at ACL
ACL Fest takes eco-friendliness seriously. In recent years, it’s introduced initiatives like:
- Compostable food containers
- Reusable water bottle stations
- Hybrid-powered stages
- Public transportation partnerships
Through programs like Rock & Recycle, attendees are encouraged to trade bags of recyclables for limited-edition festival merch.
Getting There & Around
Transportation Tips
Zilker Park is centrally located and accessible in many ways:
- Shuttle buses from downtown Austin
- Rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones
- Scooter and bike parking areas
- CapMetro public transit services
- Walking paths for those staying nearby
Parking is extremely limited, so ditch the car if possible!
Tickets and Packages
ACL offers multiple ticket tiers:
- GA (General Admission): Access to all stages and ACL Eats
- GA+: Extra lounges, private restrooms, and shade
- VIP: Elevated viewing areas, exclusive bars, premium restrooms
- Platinum: The ultimate ACL experience with golf cart transportation, front-of-stage viewing, air-conditioned lounges, and gourmet meals
Payment plans are available, so you can reserve now and pay over time.
Where to Stay
Austin fills up fast during ACL. Consider these accommodation types:
- Downtown hotels: Close to the action, great for nightlife
- Airbnbs/Vacation Rentals: Great for groups
- Boutique hotels in South Congress or East Austin: Stylish and local
- Camping and RVs: Not on-site, but options exist around Austin
Book early—some places sell out 6+ months in advance!
Local Vibes: Things to Do in Austin
If you’ve got extra time, soak up Austin outside of the festival:
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool (just next to Zilker Park)
- Grab tacos at Veracruz All Natural
- Catch live music on 6th Street or South Congress
- Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
- Visit the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural
- Shop vintage and handmade at local boutiques
Safety & Festival Tips
- Hydration is key – Free water refill stations are everywhere.
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat. Austin can be HOT in October.
- Pack light – Clear bags only, no oversized backpacks.
- Download the ACL app – It’s your guide to schedules, maps, and alerts.
- Be respectful – Look out for each other, enjoy responsibly, and have fun!
Final Thoughts
The Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 promises to be a celebration of sound, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re chasing your favorite artist, trying new foods, exploring Austin’s unique art scene, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, ACL is about moments that turn into lifelong memories.
So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready for ACL 2025—where the music never stops and the vibes are always high.
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