Billie Eilish, Lorde, Alabama Shakes

Austin’s live music calendar never really slows down, but the back half of the year feels especially stacked. From pop powerhouses to underground legends — plus a festival season that refuses to quit  — the next few months offer something for just about every kind of listener.

We pulled together a look at the shows and festivals that stand out — the ones that feel too good to miss, whether that’s Billie Eilish taking over the Moody Center, Lil Wayne celebrating more than 20 years of Carter Classics at Germania Insurance Amphitheater or Austin City Limits Music Festival once again filling Zilker Park with some of the biggest names in music.

Consider this your fall music guide. These are the gatherings that will carry Austin through the end of the year.

Erykah Badu’s live show at ACL Live promises to be part concert, part spiritual gathering. Whether she’s riffing on a classic like “On & On” or freestyling over a beat she cooked up onstage, Badu turns venues into sacred spaces. Seeing her in Austin is special: You’ll be catching a Texas icon still at the height of her powers. —Ana Gutierrez.

Info: All ages, $155 and up, acllive.com.

Ethel Cain has been one of the most talked-about artists of the year, thanks to her new album “Willoughby Tucker: I’ll Always Love You” and her haunting Southern goth sound. She’s sparked plenty of online conversation (and even some drama with Lana Del Rey), but the music at the core is sweeping, dark and deeply personal. Seeing her live at Waterloo Park will feel like stepping straight into her eerie yet beautiful world.  — A.G.

Info: All ages, $62 and up, moodyamphitheater.com.

We just lost Ozzy Osbourne, so keep in mind that the “Prince of Darkness” himself endorsed Yungblud as his generational successor. Already a decade into his career, the 28-year-old English rocker first gained traction with his self-titled 2022 album. He went viral this year for his June 20 release “Idols” and his friendship with the Osbourne family. Yungblud also opened up a new store in London this month called Beautifully Romanticised Accidently Traumatized (B.R.A.T.), and his first feature-length film “Are You Ready, Boy?” is about to hit theaters. The second part of his new album “Idols: Part Two” is coming soon, so try to catch Yungblud live in concert before this rock protégé becomes as famous as his mentor. — Mars Salazar

Info: All ages, $200 and up, acllive.com.

Following the release of her deeply personal album, “Sincerely,” Kali Uchis is set to bring her enchanting sound to Austin with special guests Thee Sacred Souls. This show marks the acclaimed Colombian-American singer’s first tour since abruptly canceling a 2023 ACL Fest appearance, then welcoming her child with Don Toliver. Expect a heartfelt performance. — A.G.

Info: All ages, $79 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

I feel like I’ve been waiting “forty days and forty nights” to see Fitz and the Tantrums come back to Austin. In reality, they played ACL Live last August and are playing the same venue again just one year later. Their new album, “Man on the Moon,” came out July 25 and the band is touring to promote the release. “FITZ” namesake Michael Fitzpatrick is helping craft the band’s next run of dance-floor anthems after putting out his solo album, “Summer Of Us” in November 2024. The band also made an appearance at Longhorn City Limits last September after Texas football’s SEC opening home game. Fitz and the Tantrums may be from California but it’s clear they have a soft spot for Austin. We can give them a “HandClap” for that. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $40 and up, acllive.com.

Did you know legendary heavy metal band Pantera was formed in Arlington in 1981? The group’s guitarist Dimebag Darrell  — who was killed onstage during a Damageplan show in 2004 — was from Ennis. The rock titans hit the road for “The Heaviest Tour of the Summer,” but rescheduled two of their July concerts to mourn the death of Ozzy Osbourne. Pantera is still on track to play Austin next month, and it’s likely that their set list will include a tribute song honoring Osbourne, with whom they shared a bond “deeper than music” the band wrote in a eulogy on Instagram. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $30 and up, germaniaamp.com.

Pixies are real and they’re from Boston. They may not have wings and wands, but they’ve been making magic since 1986 and asking important questions like, “Where Is My Mind?” The group released a new album, “The Night the Zombies Came,” in 2024 and a two-disc live recording,  “Bossanova x Trompe Le Monde,” on May 20. Last August, they told Consequence that they are excited to be making new music because they “don’t want to be a Pixies cover band.” Pixies fans love the old stuff, but the band still has so much more to offer than their famous tracks from “Surfer Rosa” (1988) and “Doolittle” (1989). Pixies will be joined on tour by Austin’s Spoon in August and September. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $65 and up, moodyamphitheater.com.

Here’s an opportunity to see one of pop music’s fastest rising stars. Hits like “Sports Car” showcase her knack for catchy melodies, sharp songwriting, and danceable bops. She’ll be bringing Zara Larsson as a special guest. (If you miss the Sept. 16 show, she’ll be back at the Moody Center on Oct. 31 with Alessi Rose.) — A.G.

Info: All ages, $94 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Weezy is comin’ to town! Lil Wayne canceled one of his stops for “The Carter VI Tour” in Toronto on Aug. 13 just hours before the show due to an unforeseen illness, but was back in action a few days later. That cancellation may have been from exhaustion because the NOLA-born rapper has been busy as of late. Beyond the tour, he joined Morgan Wallen and Rick Ross on the song “Miami,” released on July 25, was featured on Chance the Rapper’s new album for the song “Tree,” and just appeared on Maroon 5’s new album that was released last week on the song “Love Is Like.” This may be your one in “A Milli” opportunity to see him in concert. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $44 and up, germaniaamp.com.

Tickets for Lorde’s highly anticipated “Ultrasound” stop at the Moody Center vanished in a flash. But resale tickets are still available for what promises to be an emotional evening. Her newest album “Virgin” dropped in June. Attendees can expect a set list that weaves together her acclaimed earlier hits with new material. Also performing are The Japanese House as well as Chanel Beads. — A.G.

Info: All ages, $153 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

It’s no small feat that Benson Boone’s “American Heart” tour tickets sold out in nine seconds (according to his Instagram post). But his hype makes sense. The 22-year-old was on an upward trajectory long before he played ACL Fest last October. Since then, Boone has performed alongside Queen’s Brian May at Coachella and taken center stage at this year’s American Music Awards, where he racked up five nominations. Don’t flip out if you weren’t able to snag tickets this summer. Resale tickets are steep, but still available if you want to see his glittering jumpsuits in person. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $122 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

The  rising pop star will kick off the North American leg of her current tour in Austin. Her self-titled album mixes 2025 realities with ’90s and 2000s pop reminiscent of Madonna’s “Ray of Light.” The tour is her first as a recording artist, and you can expect a crowd of concert-goers in their late teens and 20s. Tickets are available on the ACL Live website. — A.G.

Info: All ages, $91 and up, acllive.com.

Hearts soared when Alabama Shakes announced that new music is in the works via a January 27 Instagram post. The band went on hiatus in 2018, but surprised fans with a comeback show in 2024. While we enjoyed Brittany Howard’s two interim solo albums, it’s been way too long since 2015’s “Sound & Color.” In Alabama Shakes band news: Howard was featured on Miley Cyrus’ May 30 record “Something Beautiful” on the song “Walk of Fame,” while longtime drummer Steve Johnson was left out of the band’s recent reunion show and publicity photos. I’ll be crying tears of joy when I see Alabama Shakes play for the first time in years, assured that everything’s “Always Alright.” — M.S.

Info: All ages, $66 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

Levitation spawned in the tour van of Austin psych heavies the Black Angels. Launched in 2008 as Austin Psych Fest — now resurrected as a separate spring music festival — musicians Christian Bland and Alex Maas and their friend Rob Fitzpatrick have made it their mission to put on a grassroots psych showcase with music from around the globe. Levitation has existed in several formats, and this year, organizers shifted programming from a multi-venue structure to a centralized location at the Palmer Events Center. However, the fest will continue to host individually ticketed late-night shows in the Red River Cultural District during the four-day event. There are too many amazing acts coming to town for me to name them all, so check out the full lineup on the fest’s website. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $115 and up; tickets for night shows vary, levitation.fm.

ACL Fest is classic Austin. It scratches every itch, whether you came to Zilker Park for mosh or mood. You can dance to hits from Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, get your indie and alt-rock fix with The Strokes, and Cage the Elephant, or tap into country energy from Luke Combs over two weekends. Bring a scheduling app, because with more than100 artists across six stages you’ll be making some tough “which set to see” decisions. Three-day tickets for both weekends are sold out, but single-day tickets are still available on the ACL Fest website.  -A.G.

Info: All ages, $170 and up, aclfestival.com.

Only a “Stupid Girl” wouldn’t go see Garbage when they come to Austin. Their eighth studio album, “Let All That We Imagine Be the Light,” came out in May and they are about to go on their first headlining tour in nearly a decade. Frontwoman Shirley Manson  —  referred to as the “Godmother of Rock”  —  has the same fierce energy she exuded in the ’90s, even after two hip replacements. The band performed a new song, “There’s No Future in Optimism,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live in July, and Manson has given interviews about her return to music after falling into a dark time in her life. Garbage is giving us the late-’90s comeback we need now more than ever. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $52 and up, acllive.com.

“It Was A Good Day” when I heard that Ice Cube is coming to Austin. O’Shea Jackson Sr. was previously a member of rap group N.W.A. and made his mark in classic films “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and “Friday” (1995). Beyond his 2024 album, “Man Down,” and April single, “She’s Sanctified,” featuring Snoop Dogg, Cube is about to add a new professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Riot, to the three-on-three  circuit he founded. He was also cast in Seth Rogan’s satire TV show, “The Studio,” for an episode where characters debated whether he’d be a problematic voice for the Kool-Aid Man. At this point in his career, Ice Cube is a performer basically playing the character Ice Cube, and we love him for that. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $53 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

This race weekend blends roaring engines with banging beats. This year’s F1 at Circuit of the Americas headline sets start with Kygo’s electronic set under the Friday night sky. Attendees then get to ride into Saturday with Garth Brooks — the country music superstar’s only planned concert of 2025 — and then let the Turnpike Troubadours wrap it all up on Sunday. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

Info: All ages, $103 and up, circuitoftheamericas.com.

Reneé Rapp, the internet’s girlfriend, is bringing her “Bite Me” tour to the Moody Amphitheater. Her latest album is full of unapologetic, raw and witty songs that translate perfectly to the stage. Expect a high-energy night with plenty of emotional catharsis. And don’t miss rising R&B star Ravyn Lenae, who’s opening the show. Resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster. — A.G.

Info: All ages, $97 and up, moodyamphitheater.com.

“We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” “Wayne’s World” said what we’ve all been thinking about Alice Cooper in 1992. The 77-year-old’s six-decade career gave us hits like “Poison,” “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Lucky for us, the “Godfather of Shock Rock” said he has no plans to retire during a SiriusXM podcast earlier this year. Cooper was recently joined onstage by Johnny Depp for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute during his London show in July, and opened for My Chemical Romance’s tour stop in Philadelphia on Aug. 15. Judas Priest is co-headlining in support of their 2024 EP, “The Serpent and the King.” — M.S.

Info: All ages, $50 and up, germaniaamp.com.

Introducing Wicked Oaks, the convergence of Freaky Deaky, Summoning Fest and Illfest in one single place. The “superfestival” features more than 60 artists playing at the scenic Carson Creek Ranch, where you can get your groove on at a waterfront amphitheater shaded by old pecan and oak trees. Wicked Oaks will feature camping areas, light displays, fire performances and large-scale interactive installations. The music will span multiple genres, including world beats, house, techno, electro-funk and more genre-defying hybrids. Programming splits between three stages: the Freaky Deaky Stage, the Summoning Stage and the Illfest Stage. Most 2-day GA, GA+ and VIP tickets are sold out, but you can still try your luck with single day passes. — M.S.

Info: 18 and up, $100 and up, wickedoaksfest.com.

Long before the word “vibes” became overused, Stereolab was making music that defined it. Their blend of French pop, krautrock and electronica has influenced indie rock darlings and modern producers.  And since the show lands on Halloween at the Far Out Lounge, expect the night to feel a little extra surreal, like the perfect soundtrack for a stylishly spooky holiday. — A.G.

Info: 18 and up, $69 and up, thefaroutaustin.com.

If you’ve got an “Uncontrollable Urge” to visit the “Love Shack,” strap on your Energy Dome hat and go see the B-52s and Devo for the “Cosmic De-Evolution Tour.” What an unbelievable ’80s new wave power hour. It’s surprising that neither act is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame yet. “Devo,” a new Netflix original documentary about the band that hit streaming on Aug. 19, chronicles the group’s 52-year run, which began after band members witnessed the Kent State shootings firsthand in 1970. All these years later, we’re still “Through Being Cool.” — M.S.

Info: All ages, $77 and up, germaniaamp.com.

Maroon 5 just put out a new album, “Love is Like,” on Aug. 16 with an aforementioned Lil Wayne cameo on the title track. The band’s been keeping a low profile in the public eye since lead singer Adam Levine’s cheating scandal turned into tabloid fodder in Oct. 2024. It seems as though the new album has pushed that drama to the wayside, and now the band that gave us pop hits like “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Moves Like Jagger” and “Payphone” is back in the public’s good graces after a surprise show in Santa Barbara on Aug. 16. I suppose we still have more “Sugar” to taste from Maroon 5. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $63 and up, moodycenteratx.com.

If intimacy had a soundtrack, it might sound like Dijon. The singer-songwriter crafts songs that feel both raw and tender, where indie-folk sensibilities melt into R&B grooves. He also helped produce Justin Bieber’s latest album, “Swag.” You’ll likely walk out feeling like you’ve discovered your new favorite artist. — A.G.

Info: All ages, stubbsaustin.com.

Billie Eilish has gone from whisper-pop wunderkind to one of the biggest artists in the world without losing her signature edge. And now she’s bringing that edge to not one, but two sold-out nights at the Moody Center. You can expect a set list that mixes hits like “Ocean Eyes” with new material that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Tickets are currently sold out on Ticketmaster, but resale options could pop up closer to the show. — A.G.

Info: All ages, moodycenteratx.com.

Seismic Dance Event feels like being welcomed into the city’s most intentional underground party. If you care about house and techno music, this is  Austin’s answer to the best warehouse raves. DJs for this year’s event include Charlotte de Witte, Duke Dumont, Four Tet, and Underworld. Attendees can expect generous set times (usually over 90 minutes) that allow DJs to craft a proper arc from start to finish. — A.G.

Info: 18+, $115 and up, seismicdanceevent.com.

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is spending two nights at Bass Concert Hall for his “Who Is The Sky Tour” in support of his new album coming out Sept. 5. He also released three singles from the upcoming project on Aug. 13 : “The Avant Garde,” “She Explains Things To Me” and “Everybody Laughs.” The singles feature Ghost Train Orchestra, a New-York based chamber ensemble who arranged all 12 songs on Byrne’s soon-to-be-released album. It sounds like something to look forward to, touting features by St. Vincent, Paramore’s Hayley Williams and the Smile drummer Tom Skinner. — M.S.

Info: All ages, $95 and up, texasperformingarts.org.