ACL Music Fest is once again overloaded with must-see performers.
Without question, this is a great thing. But it does force festival goers to inevitably choose between attending one show over another. That's just what happens when you've got so many awesome things scheduled to happen at the same time. Not a bad problem to have, but it's still a problem nonetheless. First World Festival problems right?
So, unless you've figured out a way to clone yourself (you haven't), you're not going to be able to see all of these conflicting acts at ACL Music Festival. This is why we've put together this guide highlighting the major scheduling conflicts you're likely to endure at ACL Fest 2025 and the pros and cons of each decision.
The choice is yours. No pressure, though.
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LUKE COMBS -vs- HOZIER
Both Weekends: Friday
Luke Combs
American Express Stage 8:30 PM
Pros: This is one headliner you're gonna wanna dust off your boots for.
Cons: You'll miss the biggest singalongs of the weekend!
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Hozier
T-Mobile Stage 8:15 PM
Pros: Two acoustic-based headliners, but Hozier has the edge if you want big choruses and some SOUL.
Cons: On the other hand, Luke's show will feel a bit more like a party at a honky tonk if that's your vibe.
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PASSION PIT -VS- T-PAIN
Both Weekends: Sunday
Passion Pit
Tito's Stage 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Pros: Passion Pit doesn't play live often, so this is a HUGE opportunity to hear some 2000s dance bangers.
Cons: A different kind of dance party will be happening at the same time with the king of AutoTune.
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T-Pain
American Express Stage 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Pros: This guy will be playing so many hits, including ones you might have forgotten about.
Cons: You're trading synthy jams for big beats, so choose wisely.
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JAPANESE BREAKFAST -vs- DJO
Both Weekends: Saturday
Japanese Breakfast
Beatbox Stage 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Pros: She'll be playing tons of songs from all of her (great) albums. Expect to hear the fan favorites!
Cons: Maybe not as cool as the Djo set, since he's blowing up right now.
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Djo
Lady Bird Stage 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Pros: Sources tell us this is one of the most highly anticipated sets this year. All your friends will be there.
Cons: JBrekkie has more indie pop hits to her name, so potentially less singalong opportunities with Djo.
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WET LEG -vs- RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE
Both Weekends: Sunday October 6th & Sunday, October 13th
Wet Leg
American Express Stage 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Pros: Subversive lyrics, big guitars, fun songs. Wet Leg are a snarky, energetic show, and everyone is welcome.
Cons: We're thinking RKS' set list might be stronger, and there will be more superfans in their crowd.
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Rainbow Kitten Surprise
T-Mobile Stage 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Pros: One of the most inclusive, and entertaining, groups playing in the Park in 2025, hands down.
Cons: Queer attendees of the fest have a tough choice to make this year!
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DR. DOG -vs- RILO KILEY
Weekend Two: Friday
Dr. Dog
Lady Bird Stage 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Pros: Aging hipsters who like twang in their indie rock, unite!
Cons: But are you gonna miss Jenny Lewis???
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Rilo Kiley
BeatBox Stage 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Pros: Aging hipsters who are PUMPED to see this band back together and touring, unite!
Cons: Dr. Dog is always a fun show, so you might feel a twinge of regret...
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EMPIRE OF THE SUN -vs- CONFIDENCE MAN
Both Weekends: Friday
Empire of the Sun
Miller Lite Stage: 7:00 - 8:15 PM
Pros: The indie kids are ready to dance, and this is a solid option for sure.
Cons: You'll miss the big beats and insane choreo of Confidence Man, who have all the buzz right now.
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Confidence Man
Tito's Stage: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Pros: We saw this crew at SXSW and it was a BLAST. Another great dance party option, guaranteed.
Cons: Dude, have you heard "Walking On A Dream" with 30,000 other people? (You could time it right and make it in time, depending on when they play it, just a pro tip)
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GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV -vs- MK.GEE
Weekend Two: Sunday
Gregory Alan Isakov
BeatBox Stage 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Pros: In the indie folk world, it doesn't get much bigger than Isakov.
Cons: Mk.Gee runs in similar circles, but his sound has all the hype at the moment.
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Mk.Gee
Lady Bird Stage 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Pros: This lo-fi indie R&B songwriter is the next big thing; he's even all over the new Justin Bieber songs.
Cons: You'll miss chill vibes and a beautiful set on the BeatBox stage happening at the same time.
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For tickets to ACL Music Festival, as well as additional information on both weekends' schedules,
