Austin City Limits
Sorry, there are currently no events for Austin City Limits.
Find More EventsAbout Austin City Limits
ACL is the longest-running music program in television history, the only television show to have been awarded the Presidential Medal of the Arts, and was recently recognized by Time magazine as one of the 10 most influential music programs of all time. It’s a show that’s presented a huge variety of musical styles and genres, hosting everyone from Willie Nelson to BB King to Foo Fighters and a show that’s been enshrined as a Rock & Roll Landmark in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
But no one knew it would be any of those things back in 1974. That was the year KLRU (then KLRN) program director Bill Arhos, producer Paul Bosner and director Bruce Scafe hatched the idea in response to PBS’s call for original programming from its member stations. Scafe had already directed the music show The Session for WSIU in Carbondale, Illinois, while Bosner was a dedicated fan of the so-called cosmic cowboy scene in Austin. After the latter turned Arhos on to Jan Reid’s book The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock, which covered the progressive country scene, the trio came up with the idea of a TV program to showcase Austin’s diverse mix of country, blues, folk and psychedelia. Thus Austin City Limits (title courtesy of Bosner, who saw the sign every week when he commuted from Dallas to Austin) was born.
The pilot was shot on October 17, 1974, and starred Willie Nelson, who was not yet the iconographic American music figure he would become. (B.W. Stevenson was actually taped the night before, but the recording was deemed unusable.) The deliberate lack of production slickness and attention to audio detail pleased even the notoriously TV-shy Nelson, and Arhos pitched the pilot to PBS as part of its 1975 pledge drive. The show’s success as a fundraiser was enough for Arhos to get ACL greenlighted as a series, and the odyssey began.
Austin City Limits
Set in the heart of Austin’s Zilker Park, Austin City Limits (ACL) is a two-weekend celebration of live music, culture, and creativity. This massive outdoor festival brings together global headliners and local rising stars across nine stages, delivering a diverse mix of rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and electronic sounds.
Beyond the music, ACL offers immersive art installations, delicious local food, and family-friendly zones, all against the backdrop of Austin’s vibrant arts scene. The festival also stands out for its commitment to sustainability and its unmistakably laid-back Texas vibe.
Score your Austin City Limits tickets at AXS and get ready for an unforgettable weekend.
Austin City Limits Lineup
Austin City Limits returns to Zilker Park across two weekends the beginning of every October. The 2025 lineup featured more than 100 artists, with genres spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, country, EDM, and indie — each performing across nine unique stages.
ACL 2025 Headliners:
For future lineups and daily schedules, visit the official ACL Festival website.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits launched in 2002 as a live music festival inspired by the long-running PBS television series of the same name.³ Set in Zilker Park, the event quickly became a cornerstone of Austin’s creative identity, drawing fans from around the world.
Over the years, ACL has hosted major acts like Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Leon Bridges, and Carín León, while also championing emerging local talent. With its multi-genre focus and vibrant energy, the festival continues to celebrate the spirit of live music in one of America’s most artistic cities.
Austin City Limits Policies
To ensure a smooth festival experience, be sure to review these key policies before attending:
- Bags: Please refer to the venue's policy page for more information on the up to date bag policy.
- Re-entry & Smoking: Your wristband allows re-entry up to two times per day. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in Zilker Park, per City of Austin regulations.
- Payment Options: ACL accepts cashless wristband payments linked to a credit card, as well as cash, credit, and debit cards.
- Prohibited Items: Professional recording gear, weapons, large coolers, umbrellas, and pets (except service animals) are not allowed.
- Age Restrictions: All ages are welcome. Children eight and under receive free admission with a ticketed adult (limit two per adult) and can enjoy family-friendly programming onsite.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the Austin City Limits policies page before the event.