The 2026 ACL Festival is set to take place from October 2 to October 4 and again from October 9 to October 11 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. This year, the festival marks its 25th anniversary without a major country headliner, instead featuring a vibrant mix of pop icons and emerging artists.
Headliners for this year include Charli XCX, Lorde, Rüfüs Du Sol, and Twenty One Pilots. The absence of a major country act has sparked conversations among fans about the festival’s evolving identity. As one local music enthusiast noted, “Pop girlies will be thrilled to see Charli XCX (brat summer is back!) and Lorde on the lineup.” This sentiment reflects the excitement surrounding the event’s diverse offerings.
Key performers include:
- Charli XCX
- Lorde
- Rüfüs Du Sol
- Twenty One Pilots
- Skrillex
- Kings of Leon
- The xx
- Turnstile
- The Chainsmokers
- Geese
- Lola Young
- Suki Waterhouse
- Audrey Hobert
- Bleachers
- Blood Orange
- Asleep At The Wheel (local act)
- Night Traveler (local act)
This year’s lineup also features several local Austin acts like Asleep At The Wheel and Night Traveler. Their inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to supporting local talent. However, some fans expressed disappointment over Olivia Rodrigo’s absence from the roster despite their predictions.
C3 Presents, the promoter behind ACL Fest, has played a significant role in shaping this festival since its inception in 2002. The festival now attracts around 75,000 fans each day and has contributed over $4.7 billion to Austin’s economy since 2006. As one organizer mentioned, “ACL Fest was founded by concert promoter Charlie Jones, who wanted to make a local version of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.” This rich history adds depth to what attendees can expect this year.
Ticket sales information:
Three-day tickets go on sale on May 5, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT. and The festival will take place over two weekends: October 2-4 and October 9-11.
The anticipation for this year’s festival is palpable as fans prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with live music at Zilker Park. While there are uncertainties regarding the absence of major country acts or nostalgia-driven rock bands from past years, the focus on pop and emerging talent promises an exciting celebration of music.
