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ACL Fest 2026 -- Weekend 1 Friday Tickets
Event: Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 -- Weekend 1 Friday
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Venue: Zilker Park -- 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
Friday Headliners: Charli XCX · Skrillex (W1 exclusive) · Turnstile · The Chainsmokers · Steve Aoki · Brandon Flowers · and more
Ticket Type: Single-Day -- Friday Only · GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum
Browse Austin City Limits Festival Weekend 1 Friday tickets for October 2, 2026 at Zilker Park in Austin. A single-day Friday ticket gives you full access to all 8 stages and performances on the opening day of Weekend 1 -- the only day of the entire festival where you can see Skrillex live. Lighter crowds, faster entry, and the full ACL experience. Every order is backed by our 100% Fan Guarantee.
ACL Fest 2026 -- Weekend 1 Friday, October 2
Friday October 2 is the opening day of ACL Fest 2026 Weekend 1 -- and the only day of the entire festival where you can see Skrillex perform live. Alongside Charli XCX headlining, Friday brings one of the most electronic-leaning lineups of the weekend with Turnstile, The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, and Brandon Flowers rounding out a stacked bill.
Friday is also the smoothest day to attend ACL. Crowds are lighter than Saturday, entry queues move faster, and there is more space near the main stages -- making it an excellent choice for first-time ACL attendees who want to ease into the experience, or fans whose priority acts are on the Friday bill.
Want all three days of Weekend 1? A Weekend 1 3-day pass covers Friday through Sunday with a single wristband. Also available: Saturday tickets and Sunday tickets.
ACL Weekend 1 Friday Lineup -- October 2
Friday October 2 features Charli XCX and Skrillex -- Weekend 1 exclusive -- as the Friday headliners. This is the only day of ACL 2026 where Skrillex performs.
Turnstile
The Chainsmokers
Brandon Flowers (W1)
Steve Aoki
Labrinth
Leon Thomas
Amyl and the Sniffers
Rebecca Black
Plus many more across all 8 stages. See the full ACL 2026 lineup and guide →
Friday is the only day to see Skrillex at ACL 2026. Skrillex performs Weekend 1 only and does not appear on the Weekend 2 lineup. If Skrillex is a priority, a Friday Weekend 1 ticket is your only option at the festival.
Why Buy a Friday Single-Day Ticket?
A Friday single-day ticket is the right choice if any of the following applies to you.
Skrillex is your must-see
Skrillex is a Weekend 1 exclusive and only performs on Friday. This is the only ticket that gets you in for his set.
You want lighter crowds
Friday has the lowest attendance of the three days. Shorter queues at entry, easier movement between stages, and more room near the main stages.
You are local to Austin
Austin locals frequently pick a single day based on the lineup rather than committing to the full weekend. Friday is a popular choice for fans who want the opening-day energy without the full weekend commitment.
First time at ACL
Friday is the best day to experience ACL for the first time. You get the full festival at its most accessible -- learn the layout, find your rhythm, and if you love it, you know to buy a 3-day pass next year.
What Is ACL Fest Like? The Friday Experience at Zilker Park
Austin City Limits Music Festival is held at Zilker Park -- a 350-acre green space in the heart of Austin alongside Barton Springs. Unlike destination festivals that require camping or long drives, ACL is embedded in the city itself. You finish a set, walk to a food truck, and you are still in Austin. That urban festival dynamic is a big part of what makes ACL different from Coachella, Bonnaroo, or Lollapalooza.
Friday at ACL has its own character. The opening-day energy at Zilker is genuine -- artists tend to bring extra energy for the first performances of the festival weekend, the crowd is fresh, and the park has not yet reached peak density. The Friday vibe is more exploratory -- people wandering between smaller stages, discovering acts they did not expect to love, and settling in for the headliners as the sun goes down over the Austin skyline.
The food at ACL is genuinely exceptional. Local Austin vendors set up across the grounds -- Franklin Barbecue, Torchy's Tacos, and dozens of other Austin staples are represented at the festival. Friday is the best day to explore the food options before the weekend crowds make the lines long.
Friday Tips at ACL
Arrive at gates opening
Gates typically open around 11 AM. Arriving early on Friday means walking straight in -- no queues, full choice of where to set up for the day.
Explore all 8 stages
Friday crowds give you room to move. Use the day to walk the full layout of Zilker -- find the stages, the food areas, the entrances and exits you will use for Saturday if you are coming back.
Position early for Skrillex
Skrillex headlining means the main stage will fill. Get your position at least 45-60 minutes before his set -- even on a lighter-crowd Friday the headliner stage will be packed by showtime.
ACL Weekend in Austin -- Making the Most of Friday
ACL weekend is the biggest weekend in Austin all year. The city goes all-in around the festival -- bars, restaurants, and venues across the city host official and unofficial ACL after-parties, especially on the Friday night of each weekend.
Before the festival
South Congress and South Lamar -- both within walking distance of Zilker -- have excellent brunch and coffee spots. Grab food before you go in. Stadium food is great but expensive, and eating before means more time enjoying the music.
After the festival
Friday night after ACL is electric. 6th Street, Rainey Street, and East Austin all host late-night shows and parties. Many ACL artists do secret or surprise sets at local venues on festival weekends.
Getting there
The free ACL shuttle from Republic Square Park downtown is by far the easiest option. Biking from South Congress or South Lamar is fast and avoids traffic entirely. There is no parking at Zilker -- do not drive.
Where to stay
ACL weekend is peak Austin hotel demand. Book as early as possible. Downtown, South Congress, and South Lamar are the best-located neighborhoods. Barton Hills and Travis Heights put you within walking distance of Zilker.
For a complete guide to getting to Zilker, what to bring, wristband tips, and the full festival experience -- read our ACL Fest 2026 full guide.
Friday Ticket Tiers
Friday single-day tickets are available at four tiers. On a lighter-crowd Friday, the difference between GA and GA+ is less pronounced than on Saturday -- but VIP and Platinum still give you the best position for headliner sets.
Friday GA
Full access to all 8 stages, food vendors, and festival grounds. On a Friday with lighter crowds, GA gives you a genuinely comfortable experience without needing an upgrade.
Friday GA+
Everything in GA plus private lounges, dedicated shaded areas, and upgraded restrooms. Still worth it for the lounge access on a warm October afternoon.
Friday VIP
Everything in GA+ plus premium stage viewing areas, dedicated bars, complimentary drinks, and an air-conditioned lounge. Best position for the Skrillex and Charli XCX sets.
Friday Platinum
Everything in VIP plus front-of-stage Platinum zones and exclusive Platinum lounge. The closest you can get to the stage for Skrillex without a backstage pass.
About Your Friday Wristband
Your Friday single-day ticket arrives as a physical wristband valid for Friday October 2 only. Once tightened it cannot be loosened or removed without damaging it -- do not put it on until you are at the Zilker Park entry gates on Friday morning. Keep it in its packaging until that morning.
For complete wristband instructions including the dos and don'ts video, bag policy, getting to Zilker, and full festival tips -- read our ACL Fest 2026 Guide.
Our Guarantee on Every Order
Every ACL Friday wristband order on SOLDOUT.COM is backed by our 100% Fan Guarantee. Your wristband will be authentic, valid for entry at Zilker Park on Friday October 2, and delivered before the festival. If the event is permanently canceled and not rescheduled, you receive a complete 100% refund. Optional ticket protection is available at checkout on select orders.
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More ACL 2026 Tickets
- Weekend 1 3-Day Pass -- October 2-4 (includes Friday)
- Weekend 1 Saturday -- October 3 (Lorde, Rüfüs Du Sol, Lola Young)
- Weekend 1 Sunday -- October 4 (Twenty One Pilots, The xx)
- Weekend 2 3-Day Pass -- October 9-11
- All ACL 2026 Tickets -- Both Weekends
- ACL Fest 2026 Full Lineup and Guide
- All Events at Zilker Park, Austin
- More Events in Austin, TX
ACL Weekend 1 Friday FAQ
What does a Weekend 1 Friday single-day ticket include?
A Friday single-day ticket gives you full access to Austin City Limits Festival on Friday October 2, 2026 only -- all 8 stages, all food and drink vendors, and the full festival grounds for the opening day of Weekend 1. It does not cover Saturday or Sunday.
Is Friday the only day to see Skrillex at ACL 2026?
Yes. Skrillex is a Weekend 1 exclusive and performs on Friday October 2 only. He does not appear on the Weekend 2 lineup and does not perform on Saturday or Sunday of either weekend. A Friday Weekend 1 single-day ticket or a Weekend 1 3-day pass are the only ACL tickets that include the Skrillex set.
What is the difference between a Friday single-day ticket and a Weekend 1 3-day pass?
A Friday single-day ticket covers Friday October 2 only. A Weekend 1 3-day pass covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a single wristband. If you want to see Lorde on Saturday or Twenty One Pilots on Sunday as well, the 3-day pass is better value.
Is Friday a good day to attend ACL for the first time?
Friday is one of the best days for a first-time ACL attendee. Crowds are lighter than Saturday, entry is faster, and there is more room to explore the grounds and discover the layout without the peak-day intensity. You get the full ACL experience in its most accessible form.
What time does ACL Festival open on Friday?
ACL Festival gates typically open around 11:00 AM on Friday with performances beginning shortly after. Friday entry is the smoothest of the three days -- arriving close to gate opening means walking straight in with no significant queues.
What is the ACL bag policy?
Small bags 6" x 9" or smaller do not need to be clear -- one pocket max. Larger bags must be clear and no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12". Hydration packs are permitted with up to two additional pockets. All bags are searched at entry. Going bagless is always the fastest way through security.
How do I get to Zilker Park for ACL Friday?
The free ACL shuttle from Republic Square Park downtown is the recommended option -- it runs all day including after the final headliner and is free with your wristband. Biking the Hike-and-Bike Trail is the fastest option if you are staying in South Congress or nearby. There is no parking at Zilker during ACL -- driving is not recommended.
How does my Friday wristband work?
Your Friday ticket arrives as a physical wristband valid for Friday October 2 only. Once tightened it cannot be loosened or removed without damaging it -- do not put it on until you are at the Zilker Park entry gates on Friday morning. A damaged wristband may be refused at entry.
Are my ACL Friday tickets guaranteed?
Yes. Every order on SOLDOUT.COM is backed by our 100% Fan Guarantee. Your wristband will be authentic, valid for entry at Zilker Park on Friday October 2, and delivered in time for the festival. If the event is permanently canceled and not rescheduled, you receive a complete 100% refund. Full details at soldout.com/money-back-guarantee.
What payment methods are accepted?
SOLDOUT.COM accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay. Flexible installment plans are available through Affirm at checkout on select orders.