The Ultimate Weekend Dilemma Decoder by ATXconcert
ACL Fest is back and so are the tough choices. With over 100 artists, 7 stages, and a parade of iconic moments waiting to happen, there’s one thing you can absolutely count on: you’re going to have to make some brutal calls.
Welcome to “This or That: ACL Edition”—your unofficial guide to the most stressful (and exciting) scheduling conflicts of the fest. These aren’t official set times—but they’re damn close. We crunched the data, read the patterns, and summoned our inner festival psychic to give you a realistic preview of who might be going head-to-head.
So when we say “7pm,” think: sometime in that general time block. ACL never starts anything on the hour, and we love them for that chaos.
Let’s get into it.
Friday – October 3 & 10
8pm – Luke Combs vs Hozier
Beer-soaked country anthem or poetic forest wizard? Either way, you’re howling by the end of this one.
7pm – Empire of the Sun vs Cage the Elephant
Do you want glam, feathers, and LED drama—or pure rock ‘n’ roll carnage with someone probably climbing the scaffolding?
6pm – (Weekend 1) Maren Morris vs Role Model
Big stage country-pop versus indies sad boy in a checkered cardigan. Aesthetics clash. Hearts may too.
6pm – (Weekend 2) Rilo Kiley vs Role Model
It’s giving indie sleaze flashbacks. Jenny Lewis steps up to the plate and throws down.
6pm – Dr Dog vs King Princess
Philly psych-pop vets take on Brooklyn’s queer cool icon. You win either way—unless you’re trying to be two places at once.
Saturday – October 4 & 11
8pm – The Strokes vs Sabrina Carpenter
Garage rock royalty meets the reigning queen of Y2K pop. This is not a drill.
7pm – Djo vs Doechii
Steve Harrington in his synth-rock era or the most unpredictable rising star in hip-hop? This clash might divide the friend group.
6pm – (Weekend 1) The Backseat Lovers vs Sammy Virji
Sunset indie singalongs or a UK garage rave in the grass? Depends on the shoes you wore.
6pm – (Weekend 2) Zeds Dead vs Pierce the Veil
Two totally different kinds of moshing. Either way, you’re leaving sweaty and slightly emotional.
5pm – (Weekend 1) Modest Mouse vs Japanese Breakfast
The definition of a painful overlap. Float on or drift away in dreamy bliss?
5pm – (Weekend 2) Car Seat Headrest vs Japanese Breakfast
Alt-rock brain vs indie-pop heart. We won’t tell you which one we will pick—but we will cry.
Sunday – October 5 & 12
8pm – Doja Cat vs John Summit
You’re either dressed for the main stage or losing it in a Day-Glo sea of body glitter. Two very different religions. Similar time slot.
7pm – T-Pain vs Feid
Auto-tune royalty versus reggaeton’s rising superstar. Expect sweat, sunglasses, and more than one crowd singalong.
6pm – Polo & Pan vs Mk.gee
Parisian disco funk or experimental alt-soul wizardry? No wrong answer, but only one will transport you.
6pm – Wet Leg vs Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Deadpan charm vs Southern-tinged existential groove. The hipster’s Sophie’s Choice.
6pm – Disco Lines vs Gigi Perez
Dance tent energy or soft punk storytelling? This one’s about who you want to cry with—or dance through it.
ACL is a maze of magic, dust, and hard decisions. But that’s half the fun. Whether you’re sprinting across the park, catching half-sets, or just following your gut, “This or That” is here to help you plan (and panic) accordingly.
We’ll be updating you with more artist highlights, secret set tips, and survival hacks. Until then: hydrate, prep your fits, and start mentally justifying whatever choice you make.