Top Local Artists to Watch at ACL Fest

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The long-awaited Austin City Limits Music Festival makes its return to Zilker Park with two full weekends of live music across nine stages on October 2-5 and October 10-12, 2025.

While big names like The Strokes, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier and many others will draw crowds to ACL, Austin's homegrown talent always delivers on the Austin City Limits stages. Whether you're looking to discover your next favorite band, catch hometown heroes in their element, or are just looking for some killer music in between headlining sets, this year's local lineup offers a special chance to experience the authentic Austin sound. Here's your insider guide to the local acts that prove that Austin's music legacy is stronger than ever. 

Passes are on sale now and you can grab them here.

Dylan Gossett

Dylan Gossett has made a remarkable transition from Circuit of The Americas intern to viral country music sensation. The Austin-based singer-songwriter exploded onto the scene through TikTok, where his authentic acoustic performances have garnered millions of views and helped him build a dedicated following of over 500,000 on Instagram. Now, Gossett is riding the wave of his viral success with a major headlining tour spanning September through December across the United States. Fans won't have to wait long to see him in his hometown, as he's set to perform at Austin City Limits during both festival weekends, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly ascending career. 

S.L. Houser

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter S.L. Houser has been a staple of the Austin music scene for over a decade, collaborating with notable acts like Spoon and Golden Dawn Arkestra while leading her former rock band Löwin. Her Austin City Limits Weekend One performance marks an important hometown moment for an artist who has spent years supporting the city's music community, now stepping into the spotlight on one of Austin's biggest stages.

Geto Gala

Austin duo Geto Gala, featuring Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown, brings their unique collaborative energy to the ACL stage after performing at SXSW London. The two Austin artists have created a unique sound representing the city's diverse musical landscape with their genre-blending approach. Their ACL performance marks a milestone for the duo who have realized a complete artistic experience and established themselves as rising stars in Austin's vibrant music scene.

Asleep at the Wheel

Austin's beloved Western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, is set to take the stage at ACL 2025. With a storied career spanning over five decades, this Grammy-winning group has become a cornerstone of the Austin music scene. Known for their lively performances and timeless sound, Asleep at the Wheel promises to deliver a show filled with toe-tapping rhythms and classic hits that celebrate the spirit of Texas.

Farmer's Wife

Austin's Farmer's Wife brings their moody blend of 90s shoegaze and grunge to ACL, crafting a sound that recalls early Smashing Pumpkins and Slowdive. Led by Molly Masson's dreamy vocals, the five-piece creates intricate and unnerving music that balances beauty with darker tones. Their recent EP "Faint Illusions" showcases their knack for weaving compelling storytelling through heavy instrumental waves, promising an ACL set that will leave audiences anxious for more. 

Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective

The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective is set to perform at ACL for the fourth time. Recently, they clinched first place in the Louis Armstrong HBCU Jazz Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. As part of Austin’s only HBCU, this urban contemporary jazz ensemble blends traditional jazz with modern influences, captivating audiences with its smooth and sophisticated sound.

Other Texas Acts at ACL 2025

• Johnny Stimson - Stimson blends a soulful rasp with a modern pop sensibility to create melodies that pull at your heartstrings.
• INOHA - This indie rock band weaves together indie rock, alternative, and pop punk influences, ensuring a lively and energetic set. 
• Alex Amen - Alex's music is the perfect cross-section of lo-fi folk with hints of country flair.
• Shallowater - Claiming their own sound as “dirtgaze”, Shallowater’s music on one end is folk, but on the other is purely Texan. 

Want to hear more? Check out our playlist on Spotify of local bands and artists performing at ACL this year!