ACL 2026 Schedule is finally HERE! Like all years, ACL brings a multitude of artists playing at the same time. Fear not, Off Record is here to help you make the tough decision on who to prioritize.
This year’s lineup is a dream… and every year, the schedule release makes for tough decisions. Don’t worry – we’re here to help by offering our top recommendations to make those choices a little easier.
Weekend One, Day One: Skrillex vs. Charli XCX
Our Pick: Skrillex is a well-known EDM act who made dubstep mainstream. Charli XCX has seen a huge resurgence after the release of her album brat. She most recently released her latest album titled Music, Fashion, Film, and has made rounds in the festival circuit and is also going on tour. Charli thrives in the live scene, meaning you can definitely catch her again in the future. Skrillex on the other hand? He has made very rare appearances in the live music scene… meaning ACL is your best bet to catch this dubstep legend live.
Both Weekends, Day Two: Bleachers vs. Lola Young
Our Pick: Bleachers is an indie staple, but Lola Young is one of the best newcomers in the scene right now. Both acts have played ACL before, but Lola Young returns to a bigger stage, fresh off a grammy win. Lola Young is the act to catch this year, while you can catch Bleachers on October 2nd for their ACL Fest Nights performance.
Both Weekends, Day Three: The XX vs. Twenty One Pilots
Our Pick: This, is the ULTIMATE headliner clash. Both artists have made appearances at ACL, but The XX is coming straight from a hiatus, while Twenty One Pilots have been touring + releasing albums nonstop. Both bands are on their festival circuit, and if their general festival setlists align for ACL, we have a bit of a fix. Check out The XX first if you wanna hear classic tracks like “Islands” and “Angels,” and then run to Twenty One Pilots to catch them end the festival with a bang with “Car Radio” and “Trees.”
Both Weekends, Day Three: GEESE vs. Fcukers vs. Sofi Tukker
Our Pick: This year is the year of triple whammies. Geese have seen critical success with their latest album Getting Killed, and FCUKERS have made it big with their catchy electro-pop sound. Sofi Tukker are well established in the electronic indie world – so if you want a party, head over to their set.
Both Weekends, Day One: Rebecca Black (W1) OR Natasha Bedingfield (W2) vs. Amyl & The Sniffers
Our Pick: Weekend one gets Rebecca Black… and Weekend two gets Natasha Bedingfield. Talk about THROWBACK! Amyl & the Sniffers are the best Aussie punk band right now, with lead singer Amy Taylor bringing feminism, activism and spunk back to music festivals. If you are going to weekend one, make space for Amyl & the Sniffers and join the mosh pits. If you are going to weekend two, don’t miss Natasha Bedingfield, as she is making a rare live appearance for ACL 2026 only, and set up an I.O.U for Amyl’s next tour.
Weekend Two, Day One: Rusowsky vs. BUNT.
Our Pick: BUNT. is set to bring the EDM vibes to Zilker Park. Rusowsky is currently on the rise, and has even reached viral success as a feature on Karol G’s track ‘BbYWOW.’ He went on a limited tour earlier this year and only made an appearance in Houston. This year’s festival lacks a lot of Latin acts, and has a huge rise with EDM. Don’t miss Rusowsky’s iconic set at ACL 2026, as it seems to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Austin City Limits 2026 will be happening on 10/2-10/4 and 10/9-10/11. Check out the full lineup and get your ACL tickets here: https://www.aclfestival.com/
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
