Texas Lifestyle Magazine shares some of the artists we can’t wait to see this year at ACL Fest 2026, from Austin favorites to rising stars and must-see festival acts. 

With ACL Fest just around the corner, it’s time to start figuring out who makes the must-see list. This month, the Texas Lifestyle Magazine team is sharing some of the artists we’re most excited to catch at Zilker Park, from Austin favorites and rising Texas talent to a few names you may not have on your radar yet. Consider this our starting point for building your ACL Fest 2026 schedule.

Wendi’s Picks 

Audrey Hobert

Audrey Hobert is high on the must-see list for ACL Fest 2026. After making a name for herself co-writing songs with childhood friend Gracie Abrams, her clever lyrics, energetic pop sound, and slightly quirky sense of humor have made Hobert a rising star in her own right. You can’t scroll through TikTok without hearing one of her catchy songs as a trending sound. “Sue Me” is exactly the kind of song that begs to be screamed along with in a festival crowd, it’s witty and packed with personality. I’m betting her ACL set will be one of those performances everyone is talking about afterward. 

Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse is another artist you can’t miss at ACL Fest 2026. Fans have loved watching this model and actor (“Daisy Jones and the Six” was one of my favorites) evolve into an indie pop musician. Her music has that dreamy, effortlessly cool vibe that feels absolutely perfect for a festival with songs like “Good Looking.” Of course, there’s also the fun celebrity factor, Waterhouse shares a daughter with longtime partner Robert Pattinson. 

Rebecca Black

I’ll admit it: part of the reason Rebecca Black is on my ACL Fest 2026 must-see list is pure curiosity. Yes, she’s the “Friday” girl, but her music sounds nothing like that anymore. Like millions of people, I remember when “Friday” was absolutely everywhere. But Black has since traded viral-teen-song fame for bold, high-energy pop that’s edgy with songs like “Sugar Water Cyanide.” Rebecca Black is one of those ACL sets people may show up to out of curiosity, and leave genuinely impressed.

Brian’s Picks

Asleep at the Wheel

Let’s face it, ACL Fest wouldn’t be the same without Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel kicking off the two week festival. The Austin legends have become as much a part of ACL Fest as Zilker Park itself, traditionally opening the festival with a set that celebrates the Western swing sound they have helped keep alive for more than five decades. Led by the unmistakable presence of Benson, Asleep at the Wheel brings a little bit of Texas history to the stage while still putting on a show that feels right at home at ACL. For longtime festivalgoers, their set has become something of an annual tradition, and for anyone making their first trip to ACL Fest, there may be no better way to officially start the weekend.

Dexter and the Moonrocks

Dexter and the Moonrocks are one of those bands that can be a little difficult to put into a box, and that is part of what makes them worth seeing at ACL Fest. The Abilene-based band mixes alternative rock, grunge and country influences into a sound they have dubbed “Western Space Grunge,” creating something that feels distinctly Texas without sounding like another Texas country band. Their music can move from heavy guitars to surprisingly melodic moments, but it is their live show where everything really comes together. With the band continuing to build a following well beyond Texas, their ACL set is a chance to catch a home-state band that feels like it could be on the verge of something much bigger. Check out our conversation with the band from ACL Fest 2024 here.

Elijah Delgado

Elijah Delgado is one of those artists I’m looking forward to seeing at ACL Fest this year. I had the chance to catch him at the Haute Spot in Cedar Park, and he immediately stood out with his blend of indie rock, or as he calls it, “indie rock lullabies.” There’s an energy to his live show that comes across even better in person, and after seeing what he can do on a smaller stage, I’m interested to see how that translates to an ACL Fest crowd. If you’re looking to discover someone new while making your way around Zilker Park, Delgado is definitely worth adding to your schedule. Check out his new album “Wherever you are, There you are.” 

Leean’s Picks

Labrinth

If there’s one artist I’m making sure I see at ACL this year, it’s Labrinth! With his ability to blend soulful vocals, electronic production, and orchestral sounds, Labrinth’s work on Euphoria catapulted him to stardom, but his music goes far beyond the soundtrack. He’s able to relay both intimate and powerful moments that feel cinematic and emotional. That range is what makes me most excited to see him live, and curious to see how this translates in his performances. His music has been part of some really memorable moments in Euphoria. Some could argue that he even defined Euphoria, and it wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for his captivating music.  I’m excited to hear him sing hits like “Still Don’t Know My Name,” “Tired” and “Mount Everest.” Fingers crossed he brings out Zendaya to perform “All for Us!” So if you’re looking for a set that feels more like an experience rather than a standard performance, Labrinth should be at the top of your list!

Molly Santana (W1)

One of the newer artists I’ll be sure to see at ACL this year is Molly Santana! I first heard her on Drake’s Iceman album, where she’s featured on “Ran to Atlanta” alongside Future. That was really my introduction to her music, but ever since then, I’ve been curious to see what else she has in store for the rap game. She’s quickly established herself as one of the young voices in hip-hop to watch. Santana brings a rawness and rebellious energy to her blend of hip-hop, punk, and alternative influences. And as a rising artist who’s still hungry to make her mark, I’m excited to see how that energy translates to her live performance.

Keyona’s Picks

Night Tapes

The band Night Tapes comes all the way from London to make their appearance at the ACL stage this year, and it’s a performance to look out for. Originally starting as a band just making music in their home, it’s so cool to see how far they’re able to share their music now. They’re most well known for their ambient and experimental dream pop sound. The dreamy production and distinctive vocals brought to the live stage is what I’m most excited to see and what makes them a must see during ACL weekend. 

Grocery Bag

Couldn’t be more psyched to see Grocery Bag on the setlist for this year’s festival. The band hails from Austin and is already known around the area in the live music scene. Enjoying the music is easy enough as is but Grocery Bag is also able to deliver a fun crowd experience as well. I think their energetic psych-punk sound translates amazingly from studio recordings to the live show format and it’s one of the reasons they’re on my list of can’t miss’s for ACL.

Braxton Keith

September still has plenty of live music worth putting on the calendar, including Braxton Keith at the Round Rock Amp on September 25. Keith has quickly become one of the names to watch in Texas country, bringing an old-school honky-tonk sound and plenty of energy to the stage. If Round Rock doesn’t work, there are a few more chances to catch him around the state, including the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo on September 26, followed by stops in Waco on October 2 and Midland on October 3. Check out Braxton Keith’s website for music, tickets and additional tour dates.

Cory Morrow

Another familiar Texas name making the rounds in September is Cory Morrow, who heads to Haute Spot in Cedar Park on September 4. Nearly three decades into his career, Morrow remains a staple of the Texas music scene, and a night at the Haute Spot feels like a pretty good way to kick off the month. He’ll stay busy around the state with September shows in Cibolo on the 5th, Burleson on the 11th, Plano on the 12th and the Kenney Store near Brenham on the 25th before joining the lineup at Railcar Revival in Buda on September 26. Visit Cory Morrow’s website for tickets and additional tour dates.

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Brian Maass is a native Austinite, writer and photographer covering live music, travel, and culture, with a passion for storytelling through the lens of his camera. He lives in Round Rock with his wife, Dr. Dana Kent Maass, and their rescue dog, Chester. Instagram @brian_maass_adventures.