Austin Texas skyline behind the American Express Stage 2025
Story by Chloe Catajan for Full Access Media Group
Austin City Limits is right around the corner and there’s plenty to be excited for.
For starters, the music festival turns 25 this year. A quarter of a century in, C3Presents and ACL still brings the best of the best to the Live Music Capital of the World. This milestone edition makes no exception.
It’s a chance to catch the return of The xx, to hear Brandon Flowers and Max McNown go country, and to finally see what Geese is all about. You can also expect nights full of EDM and pop-rock staples, plus a kickoff set from legacy act Asleep at the Wheel. Whatever your beat might be, ACL has more than something for you.
There are over 100 acts across the bill, so showing up with a plan is a must. Below are a few things to know and some must-sees, based on mood and genre.
Happy ACL to all who celebrate and don’t forget to check back here for photographer Steve Galli’s coverage!
First things first… The details:
ACL takes place October 2 to 4 and October 9 to 11 at Zilker Park. Find ticketing information on the festival’s website and stream the shows on Hulu or Disney+ all throughout the first weekend.
And now, for the music.
Nu-club classics
Those who appreciate a good beat drop are especially spoiled this ACL, featuring sets from some of the biggest names in the modern electronic music scene. Skrillex, The Chainsmokers, and Steve Aoki take the stage for a hard-hitting first Friday. Rüfüs Du Sol plays a headlining set both Saturdays.
The infectious beats don’t stop at the DJs, thanks to performances from Charli xcx, underscores, Snow Strippers, and Fcukers. Their maximalist sounds are the ultimate hyperpop fix; it’s the closest to a warehouse rave ACL can get.
We’re making rock music
To be honest, Charli xcx’s set could very well apply to this section too, hence the above “Rock Music” reference. Her recent festival appearances are packed with the hyperpop of Brat and the heavier tendencies of Music, Fashion, Film. It’s the best of both worlds, clearly.
But you can also count on acts like Geese, Amyl and the Sniffers, Kings of Leon, Bleachers, and +LĪVE+ to deliver the edge. The latter three are tried-and-true fixtures within their respective corners of the rock scene. Amyl and the Sniffers reign when it comes to modern punk. And while Geese might be a controversial choice, there’s no denying the band’s unique tones and art-rock thrash once you witness it all in the flesh.
Cue the ‘Tumblr Optimism’ revival
Earlier this year, the “millennial optimism era” trend took off on social media. It reminisced the carefree days of the 2010s and the unabashedly indie soundtrack that came with it, much of which overlapped with songs and lyrics that made the rounds on Tumblr.
The xx, Twenty One Pilots, and Lorde were all pillars of that movement and take the stage both ACL weekends. Songs like “Crystalised,” “Car Radio,” and “Ribs” are still as pivotal as ever, providing anthems for even a new generation of listeners.
Pop’s Class of 2026
What does it mean to be a pop girl in this day and age? Just catch Lola Young, Stella Lefty, Sienna Spiro, and Audrey Hobert at their ACL sets. Each artist adds her own spin to her sound. Lola Young has an alt edge; Stella Lefty, a country twist; Sienna Spiro, some golden-age soul; and Audrey Hobert, a bit of camp.
Don’t underestimate their undercard slots. These sets have been some of the most-anticipated this festival circuit, from Spiro’s powerful croons to Hobert’s viral onstage bits and costume changes.
Tickets still available here : https://www.aclfestival.com/tickets
https://www.facebook.com/fullaccessdetroit
https://www.instagram.com/aclfestival
https://www.facebook.com/aclfestival
http://www.youtube.com/@aclfestival
