Who’s Playing ACL Fest 2025? The TRIBEZA Team Shares Their Predictions
With the official lineup dropping May 6, we're sharing the artists we’re predicting—and hoping—to see in Zilker Park this fall
With the official lineup dropping Tuesday, May 6, the TRIBEZA team is buzzing with excitement over who might perform at ACL Fest this fall. While our guesses are based mostly on tour schedules and a healthy dose of wishful thinking, here are a few predictions—and personal picks—from the staff:
Prediction by: Cassie Butterfield, Senior Digital Editor
Who I think will be there: Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is a strong contender for the ACL Fest 2025 lineup, having been announced as a headliner for Lollapalooza. Since both festivals are produced by C3 Presents and often share artists, her inclusion at ACL would align with past booking patterns. If she does perform, expect a visual spectacle reminiscent of the sea of pink worn by Chappell Roan fans last year—this time, with a wave of pastels and babydoll dresses filling Zilker Park.
Who I want to be there: Tame Impala
Having come of age during the indie sleaze era—when bands like Arctic Monkeys, MGMT, and The Strokes dominated playlists—I quickly added Tame Impala’s “Innerspeaker” to my regular rotation. The release of “Lonerism” solidified Kevin Parker’s psychedelic rock as a personal favorite and opened the door to a broader exploration of psych-infused music. With “Currents” now marking its 10th anniversary, the prospect of seeing the band live feels especially meaningful.
Prediction by: Krissy LittleStar Hearn, Publisher
Who I think will be there: Doechii
Okay, this could technically be another “who I want to be there,” but the timing feels right. With her Grammy wins, skyrocketing popularity and a full festival slate this year, she seems like a natural fit. If she makes the lineup, I’ll learn from my Lizzo mistake of 2019 and be sure to get there early.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Who I want to be there: Benson Boone
My 3-year-old and 6-year-old are both currently obsessed, and I’m not mad about it. He’s such an entertaining, dynamic performer. It would be a memorable experience for their first ACL—and I might just have to get them sparkling jumpsuits for the occasion!
RELATED: ACL Festival Fashion: The Year of Bandanas & the Pink Cowboy Hat
Prediction by: Morgan Seminaro, Media Coordinator
Who I think will be there: Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams brings the kind of laid-back, lyrical energy that balances out the high-energy acts at ACL. Her music is timeless and resonates with fans across generations, and I’ll definitely be at her set when the time comes.
Who I want to be there: Ella Langley
I love an up-and-coming country star, and Ella’s voice is unmatched. Her 2024 album is gaining momentum, and her recent features with artists like Riley Green make her a perfect fit for the festival.
Prediction by: Ashley Sauls, Account Executive
Who I think will be there: Post Malone
With his latest album “F-1 Trillion” embracing a country sound, Post Malone feels like a natural fit for ACL this year. With Texas roots and a clear gap in his fall tour schedule, his genre-blending appeal would make him a major draw for the festival.
Who I want to be there: Green Day
A Green Day comeback at ACL would be iconic. Their tour schedule lines up, and it’s been years since they last played the fest, making this fall the perfect time to tap back into that middle school nostalgia.
Prediction by: Aidan Derr, Distribution Manager
Who I think will be there: Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant is touring through September but hasn’t announced any fall dates yet, which leaves a perfect window for ACL. Given their festival history and high-energy performances, they seem like a likely addition.
Who I want to be there: MGMT
For me, MGMT’s psychedelic pop is timeless—those early albums defined a whole era of music discovery. I’ve never seen them live, so catching them at ACL Fest would be a dream, ideally at sundown, with a kaleidoscope of lights and trippy visuals to match.