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Austin City Limits (ACL) is Texas-sized — two weekends of huge, genre-spanning music in Zilker Park, in the live-music capital of the world. The same stacked lineup plays both weekends, with all of Austin’s BBQ, bars and live venues around it. This guide covers the dates, how to fly in, where to stay, and how to do it.
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When to go: the music calendar
- Austin City Limits 2026 — two weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026 at Zilker Park, Austin. Same lineup both weekends. Confirm on the official site.
- The lineup — rock, pop, hip-hop, country, indie and electronic across multiple stages — one of the most genre-spanning bills in the US.
- The setting — pleasant October weather, with Austin’s legendary live-music scene (6th Street, East Austin) every night.
Getting there: flights to Austin (AUS)
Fly into Austin–Bergstrom (AUS), ~20–30 min from downtown, then ride-hailing/shuttle to Zilker Park. Set a price watch — ACL weekends are peak.
→ Search flights to Austin (AUS)
Where to stay (matched to your trip)
- Downtown — walkable to 6th Street nightlife and a short ride/walk to Zilker; the most convenient base.
- South Congress (SoCo) — hip, close to Zilker Park, great food and bars.
- East Austin — the cool live-music and bar district, a short ride from the festival.
Getting around
Downtown/SoCo are walkable to Zilker; otherwise use ride-hailing or the ACL shuttle (parking is very limited). The US uses the dollar; cards everywhere. October is warm — bring sun protection and a refillable bottle.
Airport transfer
→ Pre-book a private airport transfer with Kiwitaxi
Stay connected: get an eSIM
→ Get an Airalo eSIM for the USA
Explore by car
→ Compare and book a rental car
Sample budget — 4 nights, one weekend (per person)
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (within US / intl varies) | $150 | $500 |
| Hotel (4 nights) | $360 | $840 |
| Festival ticket (3-day) | $330 | $450 |
| Food + drinks | $150 | $340 |
| Transport, transfer, eSIM | $60 | $140 |
| Total | ~$1,050 | ~$2,270 |
Money-saving tips
- Pick the cheaper weekend (same lineup) and buy the 3-day pass early.
- Stay downtown/SoCo to walk to Zilker and skip parking.
- Eat Austin’s BBQ and food trucks; catch free live music on 6th/East Austin.
Frequently asked questions
When is ACL 2026?
Two weekends — October 2–4 and 9–11, 2026 at Zilker Park, Austin (same lineup each weekend).
How do I get there?
Fly into Austin (AUS), ~20–30 min from downtown; use ride-hailing or the ACL shuttle to Zilker (limited parking).
Which weekend should I pick?
Either — the lineup is the same. Choose by price and your schedule.