Wow. Twenty-four hours after Austin City Limits Music Festival dropped their 2025 lineup and 3-Day GA and GA+ weekend one tickets are already sold out. We knew this lineup was hot, but it’s clear now that you all are ready to burn this festival to the ground. (Tickets to weekend two are still available at aclfestival.com.)
After correctly divining a handful of this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival artists in a previous “crystal ball gazing” piece — we’re still patting ourselves on the back about Doechii — we’re now digging into the actual lineup. ACL Fest returns to Zilker Park October 3-5 and 10-12, promising two weekends of live music. There are 10 acts we’re already buzzing about — from the indie sleaze swagger of The Strokes to the infectious perreo of Feid.
But not every beat drops the same. You might just find us conveniently “hydrating” at the beer tent during sets of at least two artists on the lineup. Tickets are on sale now at aclfestival.com.
10 artists we can’t wait to see at ACL Fest 2025
The Strokes
Whispers of an indie sleaze resurgence echo through this year’s lineup, and “The Adults Are Talking” about raw energy reminiscent of the early 2000s New York City garage rock scene that birthed legends like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Interpol. While fresh faces like the Dare are stoking the flames, the true torchbearers of this gritty cool are none other than the Strokes. Sure, they’ve got history, and yeah, Julian Casablancas’ background is what it is, but witnessing them live under the Texas stars, as the opening riffs of “Last Nite” or “Reptilia” fill the air, promises to be a quintessential indie rock experience — a moment discerning music fans won’t want to pass up. — Ana Gutierrez
Wet Leg
I will never forget Wet Leg’s 2022 self-titled debut album. British indie rock from the Isle of Wight fronted by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, Wet Leg isn’t high on the lineup but will be bringing a great set of songs from their upcoming “moisturizer” album, set to release on July 11. One single has already come out, and “catch these fists” (the first release since their debut) suggests a fresh, angry turn for their music. Their upcoming North American tour has 19 stops with two spaces cut out for both weekends of ACL Fest. I’m sure they will be playing songs from their new album, but I’m also looking forward to hearing “Being In Love,” “Chaise Longue” and their hit “Wet Dream” live on a big stage. — Mars Salazar
Feid
Tell your Latin friend to give you some perreo lessons now, because Colombian reggaeton sensation Feid is hitting the ACL stage for the very first time. This rapper has cemented his place as one of Colombia’s biggest music exports, right alongside Maluma, J Balvin, and his superstar girlfriend Karol G (fingers crossed for a surprise appearance). Even if you’re new to the genre, expect infectious vibes and serious dance action when he drops hits like “LUNA” and “PERRO NEGRO.” And pro tip: if you spot a sea of neon green, don’t mistake them for Charli fans; at ACL Fest, it will be the signature color of the one and only Feid. — A.G.
Doechii
With a 2025 Grammy win for Best Rap Album under her belt — a feat as the first woman to achieve this since Lauryn Hill in 1999 — Doechii, who was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance, is riding a significant wave of recognition. Her inclusion in the Lollapalooza lineup, (which, like Austin City Limits, is produced by local company C3 Presents) made her a likely contender for the 2025 festival, and we struck gold. Her 2024 album “Alligator Bites Never Heal” went viral, and we’re most excited to hear “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” “CATFISH” and “NISSAN ALTIMA.” We love you Doechii! — M.S.
Doja Cat
Feeling drained from the Austin heat? A shot of energy awaits at Doja Cat’s headlining set. Doja’s performances are a guaranteed spectacle of rap anthems and surprising vocal moments, as showcased by her recent James Bond tribute at the Oscars. Beyond the music, expect a visual feast; Doja Cat is a true style chameleon, consistently serving up conversation-starting looks, with her latest Met Gala fit being a prime example. We expect famous hits like “Kiss Me More,” and “Say So”, but we’re really crossing our fingers for “MOOO!” and “Tia Tamera.” — A.G.
The Dare
Calling all indie sleaze revivalists! The Dare, a rising star who exploded onto the scene with his 2024 album “What’s Wrong With New York?” is making his Austin City Limits debut. Often associated with said indie sleaze comeback, his aesthetic of a signature suit and simple black sunglasses adds to the buzz. His collaborations with Charli xcx have further amplified his popularity. His last Austin appearance was a DJ set at Levitation Fest in November 2024. So a full live show on the ACL stage is the next logical step in his ascent. — M.S.
Japanese Breakfast
You’ll be utterly charmed by the radiant Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast. That smile you can practically hear in upbeat tracks like “Savage Good Boy” is even more dazzling in person, as those who were lucky enough to catch the band’s recent “Melancholy Brunettes” tour kickoff at ACL Live already know. Witnessing Zauner and her incredibly talented full band (which includes her husband, Peter Bradley) craft their textured sound live is a mesmerizing experience that will leave you wondering, “How do they do that?”. Keep an eye out for the iconic gong during fan favorites like “Paprika” and “Be Sweet.” — A.G.
Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant last played the festival during Weekend Two in 2016. Since then, they’ve put out three new albums: their stripped-back record “Unpeeled” (2017), “Social Cues” (2019), and most recently “Neon Pill” in May 2024. Before they come to Austin, Cage the Elephant will be joining Oasis on their short run of shows in North America. Yes, everyone and their mom has seen them play live. They’re one of the most significant touring groups of their generation, but get excited to see them again. — M.S.
Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay is bringing a shimmering, hyper-pop wonderland to ACL Fest. This duo transforms emotions into sonic bliss, layering lyrics over futuristic synths that are guaranteed to get you grooving. We hope to catch keyboards and catchy hooks, exemplified in songs like “Secrets (Your Fire),” and “Death & Romance.” Their presence alongside Empire of the Sun on this lineup could very well herald a much-needed dreamy, escapist soundscape. — A.G.
Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog is a band that everyone has loved forever. It’s hard to name all their best albums, but I like to highlight “Shame, Shame” (2010), “B-Room” (2013) and “Midi Swamp” (2016). They just released a self-titled album in July 2024, which held the same homey familiarity as the rest of their discography. Dr. Dog may not be the flashiest on the lineup, but I like enough of their songs that I could see them over and over again and still be happy. Seeing Dr. Dog is like reuniting with a familiar friend you have fond memories with, and we will definitely be needing that in the midst of ACL’s craziness. — M.S.
A couple ACL Fest 2025 artists we could do without
John Summit
Let’s be real, amidst the variety of eye-catching performances at ACL, a dude behind a soundboard might not immediately scream “must-see.” While a fresh visual aesthetic or a groundbreaking take on house music could certainly generate buzz, this particular set will probably lean toward a more predictable sound. It’s likely to resonate most with Gen Z-ers just dipping their toes into the EDM pool, perhaps those newly acquainted with the concept of a pashmina. If you’re seeking sonic creativity or a sharp approach to music, you might want to explore the many other talented artists lighting up the ACL lineup. — A.G.
Hozier
There are always rumors that Mumford & Sons will come back to haunt Zilker. But this year, Hozier is taking that spot. “Take Me to Church” was a 2013 phenomenon. Now as Hozier headlines ACL in a 2025 indie scene that feels cloned tenfold and oversaturated, the real question is: What justifies this headliner, who last played the festival in 2023? A viral “Too Sweet” snippet? TikTok fame makes you wonder if a fleeting moment of recent popularity is enough to warrant a headlining spot. And let’s be honest about those “relatable” lyrics — some of us are side-eyeing what feels like angsty teenage diary entries. The growing online murmur is clear: has this once-fresh indie voice simply become another predictable strum? While nostalgia’s a powerful drug, ACL is Austin, and we’re wondering if it’s time for a shot of something a little less … unsurprising. — A.G.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: ACL Fest weekend one GA tickets are sold out. Here’s who we like on this year’s lineup
Reporting by Mars Salazar and Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
