The Austin City Limits Festival, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has transformed from a local event into one of the premier music festivals globally, attracting over 70,000 attendees each day. Despite its expansive reach, local Austin artists continue to play a crucial role in the festival’s lineup, showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage whether they remain in Austin or have taken their talents elsewhere.
Featured Austin Artists at ACL Fest 2026
Almost Heaven – This Austin duo merges post-punk, electronic pop, and indie dance music. Comprised of producer and vocalist Stefan Barraza and drummer Jaelyn Valero, Almost Heaven debuted their EP, RAW CRANIUM, in January. Following performances at SXSW and the Austin Psych Fest, they are set to make their ACL Fest debut.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 9, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Asleep At The Wheel – This Western swing band, led by Ray Benson, has been a constant presence at ACL Fest since its inception in 2002. Join them as they continue this cherished tradition.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 1-1:45 p.m.
WHERE: T-Mobile Stage
Bo Staloch – A singer-songwriter hailing from Austin but now based in Nashville, Bo Staloch is known for his poignant alt-folk and Americana narratives.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, and Friday, Oct. 9, 3:15-4 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Calder Allen – This fifth-generation Texan singer-songwriter from Austin is recognized for his raw Americana sound.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 11, 3:15-4 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Coleman Jennings – Originally from Connecticut and raised in Texas, Coleman Jennings draws inspiration from local songwriting legends. He developed his skills at various Austin venues while studying English at the University of Texas, delivering songs infused with a classic country vibe.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
WHERE: BMI Stage
DJ Cassandra – An Austin DJ and classically trained pianist, Cassandra Shankman, known as DJ Cassandra, blends electronic, dance, and roots music. A graduate of UT Austin in composition and film studies, she has made history by being the first woman to win Best DJ at the Austin Music Awards.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Elijah Delgado – This Austin-based singer-songwriter crafts what he describes as “indie rock lullabies,” merging atmospheric guitars with heartfelt vocals. Since releasing his debut EP in 2021, he has performed at notable events including Blues on the Green and SXSW.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: Snapchat Stage
Flight by Nothing – Formed in North Texas in 2016 and now based in Austin, this indie rock band has gained recognition for their high-energy performances and infectious sound, characterized by driving rhythms and catchy pop hooks.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: BeatBox Stage
Grocery Bag – This psych-garage rock quartet, established in 2022, has made waves in the Austin music scene with their energetic performances and a sound that fuses fuzzed-out guitars with captivating garage rock.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
WHERE: BMI Stage
Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective – This student ensemble from one of Austin’s historic HBCUs combines jazz and R&B, regularly performing at significant local events such as the Austin Blues Festival.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Jess Williamson – Emerging from Austin’s vibrant music scene, Jess Williamson collaborated with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield in 2022 to create the duo Plains. Her solo work blends country-folk elements with minimalist sounds.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: Miller Lite Stage
lluvii – This Austin quintet fuses various musical styles, from coastal psychedelia to primal percussion, featuring the unique vocals of frontwoman Carol Gonzalez.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: BeatBox Stage
Montclair – Comprised of four half-siblings, this indie folk-rock band from Austin has a shared passion for songwriting. They released their debut album, Heart is Alive!, in April 2025.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
NIGHT TRAVELER – The duo of Adam Fischer and Hunter Glaske draws from 1980s rock influences to create guitar-driven melodies that evoke the essence of late-night drives.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 2-2:45 p.m.
WHERE: BeatBox Stage
The 4411 – This indie-rock band formed by lifelong friends captures the spirit of early-2000s rock, delivering energetic performances filled with catchy guitar hooks and powerful melodies.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
The Moriah Sisters – Originating from the Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church in East Austin, this group has been a local staple since 1994, renowned for their performances at the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 4, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
Wild Child – Formed in 2010, this indie-folk band from Austin is celebrated for their rich harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. In 2026, they ventured into children’s music with the release of their first album, Wild Child for Kids.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 4:30-5 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:45-3:15 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 11, 3:45-4:15 p.m.
WHERE: Austin Kiddie Limits Stage
