Austin City Limits Music Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a lineup packed with major names across pop, rock, indie and electronic music. As the second weekend approaches, artists such as Charli XCX, Kings of Leon, Lorde and RÜFÜS DU SOL are giving fans plenty of reasons to head to Zilker Park. Here are eight performers worth knowing before the festivities begin.
Charli XCX Brings Her Boundary-Pushing Pop to Austin
Few pop artists have reshaped the conversation around modern dance music quite like Charli XCX. Known for her adventurous production, club-inspired sound and willingness to experiment with pop conventions, she is one of the major attractions at Austin City Limits Music Festival’s 25th anniversary edition. Her album Brat became a defining pop release of 2024, inspiring the widely discussed Brat summer phenomenon and bringing her music to an even larger audience. Her ACL appearance gives fans an opportunity to experience the high-energy songs and electronic influences that have helped distinguish her from many of her contemporaries. With the festival taking place at Austin’s Zilker Park, Charli’s performance also represents the event’s continuing embrace of contemporary pop alongside established rock acts and electronic artists. For anyone attending the second weekend, her set is one of the performances worth considering when planning a festival schedule.
Kings of Leon Lead the Weekend Two Headliner Lineup
Rock fans have a major reason to look forward to the festival’s second weekend, thanks to Kings of Leon. The Nashville-based band, formed by brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew Followill, has spent more than two decades building a catalogue that moves between Southern rock, alternative rock and arena-ready anthems. Songs such as Use Somebody, Sex on Fire and Closer helped establish the group as an international success, while albums including Only by the Night brought its music to a much wider audience. Kings of Leon are particularly significant to the 2026 ACL schedule because they occupy the headline position that Skrillex holds during the first weekend. Their appearance gives the second weekend its own distinct identity rather than simply repeating every major act from the festival’s opening dates. For longtime listeners, the performance offers a chance to hear familiar favourites in a large outdoor setting, while newer fans can discover why the band remains a prominent name in modern rock.
RÜFÜS DU SOL Brings Its Electronic Sound to Zilker Park
Electronic music has become an essential part of major music festivals, and RÜFÜS DU SOL is one of the acts helping define that experience at ACL’s anniversary celebration. The Australian trio, made up of Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt, is known for combining electronic production with melodic vocals, atmospheric arrangements and danceable rhythms. Tracks such as Innerbloom and You Were Right have helped the group develop an international following, particularly among listeners who enjoy music that moves between club energy and reflective songwriting. Its live performances often build gradually, layering synthesizers, percussion and vocals into extended musical passages. That approach can make an outdoor festival set feel different from a traditional DJ performance or a standard rock concert. At Zilker Park, RÜFÜS DU SOL brings a contrasting sound to a lineup that also features guitar-driven rock and contemporary pop. Festivalgoers who enjoy immersive electronic music should consider the group’s performance when choosing which sets to catch during the second weekend.
Lorde Returns With Her Acclaimed Alternative Pop
Some artists build their reputations by following familiar trends, while Lorde has consistently made her mark by approaching pop from a different angle. She became an international star with Royals, the breakout single from her 2013 debut album, Pure Heroine. The song’s restrained production and observations about wealth and celebrity offered a striking contrast to the maximalist pop dominating radio at the time. Lorde continued exploring personal growth, relationships and changing perspectives through albums such as Melodrama and Solar Power. Her music often combines intimate lyrics with carefully developed arrangements, giving her performances a distinctive emotional character. At Austin City Limits, she joins a lineup that spans several generations and styles, making her appearance especially appealing to fans of alternative pop and thoughtful songwriting. Her presence also reinforces the festival’s tradition of pairing major commercial names with artists whose influence extends beyond individual hits. For attendees planning their weekend, Lorde is one of the headline performers likely to attract a crowd of longtime fans and newer listeners alike.
Twenty One Pilots Adds Its Genre-Blending Rock to the Celebration
A Twenty One Pilots performance rarely fits neatly into a single musical category, which is part of what makes the duo an interesting addition to ACL’s 25th anniversary lineup. The American group, formed in Columbus, Ohio, consists of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Its music blends alternative rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic production and occasional reggae influences, creating a sound that can shift dramatically from one song to the next. Tracks such as Stressed Out, Ride and Heathens helped establish the band as a major commercial force, while its albums have developed a devoted following through recurring themes and connected storytelling. Live performances are another important part of the group’s appeal, with Joseph’s energetic stage presence and Dun’s drumming helping turn familiar recordings into a more physical concert experience. At ACL, Twenty One Pilots brings a different kind of energy from the festival’s more traditional rock and indie acts. Its appearance should appeal to fans who enjoy dramatic arrangements, singalong choruses and performances that move quickly between contrasting sounds.
The xx Brings Its Atmospheric Indie Sound to the Festival
Not every memorable festival performance depends on volume or constant movement. The xx has built its reputation around space, restraint and the emotional effect of carefully arranged music. The British group, consisting of Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie xx, emerged with its self-titled debut album in 2009. Its sound combines spare guitar lines, understated vocals, subtle electronic textures and carefully controlled rhythms. Songs such as Intro, Crystalised and Angels demonstrate how the band can create a distinctive atmosphere without relying on dense arrangements or oversized production. Jamie xx’s work as a producer and solo electronic artist also connects the group to the broader dance music world, giving its catalogue an additional dimension. At Austin City Limits, The xx offers a quieter but no less compelling alternative to the festival’s more explosive performances. Its music is particularly suited to listeners who appreciate intimate songwriting and immersive soundscapes, making the group a noteworthy name on a lineup designed to cover a wide range of musical tastes.
Bleachers Delivers Its Energetic Indie Rock
For festivalgoers who enjoy big choruses, lively arrangements and songs built for singing along, Bleachers is a name worth remembering. Led by songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff, the group combines indie rock with elements of 1980s pop, heartland rock and polished alternative music. Bleachers gained attention with its 2014 debut album, Strange Desire, which included the hit single I Wanna Get Better. Later releases continued exploring nostalgia, personal relationships and the emotional connections people form with places and memories. Antonoff is also known for his extensive work with major recording artists, but Bleachers provides a different outlet for his songwriting, allowing him to build a sound around his own band’s identity. The group’s live shows are known for their energetic arrangements and strong audience participation, making them a natural fit for an outdoor festival. At ACL’s second weekend, Bleachers adds another layer to a lineup already featuring major pop stars, electronic acts and established rock bands. Fans looking for a lively performance with memorable hooks should keep the group on their schedule.
Young Miko Adds Latin Urban Music to the Diverse Lineup
Austin City Limits’ 25th anniversary lineup reflects the growing reach of Latin urban music, and Puerto Rican artist Young Miko is one of the performers bringing that sound to Zilker Park. She has attracted international attention through a mix of Latin trap, reggaeton and contemporary hip-hop, pairing rhythmic production with direct lyrics and a distinctive vocal style. Songs such as Lisa helped expand her audience, while collaborations with established Latin music stars introduced her to listeners across multiple markets. Young Miko has also become a prominent figure in a new generation of Puerto Rican artists who move comfortably between Spanish-language music and the wider international pop scene. Her inclusion at ACL demonstrates the festival’s interest in bringing different musical communities together rather than limiting its programming to one dominant genre. Her performance offers fans an opportunity to experience the energy of Latin urban music within a major American festival setting. For those attending the second weekend, Young Miko provides a compelling alternative to the festival’s rock, indie and electronic performances, rounding out a lineup designed to appeal to a broad audience.
