AUSTIN, TEXAS – Longhorn City Limits presented by Hollister continues its 2026 season on Saturday, October 24, as acclaimed alternative rock band Cold War Kids takes over the LBJ Lawn ahead of Texas Football’s primetime SEC showdown against Ole Miss at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Known for their soulful sound, anthemic hits and electrifying live performances, Cold War Kids will headline another exciting edition of LCL alongside special guest The Bright Light Social Hour. As always, admission is FREE for all Longhorn City Limits concerts throughout the season.

For more than two decades, Cold War Kids have carved out a distinctive place in alternative rock, blending blues, soul, indie rock and infectious melodies into a sound all their own. Formed in Southern California in 2004, the band broke onto the scene with its critically acclaimed 2006 debut album, Robbers & Cowards, featuring the Gold-certified breakout hit “Hang Me Up to Dry.” Led by frontman Nathan Willett and bassist Matt Maust, Cold War Kids have continued to evolve their sound while building a devoted following through their passionate songwriting and dynamic live performances.

The band’s catalog includes some of alternative rock’s most recognizable anthems, including “First,” “Hang Me Up to Dry,” “Love Is Mystical,” “Miracle Mile” and “So Tied Up.” Their Platinum-certified hit “First,” from the 2014 album Hold My Home, topped Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart in 2015, while their 2017 album L.A. Divinereached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart. Cold War Kids have continued to push their musical boundaries through the NewAge Norms trilogy and their 2023 self-titled album, blending elements of funk, disco and dance rock with the soaring choruses and soulful intensity that have defined their career.  Over the last few months, Cold War Kids have been sharing songs from their earliest days, returning to unfinished material written during the Robbers & Cowards era to celebrate the record’s 20th anniversary. The special anniversary edition of Robbers & Cowards will be available everywhere on October 30th. 

“We’re thrilled to have Cold War Kids joining us on the Forty Acres for Longhorn City Limits,” said Chris Del Conte, Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director. “Their signature sound and incredible catalog of hits will make for one heck of a show on the LBJ Lawn. It’s the perfect way to get Longhorn Nation ready for a Saturday night under the lights at DKR!”

Kicking off LCL on October 24 is Austin-based psychedelic rock favorites The Bright Light Social Hour. Known for their genre-bending blend of psychedelic rock, soul, funk and electronic influences, the band has built a devoted following through its infectious grooves, dynamic songwriting and explosive live performances. Founded by Jackie O’Brien and Curtis Roush, The Bright Light Social Hour has released acclaimed albums including Space Is Still the Place, Jude I & II and Emergency Leisure, while earning recognition from outlets including NPR and CLASH. The band has performed at major festivals including Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, shared the stage with legendary acts such as Aerosmith and The Flaming Lips, and contributed music to HBO, MTV and Amazon’s Sneaky Pete. With their signature fusion of rock, soul and dance-driven energy, The Bright Light Social Hour will set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon of live music on the LBJ Lawn.

The Tito’s Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge will open at 2 p.m. on October 24, with The Bright Light Social Hour taking the stage from 3-4 p.m. Cold War Kids will perform from 4:30-5:30 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to enjoy live music on the LBJ Lawn before heading into DKR for the Longhorns’ 6:30 p.m. kickoff against Ole Miss.

The fan-favorite postgame silent disco returns to LCL on October 24 following the Texas-Ole Miss game. Featuring three live DJs, fans who attend will receive a pair of wireless headphones and the ability to choose between three different channels.

Fans will once again enjoy signature experiences at Longhorn City Limits throughout the 2026 season. Located upon entry onto the LBJ Lawn, the Tito’s Tailgate at Longhorn City Limits is free to the public for fans 21 and older. Enjoy refreshing Tito’s cocktails on tap for purchase, shaded views of the stage performances, tailgating games and exclusive giveaways while supplies last.

The Bulleit Frontier Lounge returns for another season, offering fans 21 and older a shaded gathering space featuring specialty cocktails and limited-edition swag. Fans can also enjoy award-winning barbecue from Pinkerton’s BBQ, recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the state’s premier barbecue destinations.

Concertgoers can also enjoy pregame happy hour pricing featuring select $5 domestic and $6.50 premium beers at Longhorn City Limits.