Austin, Texas – The iconic Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is set to transform Zilker Park into a musical mecca once again, hosting its highly anticipated event over two consecutive weekends in October 2025. The festival will take place from October 3-5 and again from October 10-12, offering an expansive platform for over 100 musical artists across nine stages. This perennial fixture in the Texas music landscape promises a diverse array of genres, catering to a wide spectrum of musical tastes.
A Legacy of Music in the Heart of Texas
Inspired by the long-running PBS television series of the same name, the Austin City Limits Music Festival has been a cornerstone of the Austin music scene since its inception in 2002. Initially a two-day event, it has grown into a six-day extravaganza spread across two weekends, a format that began in 2013 following a unanimous vote by the Austin City Council to accommodate increasing demand. The festival is produced by Austin-based C3 Presents, a company that also produces Lollapalooza. Over the years, ACL Fest has cemented its reputation not just as a major music festival, but as a significant cultural and economic driver for the city of Austin and the wider Texas region.
Diverse Lineup Across Multiple Stages
The 2025 iteration of the Austin City Limits Music Festival boasts a rich and varied lineup, featuring a compelling mix of established headliners and emerging artists. Highlights for the second weekend include performances by Hozier, Luke Combs, Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, Doechii, The Killers, John Summit, and Feid, among many others. The festival’s programming consistently spans a broad spectrum of music genres, including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic, hip hop, pop, and R&B, ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast. With eight to nine stages strategically placed throughout Zilker Park, attendees have ample opportunity to discover new sounds and experience live music from midday until late evening.
Economic and Community Impact
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is more than just a musical celebration; it’s a significant economic engine for Austin. In 2024, the festival generated an estimated $534.8 million in economic activity for the Austin area, supporting approximately 3,607 jobs. Since tracking began in 2006, ACL Fest has contributed over $4.1 billion to the Austin economy, underscoring its vital role in sustaining the city’s hospitality, tourism, and event-related industries. Beyond its economic contributions, ACL Fest has a longstanding partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation, dedicating substantial funding towards the improvement and maintenance of Zilker Park and other city green spaces. In 2024 alone, the festival donated $8.4 million to the Austin Parks Foundation, bringing the total contribution to over $71 million since the mid-2000s. This partnership ensures that a portion of every ticket sale directly benefits the city’s parks, trails, and green spaces, enriching the community for residents and visitors alike.
Festival Experience Beyond the Music
Attendees at the Austin City Limits Music Festival can expect a comprehensive experience that extends far beyond the musical performances. The festival grounds at Zilker Park transform into a vibrant hub featuring a wide array of food and drink vendors, offering a taste of Austin’s renowned culinary scene at ACL Eats. Additionally, an art market showcases local and regional artists, providing a platform for creative expression. For families, a dedicated kids’ area offers entertainment, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. C3 Presents also engages in community outreach through programs like Austin City Limits University (ACL Fest U) and a job fair, providing educational opportunities and career pathways in event production for local students.
Ticket Information and Planning Your Visit
Tickets for the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival, including single-day and three-day passes, as well as VIP and Platinum packages, are available for purchase. Given the festival’s immense popularity, it is advisable to secure tickets and accommodations early, as hotels near Zilker Park tend to fill up quickly. Information regarding ticket options, pricing, and layaway plans can be found on the official ACL Festival website. The festival grounds are accessible through multiple entrances, with operational hours typically from midday to 10 PM.
As the Austin City Limits Music Festival prepares for its 2025 edition, it continues to stand as a testament to the vibrant music culture of Texas and a significant contributor to the economic and social fabric of Austin. The two-weekend format and diverse lineup solidify its position as one of the premier music events in the United States.
