Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Hollywood actors sometimes make music in bands that enjoy shortcuts onto large stages because they are of a higher social ilk. Like how airline rewards members can more easily ask for an early boarding or other perks. 

On occasion, A-listers perform with their music groups at Austin City Limits Music Festival, and it is jaw-dropping. Like when Jared Leto jumped off the Honda stage. And no other part of his concert. 

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Hollywood star Finn Wolfhard performed his eponymous stage show Saturday at ACL Fest. His Rickenbacker-strummed garage rock struggled to lift muddy spirits, as the 23-year-old Canadian sparked dozens of confounding looks. Like seeing your co-worker’s band with your other co-workers on a Tuesday. 

Fans cheer for Finn Wolfhard at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans cheer for Finn Wolfhard at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The “Stranger Things” actor gave “extremely wealthy Mac DeMarco,” and that was the problem. The burned-out howls by the singer of Cage the Elephant work because the guy believably presents like he lives in his car. You feel his struggle and sorrow. 

But we know of Wolfhard’s Netflix-juiced largesse. In an interview with Coup de Main magazine, he copped to writing songs about “my own guilt about already being an actor and being able to have this platform to be able to make music and have people hear it. It’s a privilege. And there’s so many artists that don’t have the connections or they don’t have money.”

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He’s at least self-aware but still learning in real time. 

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

He sang a piano ballad where he didn’t play the piano himself, but it felt like he should have been playing the piano because he was going for piano balladeer. He said a closing bit of a song featured the “Finn Wolfhard’s childrens choir” and sang in childish, high-pitched “la-las.” 

At one point, Wolfhard sardonically shouted out “the people watching on Hulu Disney Plus,” as if that was a thing that other performers were saying. And when there weren’t enough songs to fill the void, a defensive note-for-note cover of “You Don’t Know How It Feels” by Tom Petty. With harmonica. 

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Wolfhard did make a guy go “woo” before that one — it was straightforward rock for guys who buy just the official ACL Fest T-shirt and sport “Alright Alright Alright” caps. 

Fans watch Lola Young perform on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans watch Lola Young perform on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBella Henry of Cedar Park climbs a pile of mud left around the grounds after cleanup crews worked to remove mud following rain the previous day at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Bella Henry of Cedar Park climbs a pile of mud left around the grounds after cleanup crews worked to remove mud following rain the previous day at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanLola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanCure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanPalace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Festival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanCure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFans dance as Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans dance as Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestivalgoers walk through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festivalgoers walk through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanCure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanLykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanLykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanBleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanJack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanJack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanJack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanBleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans sing and dance as Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Fans sing and dance as Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRyan Beatty performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Ryan Beatty performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMakenna Huffman of San Antonio gets emotional while watching Ryan Beatty perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Makenna Huffman of San Antonio gets emotional while watching Ryan Beatty perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanRyan Beatty performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Ryan Beatty performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanIiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Iiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanLykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanIiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Iiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanIiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Iiris Vesik of Night Tapes performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanEytan Peled of Temper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Eytan Peled of Temper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTemper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Temper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanEytan Peled of Temper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Eytan Peled of Temper City performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans sing along as Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Fans sing along as Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigade perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBalu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestical attendees navigate around mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festical attendees navigate around mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFestival staff help remove mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festival staff help remove mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTess Y and Abby Schwartz dance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Tess Y and Abby Schwartz dance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanCleanup crews work to remove mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cleanup crews work to remove mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanA pit of mud is seen roped off at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

A pit of mud is seen roped off at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanAn attendee walks through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

An attendee walks through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFestivalgoers walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festivalgoers walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFinn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFinn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFinn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans sing and dance as Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Fans sing and dance as Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSuki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Festival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA hydro-vac sucks up mud from the festival grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

A hydro-vac sucks up mud from the festival grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Festival-goers traverse the muddy grounds during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFestivalgoers walk through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festivalgoers walk through the mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanAttendees walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Attendees walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTens of thousands of people attend Austin City Limits Music Festival as dusk falls on Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Tens of thousands of people attend Austin City Limits Music Festival as dusk falls on Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanInez Anderson, 10, and Lucinda Nine, 3, spin as they dance alongside Michelle Everidge and Carlos R Nine to Bleachers at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Inez Anderson, 10, and Lucinda Nine, 3, spin as they dance alongside Michelle Everidge and Carlos R Nine to Bleachers at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanJillian Collin, right, and Gracie Amiss, left, dance to Bleachers at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Jillian Collin, right, and Gracie Amiss, left, dance to Bleachers at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFrom left, Jillian Collin, Shy Render and Ryan Lucken dance to Bleachers in the mud at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

From left, Jillian Collin, Shy Render and Ryan Lucken dance to Bleachers in the mud at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanRyan and Izzy McLagan, 7, left, dance with Matt and Stella Coccimiglio, 7, as they watch Bleachers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Ryan and Izzy McLagan, 7, left, dance with Matt and Stella Coccimiglio, 7, as they watch Bleachers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanAttendees dressed as chicken walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Attendees dressed as chicken walk through mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFestival attendees navigate around mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festival attendees navigate around mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanAdriana Calderon shows off her baby bump at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Adriana Calderon shows off her baby bump at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanDancers perform alongside Young Miko at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Dancers perform alongside Young Miko at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanGillian Garza wears gems on her belly at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Gillian Garza wears gems on her belly at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFestival staff transports flooring to help with the mud behind the scenes at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Festival staff transports flooring to help with the mud behind the scenes at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanArcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Arcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanArcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Arcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanArcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Arcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanArcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Arcy Drive performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFestival staff suctions up mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Festival staff suctions up mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanCure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFans cheer for Cure for Paranoia at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans cheer for Cure for Paranoia at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanCure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanLola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanLola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanLola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Lola Young performs on the American Express stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFans sing along as Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Fans sing along as Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanPalace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSnow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Snow Strippers performs on the Beat Box stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

But where does Wolfhard’s performance rank in the pantheon of celebrity pet projects at ACL? After these.

5. Wallows (2022)

This set by one of the actors from Netflix teen drama “13 Reasons Why” featured actor Dylan Minnette. His self-serious, grudge-inspired rock built up a legitimate audience of fans. 

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4. Djo (2025)

The best of the Netflix guys who sing, Djo came prepared with a bona fide TikTok hit and sleek, romantic timing. 

3. Childish Gambino (2019)

Former TV writer and YouTube comedian Donald Glover took a gag rap moniker and spun up a towering loverman funk persona by expertly ripping off Bootsy Collins. When he said goodbye to the mask in 2019 as a headliner, it was powerful work. 

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2. Jenny Lewis (2008, 2014, 2019)

The former TV actor has a storied career as a singer-songwriter, playing aching guitar ballads solo at ACL and with her Livejournal-era band, Rilo Kiley. 

1. Miley Cyrus (2021)

She proves greatness can come from the ashes of Disney child stardom. It’s not just her distinct voice, but her grandiose and varied pop stylings. Forget celebs who rock—she delivered an all-timer performance in 2021.