ACL 2025 Playlist: Heywood Picks
September 12, 2025
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One of Austin’s favorite live music traditions is coming back to Zilker Park in October. The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival 2025 takes place over two consecutive three-day weekends: October 3–5 and October 10–12, 2025.
What is the Austin City Limits Music Festival?
The ACL Music Festival is a beloved annual music festival inspired by the iconic PBS music series Austin City Limits. Since its launch in 2002, the festival has become a must-attend fall event in Austin, featuring nine stages, more than 100 performances, and drawing hundreds of thousands of fans by combining well-known headliners, rising stars, and local talent.
Which Bands Should You See at ACL Fest 2025?
With so many acts, ACL Fest can feel a little overwhelming. It’s important to plan ahead to make sure you catch your personal must-see performances, and hopefully discover some new favorite artists along the way.
The Heywood Hotel has created a playlist of 54 picks from the list of performers playing ACL Fest 2025.
Our playlist reflects the spirit of ACL: a little bit of everything. You’ll find indie rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, folk, and beyond — featuring household names, breakout talent, and hometown artists alike.
The Heywood Hotel ACL 2025 Spotify Playlist
We’re excited to experience ACL 2025 and invite you to check out our Spotify playlist: ACL 2025 Playlist: Heywood Hotel Picks
Who do we love?
Some standouts we’re especially looking forward to are Cage the Elephant, King Princess, Djo, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Wet Leg, Phantogram, MJ Lenderman, and Teen Jesus & the Jean Teasers.
Of course, local Austin artists always make a strong showing at ACL too — and we’ll be out in the crowd cheering them on. Be sure to give a listen to Dylan Gossett, a rising country singer-songwriter with heartfelt Texas twang; S. L. Houser, a seasoned indie artist known for her thoughtful, emotional songwriting; Next of Kin, a soulful Austin trio blending country, folk, and Americana harmonies with modern edge, and Farmer’s Wife, an indie rock band delivering dream-grunge with a dark, Southern Gothic edge.
Where is the best place to stay for ACL?
East Austin is a great neighborhood to stay in during ACL. While Zilker Park is the heart of the action, Downtown and South Austin can get crowded quickly. East Austin offers a convenient, walkable location with plenty of great food, drinks, and music — and it’s calmer at night when you’re ready to rest up for another day at the park.
The Heywood Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in East Austin. We’re just a quick ride share from Zilker Park, and surrounded by some of the best venues, coffee shops, and taco joints in town.
What makes the Heywood Hotel the best hotel for ACL?
In addition to being ACL-convenient, with just seven rooms and a serene environment, the Heywood Hotel offers comfort and calm when you need it most. After long days in the sun and on your feet, you’ll want a quiet, stylish retreat to come home to.
At the Heywood, you’ll find luxury beds, personalized service, and thoughtful design. While we’re close to all the ACL action, our peaceful setting guarantees you’ll be rested and ready for the next day of music.
Plus, all ACL Fest reservations receive a VIP welcome basket of local goodies. We’ve got the best schwag in town!
Heywood Hotel luxury guest rooms with deep soaking tubs and private patios
Some of our luxury rooms feature private patios or deep soaking tubs — ideal for unwinding after a day at Zilker.
The Heywood Hotel also offers discounts for stays of 3+ nights and group rentals. ACL is one of our favorite times of the year, and we love welcoming both first-time visitors and Austin regulars who want a boutique, one-of-a-kind place to stay during the festival. We’d be delighted to host you, too!
Check availability for ACL 2025 here.