Austin City Limits 2025: Essential Ticket Drop Guide, Lineup Highlights & Weekend Planning Tips
CHICAGO — Music lovers, it’s time to mark your calendars: the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival 2025 returns to Zilker Park for two thrilling weekends — October 3–5 and October 10–12. Whether you’re aiming to score tickets or plan your weekend lineup, here’s what you should know to make the most of it.
Ticket Drop and Availability
The one-day ticket drop earlier this year came alongside the daily lineup reveal, giving fans a last-minute opportunity to attend their preferred day without committing to a full pass. As Spectrum News Austin reported, the release created an immediate buzz among festival-goers.
General admission three-day passes have already sold out, but single-day tickets for Fridays and Sundays remain available. Those looking for an upgraded experience can still purchase VIP, Platinum, or premium “Y’all Access” packages, with details outlined on the festival’s official site.
2025 Lineup Highlights
This year’s ACL lineup delivers a diverse mix of genres and star power:
- Friday: Hozier, Luke Combs, Cage the Elephant, Empire of the Sun
- Saturday: Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, Doechii, Djo
- Sunday: Doja Cat, John Summit, Feid, T-Pain, Mk.gee
The Austin American-Statesman notes that set conflicts — like The Strokes vs. Sabrina Carpenter, or Doja Cat vs. John Summit — make it essential for fans to plan ahead to catch their must-see acts.
Ticket Prices and Tiers
Pricing varies widely depending on the level of access:
- General Admission: Around $360 for the weekend, including access to all nine stages and local food vendors
- GA+: About $750, adding private lounges and upgraded restrooms
- VIP: Roughly $1,670, with shaded lounges, better stage views, and salon services
- Platinum: Approximately $5,670, offering front-of-stage access, catered dining, and golf cart transportation
- Y’all Access: Over $27,000, featuring Artist Village entry, concierge service, and exclusive pre-festival events
According to the Houston Chronicle, these tiered packages are designed to cater to every budget — from casual fans to those seeking a fully immersive, luxury experience.
Tips for Making the Most of ACL
- Buy early — Single-day tickets for the most in-demand days sell out quickly.
- Balance comfort and budget — Consider whether perks like shaded areas and exclusive lounges are worth the upgrade for your experience.
- Plan your day — With overlapping set times, map out your top acts in advance to avoid missing favorites.
- Explore beyond music — ACL is also known for its local food scene, art installations, and interactive experiences.
The festival’s official team recommends that first-time attendees review site maps and travel guides before arrival to navigate the event more smoothly.
Austin City Limits 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic music events of the year. With smart planning and a clear ticket strategy, festival-goers can enjoy an unforgettable mix of performances, food, and community vibes deep in the heart of Texas.
What about you? Which weekend would you attend and why? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.