Celebrating 25 Years Of Austin City Limits With Stars and Rain

Twenty-five years is a mere breath, a verse, a song. Yet, 25 years of Austin City Limits represents a lifetime—a collection of musical memories that encapsulate an existence, and a showcase of the generations of musicians who have transformed this Texas event into something far greater than just a festival. Thanks to artists like Muddy Waters, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, and Sabrina Carpenter, ACL has become a gathering place where Texans come to celebrate life and music. Because this festival is about more than just music; it is a way of understanding life—a means of championing freedom, equality, and respect through songs.

The edition marking ACL’s 25th anniversary promises to be both a musical and existential adventure. Two Atlantic hurricanes and a cold front loom, threatening heavy rains and flooding—a true test for the loyal fans heading to Zilker Park for their dose of good vibes, great music, and freedom.

The echoes of music heard amidst the rain at Austin City Limits will live on in this playlist we’ve curated to capture the highlights of this 25th-anniversary edition of our favorite festival. Don’t miss the playlist and our selection of the best acts awaiting us at Zilker Park.

A Pop Storm

Fridays, October 2 and 9

Whether under a light drizzle or a torrential downpour, amidst thunder or lightning, ACL treats us to a performance by the star of the ultimate “happy summer”—the era of *Brat Summer*. Charli XCX arrives in Austin as a bona fide pop superstar—a status she has truly earned. No one will soon forget that summer of love, where her signature hopeful green defined the end of a blissful era. To get to Charli, we’ll journey through various layers of the pop landscape. We begin with two acts currently in the exciting, early stages of their rise to stardom.

New Constellations bring a nostalgic vibe and a shimmering synth-pop sound that captivates everyone. At that same pivotal juncture on the road to stardom, we find CMAT. The Irish artist has made it big, thanks in part to her supernatural talent, her “Euro-country” style, and Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of “When a Good Man Cries.” Her career has truly taken off, and along the way, she’ll cross paths with another voice that is as feminist as it is essential. In Austin, Paris Paloma will showcase her new album—released just this September—solidifying a sound that goes well beyond anthems like “Labour,” a song that will resonate like never before, shining a light in such dark times.

Just around the bend, we’ll encounter two icons of raw, wild rock. Amyl and The Sniffers are arriving from Australia with their adrenaline-fueled punk, socially conscious messages, and ferocious riffs, paving the way for Turnstile. The Baltimore band has established itself as a global rock phenomenon, proving that guitars still have plenty to say.

At the final turn of this rain-soaked journey, we’ll find Labrinth, who will demonstrate that his generation-defining anthems are far more than just the *Euphoria* soundtrack. Like The Chainsmokers, Skrillex, and Steve Aoki, he will tap into that fresh nostalgia that turns certain musicians into legends almost before we realize it.

The Queens of Austin City Limits

Saturdays, October 3 and 10

Saturday promises less rain than Friday but just as much excitement. Women are taking the mic and the throne of pop. The new British princess, Lola Young, will join us, bringing the echoes of her show-stopping tracks like “Messy,” “Dealer,” and “One Thing.” Her bold attitude and lyrics—brimming with freshness and wit—will deliver one of the festival’s standout moments.

At Zilker Park, we’ll also see other great divas like Suki Waterhouse, whose latest album has elevated her to underground muse status through a blend of style and wild guitar work. Meanwhile, Young Miko will bring a dose of perreo vibes to Austin City Limits. Their reggaeton—free of sexist undertones—advocates for a message of sexual freedom that feels both comforting and brave. Lykke Li and Lorde bring to mind two pop-chart queens who never truly left the scene.

The addictive sounds of Palace and Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers, the dancing guitars of Rodrigo y Gabriela, and the sophisticated pop of Faci Laci and It’s Murph round out the lineup for an intense and unforgettable day at ACL.

25 Years of Austin City Limits Isn’t Enough

Sundays, October 4 and 11

Twenty-five years is nothing, yet it is everything all at once. Twenty-five years of ACL represents a lifetime. Marking the conclusion of the festival’s 25-year run brings a flood of emotions and unparalleled talent. The evening kicks off by addressing the big question currently facing the pop world: Is Stella Lefty a “nepo baby” or the next big star? The daughter of the Groupon founder has seen her track “Boston” climb the charts—amidst some controversy—piquing our curiosity about this new phenomenon.

The genuine talent of Cannons will cast a unique spell, transcending their *Spider-Man* soundtrack contribution to showcase a truly stellar discography. Rio Kosta and their quirky charisma will put us in the perfect mindset to welcome Saint Motel, one of our musical guilty pleasures, and the sparkling pop of Nora Erez.

Then comes the choice between the tropical rhythms of Sofi Tukker, the 24-karat pop of Parcels, the generational talent of Blood Orange, the 90s dance revival embodied by Fcukers, a living legend like The War on Drugs, or the buzz surrounding Geese. It’s a tough choice leading up to the ultimate grand finale—a celebration of 25 years of music, love, and freedom. The XX and Twenty One Pilots recapture the magic of the 2010s, an era that left behind a trail of influences and unforgettable anthems.

These 25 years form the soundtrack of our lives—a collection of experiences and emotions that shape who we are. Thank you, ACL, for this quarter-century; here’s to another 25 years.

See you at Zilker Park! Don’t forget to follow us on social media so you don’t miss a thing from this year’s ACL—an edition that promises to be as humid as it is brilliant.

+ Music in Urban Moon