Music fans in Texas have a big reason to celebrate this fall. The festival returns to Zilker Park for two full weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11. This year marks a special milestone, since the event celebrates its 25th anniversary in the Live Music Capital of the World. Below, you will find everything you need to know about dates, tickets, headliners, and the daily schedule.
When and Where Does the Festival Take Place
The event happens every October in Austin, Texas. Zilker Park sits close to downtown, so visitors can walk, bike, or take a rideshare from most hotels. The park spreads across nine stages, and more than one hundred performances fill each weekend. Attendees do not need to pick just one weekend either, since many fans choose to attend both.
The table below breaks down the two weekends clearly.
| Weekend | Dates | Days |
| Weekend One | October 2–4, 2026 | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Weekend Two | October 9–11, 2026 | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
Each weekend runs its own full schedule. Therefore, the lineup on Friday of week one differs from Friday of week two, even though several headliners appear on both weekends. This setup began back in 2013, when organizers expanded the event from a single weekend to two, largely because demand kept growing every year.
Ticket Options and Pricing Categories
Several ticket tiers are available, and each one offers a different experience. General admission suits fans who want the classic festival feel. Upgraded passes add comfort, shade, and shorter lines. Here is a simple breakdown of what shoppers can expect.
| Ticket Type | Best For | Key Perks |
| Three-Day General Admission | Budget-conscious fans | Access to all stages and general festival grounds |
| GA+ | Fans wanting extra comfort | Elevated viewing areas and dedicated entry lanes |
| VIP | Fans who want shade and amenities | Air-conditioned lounge, complimentary drinks, private viewing decks |
| Platinum | Fans seeking the top-tier experience | Premium viewing, upscale food options, exclusive lounges |
| Hotel + Festival Package | Out-of-town visitors | Bundled lodging near Zilker Park with festival tickets |
Three-day passes for both weekends are already on sale. However, single-day tickets usually launch closer to the event, so fans who only want one day should check back later. Group hospitality packages are also available for companies or larger friend groups planning to attend together.
Buying early is a smart move. Prices tend to rise as the event approaches, and popular ticket tiers often sell out well before October. Additionally, flexible payment plans let buyers spread the cost over several months instead of paying the full amount upfront.
Lineup Highlights for 2026
This year’s bill leans into the 25th anniversary theme with a mix of global pop stars, rock legends, and rising acts. The festival’s top-billed performers include Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and The xx. These five names headline across both weekends, giving fans multiple chances to catch a favorite act if they miss one show.
Weekend-specific headliners add extra variety. Kings of Leon closes out the first weekend, while Skrillex takes that same closing slot during the second weekend. This means each weekend has its own distinct flavor, even with shared top-line talent.
Beyond the headliners, the bill runs deep. Performers set to appear include Turnstile, Labrinth, Lola Young, The Chainsmokers, Geese, Young Miko, Bleachers, Sofi Tukker, Parcels, The War on Drugs, Leon Thomas, Brandon Flowers, The Marías, Role Model, Rilo Kiley, Djo, Pierce the Veil, and Sabrina Claudio. Some artists play only one weekend, so fans planning a trip around a specific act should double-check which dates that artist performs.
The festival has long been known for spotlighting newer names alongside big stars. As a result, first-time attendees often discover an artist they had never heard of before arriving. Genres span pop, rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic music, so there is something for nearly every taste.
Daily Schedule and Stage Layout
Nine stages operate across the park each day, and sets run from early afternoon until late evening. Because so many acts perform at once, organizers release a detailed daily schedule closer to the event. This lets fans plan their day and avoid missing overlapping sets from different artists.
A typical festival day generally follows this pattern:
- Gates open in the late morning, giving early arrivals time to explore before music starts.
- Smaller and rising acts perform on side stages during early afternoon slots.
- Mid-afternoon brings larger acts to the bigger stages, and crowds start to build.
- Evening slots feature the most anticipated sets, including the headliners closing out each night.
- Music typically wraps up by around 10 p.m., in line with Austin’s park curfew rules.
Fans who want to see a specific artist should arrive at that stage a bit early, since popular sets fill up fast. Additionally, checking the official app once schedules go live helps attendees build a personalized itinerary and set reminders for their must-see shows.
Food, Art, and Other Festival Attractions
Music is not the only draw. ACL Eats brings together food trucks, breweries, and local restaurants, giving attendees a genuine taste of Austin’s culinary scene. Options range from tacos to ice cream to fresh-pressed juice, so there is plenty to try between sets.
An art market runs throughout the weekend too, featuring work from local and touring artists. Families also get a dedicated kids area with activities suited for younger attendees. Because of these extras, the event works well for solo fans, groups of friends, and families alike.
The festival also gives back to its host city. Since 2006, proceeds from the event have generated more than seventy-nine million dollars for improvements to Zilker Park and other public spaces across Austin, through a partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation. Every ticket purchase, therefore, supports the very park where the festival takes place.
Tips for a Smooth Festival Experience
Planning ahead makes a real difference at an event this size. Consider these practical tips before heading to Zilker Park.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the park covers a large area and walking between stages adds up quickly.
- Bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle, because October in Texas can still bring warm afternoons.
- Download the festival app once available, so schedule changes and set times stay up to date.
- Arrive early on days with a must-see headliner, as prime viewing spots fill up fast.
- Check bag policies before arrival, since security rules affect what items are allowed inside.
Public transit, rideshare drop-off zones, and bike parking are all available near the park entrances. Consequently, many attendees skip driving altogether and avoid the hassle of parking near a sold-out event.
Conclusion
The festival returns to Zilker Park for its 25th year, spread across two exciting weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026. Ticket options range from general admission to premium VIP and platinum packages, with hotel bundles also available for visitors traveling from out of town. The lineup features major headliners like Charli XCX, Lorde, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, and The xx, alongside weekend-specific closers Kings of Leon and Skrillex. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy local food, art installations, and family-friendly activities across nine stages. Whether this is a first visit or a yearly tradition, planning ahead for tickets, schedules, and logistics will help make the trip to Austin a memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates for the 2026 festival?
The event runs across two weekends: October 2 through 4, and October 9 through 11, 2026.
Who are the main headliners this year?
Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and The xx headline both weekends, with Kings of Leon closing weekend one and Skrillex closing weekend two.
Are single-day tickets available yet?
Not yet. Three-day passes are currently on sale, and single-day tickets typically become available closer to the event date.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Yes. A dedicated kids area, food options, and family-friendly amenities make the park welcoming for attendees of all ages.
How do I get to Zilker Park?
Rideshare drop-off zones, bike parking, and public transit routes all serve the park, making it easy to skip driving and parking altogether.
Check Directions on Google Maps:
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