If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Zilker Park while the dust kicks up during a sunset set, you know the vibe. It’s electric. But honestly, trying to snag Austin City Limits weekend 1 tickets can feel like a high-stakes game of musical chairs where the music stops way too fast.
Most people think they can just hop on the site a week before and find a deal. They can't. By then, you’re looking at resale prices that could pay for a decent used car.
The Weekend 1 Hype is Real
There is a specific energy to the first weekend of ACL. The grass is still actually green—well, as green as Texas grass gets in October before 450,000 pairs of boots trample it into a fine powder.
Everything feels fresh. The vendors aren't tired yet. The artists are usually hitting the stage for the first time in this specific festival environment, so there’s a bit of "opening night" magic. This year, the October 3-5 dates for Weekend 1 sold out their initial blocks almost immediately. Why? Because people want to be the first to post the lineup photos.
Pricing and What You Actually Get
Let’s talk money. It’s not cheap. A 3-day General Admission (GA) pass for 2025 started at $360. If you wanted the "fancy" life, GA+ was around $750, and VIP was pushing $1,670.
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Is GA+ worth it? It depends on how much you hate waiting in line for a bathroom. You get air-conditioned restrooms and a private lounge. In the Texas heat, that's basically a luxury resort.
VIP takes it further with the "VIP Grove." You get free food and a shaded viewing deck. But if you’re there for the mosh pit, you’ll spend most of your time in the dirt with the rest of us anyway.
Breaking Down the 2025 Lineup Shifts
One thing that caught everyone off guard this year was the headliner swap. Doja Cat was originally on the bill but dropped out to finish her album. The Killers stepped in as the replacement, which honestly made a lot of longtime ACL fans pretty happy.
If you held Austin City Limits weekend 1 tickets, you got to see:
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- Friday: Hozier and Luke Combs.
- Saturday: Sabrina Carpenter and The Strokes.
- Sunday: The Killers and John Summit.
There are always weekend-exclusive acts too. For example, Weekend 1 had Asleep at the Wheel (a local legend) and Modest Mouse, while Weekend 2 usually swaps in a few different names like Rilo Kiley or Car Seat Headrest.
The Secondary Market Trap
If you missed the May 6th on-sale date, you probably went to the resale sites. Be careful.
The festival uses Ticketmaster’s Verified Ticket Exchange. It’s the only place where you won’t get scammed. I've seen people buy "wristbands" on Craigslist only to realize they were deactivated or just plain fakes.
Once you have that wristband, don't put it on until Friday morning. Seriously. They have a locking mechanism that doesn't loosen. Every year, someone puts it on their right hand, realizes they can't wipe or shower easily, and has to pay a $25 replacement fee at the box office. Don't be that person.
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Survival Tips from an ACL Veteran
Zilker Park is huge. It covers about 350 acres, and you will walk miles.
- Hydration is a job: Bring an empty, refillable water bottle. There are free stations everywhere. Use them.
- The Bag Policy is strict: If your bag isn't clear or it’s larger than 12"x12"x6", security will make you hike all the way back to your car or a locker.
- Transportation is a nightmare: Parking near the park doesn't exist. Take the free shuttle from Republic Square Park downtown. It’s the only sane way to get there.
The weather is the ultimate wildcard. One year it’s 95 degrees and you’re melting; the next, a "cold front" hits and it drops to 60 with rain.
Moving Toward 2026
If you’re looking back at the 2025 experience or planning for next year, the cycle starts early. Sign up for the ACL email list now. They usually run an "Early Bird" sale in the spring where you can save about $40 on GA passes. It doesn't sound like much, but that's four orders of Mighty Cone at the food court.
If you’re still hunting for a last-minute pass for a future event, stick to the verified exchange. It’s safer for your wallet and your sanity.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Register for 2026 Alerts: Go to the official ACL website and sign up for the SMS list. Presales often happen before the lineup is even announced.
- Audit Your Gear: Check if your hydration pack meets the "two pocket" rule (no more than two main compartments).
- Book Lodging Early: If you're coming from out of town, hotels near South Congress or Downtown fill up 6-8 months in advance.