A college student’s comprehensive guide to ACL 2026: The can’t miss sets, must-eats, tips and tricks, and more!
By Nicolas Pacelli
Since 2002, the beginning of the Fall season has brought both locals and visitors far and wide to Zilker Park to celebrate music in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World! This year, the lineup and festival has come under much scrutiny, but we think there is still plenty to be excited about, because what really makes ACL magical every year is the entire environment. It starts with the music, but the heart of this festival comes from celebrating the fusion of food, music, art, people, and more in the best city in the world.
This comprehensive guide to ACL FESTIVAL 2026 tells you the can’t-miss sets, must-eat bites, tips and tricks, and more!
Top 10 Can’t Miss Sets!
1. Lorde
Continuing to tour her latest album Virgin, the artist who soundtracked an entire generation is back at Zilker this year! One of the festival’s biggest headliners, Lorde’s Saturday night set is sure to be a party full of dancing, screaming, and emotional catharsis.
2. CharliXCX
‘Brat Summer’ took over the world two years ago, and CharliXCX has been dominating the culture ever since, back in Austin to perform hits from all eras of her career, including her latest album “Music Fashion Film.” XCX also soundtracked the recent film adaption of Wuthering Heights, and is also set to perform some of the moody bangers from that project as well.
3. Geese
One of the biggest breakouts of the year, New York based indie rock band Geese led by the enigmatic frontman Cameron Winter is back at ACL just two years after their last appearance in 2024. With breakout hits like “Au Pays du Cocaine” and “Taxes” fresh off their latest record, get ready to bring your inner rockstar out as the vicious guitar-strumming and drum beats fill the park.
Hobert started her career as a writer on many of recent breakout Gracie Abrams’ hits, before debuting her own album last fall, birthing iconic hits like “Sue Me” and relatable introspective tunes like “Phoebe.” Her quirky stage persona and girl-next-door vibe bring fans new and old to love her and her music more with every set. Hobert is one to watch!
5. Labrinth
After a messy recent departure from HBO’s Euphoria, the UK based rock/rap/composer fusion artist is back at ACL, and surely has a lot to say. Music has always been a form of activism and resistance, and Labrinth’s set is sure to bring important messages to back up the incredible beats and dance-worthy music.
6. Blood Orange
After helping soundtrack recent beloved indie films like Challengers and The Invite, producer Dev Hynes is back in his performance bag as Blood Orange, fresh off his new album “Essex Honey.” Hits of his like “Champagne Coast” and “Charcoal Baby” have raised a new generation of alternative music fans, fusing nostalgia and futurism together in an emotional swirl full of sick beats.
7. CMAT
When Olivia Rodrigo covered CMAT’s “When a Good Man Cries” earlier this year, the Irish singer-songwriter found a huge audience on the internet, and has been capitalizing well off of that moment ever since. Expect stellar vocals, rousing ballads, catchy tunes, and more!
8. Ryan Beatty
Credited as a writer on Beyoncé’s recent album of the year winning project “Cowboy Carter,” California based singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty certainly knows how to craft a tune. His recent album “Sweet Fortune” found a new audience for the artist, expanding even further into the emerging sub genre of queer country-folk. In addition to his festival sets, Beatty is also set to perform at ACL Nights this Sunday the 4th at the historic Scoot Inn!
9. Natasha Bedingfield (W2)
In 2004, the UK based singer-songwriter took over the entire world with her smash hit “Unwritten” that has lived on to this day as one of the century’s best pop hits! While Bedingfield is sure to perform her big hit, there’s plenty more reason to attend her set, including classics like “Pocketful of Sunshine” and lesser known hits like “These Words” and “Soulmate.”
10. The Huston-Tillotson (w/ University Jazz Collective)(W2)
Part of what makes ACL so special is the opportunities it gives local artists to play on the same stage as national sensations, and the Jazz Collective from local school Huston-Tillotson University is set to bring down the house this year during weekend two. Jazz is one of the most unifying and celebratory forms of musical expression, and this set is sure to embody those same feelings and more!
Honorable Mentions:
One of the hottest new headliners this year is Turnstile, pulling huge numbers the first weekend with dozens of fans camping at the barricade all day for the nighttime set! Fresh off a packed Friday night show at the Historic Scoot Inn, Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard is taking his solo act to the festival! At the Tito’s Tent, renowned DJ and Producer Steve Aoki is set to play one of the most hype sets of the entire fest, and the FOMO will be real, so don’t miss it! Every set Young Miko plays is more popular and exciting than the one before, and the huge crowd at ACL is sure to add to the rule! Don’t forget Bleachers, Sienna Spiro, The Chainsmokers, Underscores (W1), Bella Kay (W2), Snow Strippers, & Twenty-One Pilots
ACL Eats: Austin Classics, New & Old
While the music, quite literally, takes center stage, long festival days need to be filled with breaks and bites, and there’s no better festival food lineup than at ACL. Between old Austin staples and new upcoming concepts, these are the can’t miss cravings at this years festival.
– P. Terry’s Burger Stand: We don’t make the rules, but it’s well known that nobody makes a better fast-food burger than P. Terry’s! The local business prides itself on employee ownership and community involvement, but their real bread and butter is the irresistible burgers, fries, and novelty milkshakes.
– Amy’s Ice Creams: When it comes to a sweet treat, Austin has no better choice than Amy’s ice cream, the beloved local business that’s been feeding the city since 1984. ALL of Amy’s ice creams are made locally in Austin, and at the festival this year they have a classic ice cream cart making the rounds with ice-cream pops for your enjoyment. You can also find their classic style and service at their full stand in the ACL eats area.
-Cuantos Tacos: This Michelin Bib winning local eatery will be serving up Mexican City style tacos with tender meat, fresh flavors, and unmatched authenticity. Their tacos are
affordably priced, and the perfect bite-sized hearty snack to squeeze in between sets.
– Four Brothers Venezuelan Grill: One of the highest quality fast-food offerings you’ll find is at Four Brothers, a Venezuelan Grill that cooks up delicious Arepas, Yucca Fries, and more. Additionally, they have great gluten-free and dairy-free options for any allergy needs!
– Blenders & Bowls: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you can eat it anytime at Blenders & Bowls at ACL! Açaí Bowls, Smoothies, and other treats can be enjoyed at this stall serving up fresh ingredients and fun flavor combinations you won’t want to miss!
– Cabo Bob’s: This Austin-based burrito joint has quickly become a reason for returning to the city for many tourists. In addition to their regular offerings, they are serving a larger than life bucket of brisket nachos at this year’s fest.
ACL Eats has upwards of 50 incredible food stalls, and over your time at the festival, you’ll regret not checking out as many as possible!
Tips, Tricks, and Transportation
Everyone’s aware of the chances of rain at this year’s festival, but if you come prepared, there’s nothing to fear. These are some of our tips and tricks to maximize your comfort, safety, time, and FUN at ACL 2026!
– Rain Prep: A nice raincoat or poncho, comfortable rain boots/water resistant shoes, and a good attitude are key to enjoying the festival in the rain. Be ready to adapt to the situation, and don’t let the weather (literally) rain on your parade!
– Hydration: Water stations are available throughout the festival grounds, so make sure to hydrate, even in the rainy weather! Drinking lots of water and electrolytes before, during, and after the festival is key to preventing exhaustion!
– Other Must-Packs: A water bottle, portable chargers and fans, emergency snacks, sunglasses (if weather permits,) and don’t forget your phone and wallet!
– Leave Your Big Cameras and Cranky Friends at Home: Without a press pass, ACL Fest does not allow any kind of professional recording equipment into the festival. Your digital/disposable cameras are fine, and welcome to capture memories and more! ACL also doesn’t allow bad attitudes, and bringing a vibe-killer to a musical festival in Austin is a big no.
– Transportation: There are several ways to get in and out of the fest, and it’s really up to you to decide how, but these are a few of the options.
– Ridesharing like Uber, Lyft, and more is a popular choice, but be aware that it can be hard to get very close to the festival in these vehicles, so plan extra time for walking. At the end of the night, it can also be hard to get a hold of an Uber driver with all the outgoing traffic.
– The city offers a Free Shuttle Service in addition to the regular city CapMetro Transportation! Be sure to check the ACL website for updated information on the shuttle, but it often leaves from Republic Square downtown and takes you straight to Zilker, and vice versa.
– If you’re close enough, walking or biking is certainly the most hassle free option, just be careful on the busy city streets during such a crowded week in Austin!
ACL Fest is one of the best (two) weeks of the year in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World! If you’re visiting, be sure to check out all of what Austin has to offer beyond the festival. Austin101 has all the information you need to enjoy your stay (or life) here in the heart of Texas!
