Austin's most beloved music festival is pulling out all the stops for a major milestone. Austin City Limits Music Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, and the organizers just dropped a headline lineup that has the entire creator and music community buzzing.
Leading the charge across Zilker Park's iconic stages will be Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, and The xx. That's a roster that spans hyperpop, indie electronic, alt-rock, and everything in between — proof that ACL continues to be one of the most eclectic and culturally sharp festivals in the country.
For Austin's creator scene, this is massive. Podcasters, videographers, photographers, and independent journalists flock to ACL every year to document the culture, interview artists, and produce content that reaches audiences well beyond Texas. A 25th anniversary edition with this caliber of talent means the content opportunities are going to be next level.
Charli XCX in particular feels like a cultural moment all on its own. Coming off the brat era that basically consumed 2024, her headlining set is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about performances in recent ACL history. Meanwhile, Lorde's long-awaited return to the spotlight and The xx hitting the stage together should draw massive crowds and serious streaming numbers for anyone covering the weekend.
Whether you're a longtime Austinite who remembers the early days of ACL or a newcomer to the city's music scene, the 25th anniversary is shaping up to be a landmark moment for the festival and for Austin's cultural identity. Start planning now — Zilker is going to be packed.