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Austin’s ACL Music Festival Returns to Zilker Park

Crowd at ACL Music Festival enjoying live music in Zilker Park

Austin, December 9, 2025

The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is making its much-anticipated return to Zilker Park for two weekends in October. With an eclectic lineup and a strong focus on local culture, the festival not only promises a vibrant musical experience but also bolsters the local economy, highlighting the community’s resilience. Ticket options are varied, catering to different preferences and budgets, with presales starting in December. Fans can also engage with new winter merchandise, enhancing their festival experience. This year’s event is expected to unite fans from around the nation in celebration.

Austin’s ACL Music Festival 2026: What You Need to Know

Get Ready for the Return of an Iconic Event in Zilker Park

Austin, Texas – The much-anticipated Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is returning to Zilker Park for two packed weekends in October 2026. Scheduled for October 2-4 and 9-11, this beloved event showcases the strength of local initiatives and the community’s enthusiasm for warm-weather festivities and live music. The dedication of local organizers and their response to previous challenges highlights how minimal bureaucracy can facilitate seamless event planning and execution, which is essential for Austin’s vibrant culture.

The festival is expected to draw in fans from across the country, bolstering local businesses and enhancing community spirit through participation and personal engagement in this iconic celebration of music and culture.

Ticket Pricing and Options

The ACL Festival offers a broad range of ticket options to cater to various preferences and budgets. Presale tickets will be available starting at 12 p.m. Central Time on December 10, 2025, providing music enthusiasts the chance to secure their passes before the lineup unfolds in spring.

  • General Admission (GA): Three-day passes start at $325.
  • GA+: For $700, fans enjoy additional amenities.
  • VIP: Weekend tickets are priced at $1,610, featuring exclusive perks.
  • Platinum: For a premium experience, passes are available at $5,150.
  • “Y’all Access”: Ultimate luxury packages priced at $27,000 are also offered.

For those who prefer to manage ticket expenses more flexibly, layaway options are accessible for GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum, and Bungalow packages to encourage participation across the board.

Additional Offerings for Fans

This year, festival organizers have also rolled out new winter merchandise, including limited-edition items such as a specially designed T-shirt, a jigsaw puzzle, and cozy pajama pants available for pre-order. These unique items add to the exhilarating atmosphere surrounding the ACL Festival while allowing fans to take a piece of the event home with them.

Experience the Festival

ACL Festival is renowned for its eclectic lineup, featuring over 100 performances across nine uniquely themed stages. Attendees can indulge in a wide variety of delectable food, drinks, and sweets from beloved local vendors, providing a taste of Austin’s rich culinary landscape. This year’s festival format also highlights local creative industries, boosting Austin’s status as a hub for innovative culture and artistic expression.

Economic Impact on Austin

The ACL Festival is a key fixture on Austin’s cultural calendar, significantly contributing to the local economy. In 2024 alone, the festival generated $534.8 million in local economic impact, underlining the symbiotic relationship between community events and local enterprise. As the festival continues to grow, it fosters development, promotes civic pride, and stimulates sustained economic engagement in the region.

Conclusion

The ACL Festival promises an unprecedented celebration of music, community, and culture in 2026. It is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to unite in a spirit of enjoyment and camaraderie. As we prepare for the presale and the festivity ahead, we encourage everyone to support this hallmark of Austin’s identity—an embodiment of individual achievement through collective effort. Stay engaged with local developments and get your tickets early for an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

When do tickets for the ACL Festival 2026 go on sale?
Tickets will go on presale at 12 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
What are the ticket prices for the ACL Festival 2026?
Ticket prices range from $325 for General Admission to $27,000 for exclusive “Y’all Access” passes.
Are there layaway options available for tickets?
Yes, layaway options are available for GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum, and Bungalow packages.
What merchandise is available for the ACL Festival 2026?
The festival has released new winter merchandise, including limited-edition items like a new T-shirt design, jigsaw puzzle, and pajama pants, available for pre-order.
What is the economic impact of the ACL Festival on Austin?
In 2024, the festival contributed $534.8 million to Austin’s economy, according to a study commissioned by the festival.

Ticket Type Price Details
General Admission (GA) $325 Three-day passes starting at this price point.
GA+ $700 Offers additional amenities beyond standard GA.
VIP $1,610 Weekend tickets featuring exclusive perks.
Platinum $5,150 Premium passes providing top-tier access.
“Y’all Access” $27,000 Exclusive passes offering a host of luxury accommodations.

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STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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