Austin City Limits Music Festival Weekend 2 Day 1 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
ACL Festival features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 9 stages, over 100 performances, and two weekends. The festival takes place on 46-acres in Zilker Park, the crown jewel of Austin's public green spaces. This huge space is required to accommodate the massive crowds that flock to Austin for the experience, an estimated 75,000 people attended each day of Weekend One. Festival-goers will have no problem getting their steps in for the day, as it takes approximately 15 minutes to make the 0.7 mile trek between the Honda and American Express stages.
There were plenty of photo ops for festival-goers to snap the perfect pic in front of. Most notable was the iconic array of colorful flags that tower over the festival grounds. Other popular attractions were the giant “ACL” block letters and the giant photo frame stamped with #ACLFEST, both of which maintained a steady crowd of impromptu models. Staff were present at all photo ops to assist in taking photos for groups and individuals alike. Another attraction was the “Dome Rx”, an art installation located on the south side of the festival grounds. Inside, viewers admired images projected on the wall while relaxing on luxurious cushions in the air conditioning.
A couple of ACL Festival Satellite Stores were scattered around the premises, each with a variety of official merchandise available for purchase. Located centrally in a booth adjacent to the iconic staggered ACL FEST sign was a conglomerate of local vendors. Here, Exhibit82Art featured Austin-themed merch, quirky candles, cup holders, socks, and more. Other booths included Espacio Handmade (featuring everything leather), Lisa Crowder (fine handmade jewelry), Mutiny Market (crocheted clothing), Slow North (scented oils made in Austin), and more.
Barton Springs Beer Hall offered a shaded and spirited environment for Longhorn fans to watch UT’s 24 - 21 victory against Iowa State. This game followed last Saturday’s 49-0 sweep against long-time rival OU at the Red River Showdown, UT’s first victory since 2008. The bar was cashless for attendees who chose to register their wristband with American Express. Registering for ACL Cashless has additional benefits, such as a one-time $5 bonus and access to the Card Member Lounge. Some unique drinks were frosé at the ACL wine lounge.
The four touch-free Hydration Stations were efficient, sanitary, and encouraged use of reusable water containers. There was hardly ever a line, and those who refilled their reusable water containers were rewarded with cool mist from a fan.
In addition to drinks, ACL Festival is known for its diverse selection of tasty food. Everything from shawarma and empanadas to nachos and ice cream was served, with many vegan and gluten free options also available. Many local Austin favorites were featured in this year’s food lineup: Austin’s Pizza, East Side King, Tiny Pies, Voodoo Doughnut, and more. Black’s BBQ celebrated their 90th anniversary.
The ACL Bonus Tracks stage was tucked away in a grove of trees adorned with colorful banners. On Sunday afternoon, the stage was dominated by “A Drag Comedy Show” with The Beckies. The performance was full of crude humor and impressive acts by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Dolly Parton of ATX Drag. Before the show began, viewers were warned: “If you’re easily offended, you’re at the wrong fucking music festival”. Next door to Bonus Tracks was Austin Kiddie Limits. This area featured a “drum zone”, family services, and kid-friendly catering to keep the little ones happy.
Various companies hosted booths with unique merchandise and exciting free prizes for guests. At the Coke Studio, eager participants scratched off electronic lotto tickets to win various prizes: a headband, a refreshing cool cloth, or an ice cold can of Coca-Cola. Tito’s Vodka consistently had the longest line as fans waited their turn to have a spin at the Tito’s Snag the Swag claw machine. Here, guests had the chance to win the coveted ticket to the Tito’s tent where they would receive free alcohol and water, air conditioned restrooms, and access to the side stage area of the Tito’s stage.
The Honda Watering Hole was located directly behind the “ACL FEST” sign. The area featured three sparkling Honda vehicles—a brand new 2022 Honda Passport, CR-V hybrid, and HR-V Sport. Those not interested in cars could step next door to the Honda Tattoo Parlor and receive a complimentary airbrushed ACL-themed tattoo. At Miller Time Social, fatigued festival-goers could pick up a buzz at the bar and chill out under refreshing fans. The area was scattered with umbrella-d picnic tables to provide shelter from the relentless sun. The tables were also equipped with complimentary charging stations, free wi-fi, and hand sanitizer.
ACL Festival takes many measures to prioritize the convenience and comfort of guests, as demonstrated by the abundance of public restrooms. As far as festival amenities go, the port-a-potties at ACL are some of the nicest ones around. Featuring a gap between the door and the roof to allow for ventilation and a button to flush waste down the drain, these bathrooms were surprisingly clean and odorless. Best of all, urinals were available for the men to use, which some guests feel greatly increased the cleanliness of the other restrooms. ACL Festival also takes care to accommodate people with disabilities by providing ramps, viewing platforms with chairs and spaces for wheelchairs, and sign language interpreters at certain stages.
The medical staff was amazingly attentive and quick to respond to those who needed medical attention. Security staff helped to ensure comfort and safety of festival-goers by tossing boxed water into the crowd between performers and in the midst of long shows. Sober Park served as a safe place for those abstaining from drugs or alcohol, in recovery, acting as designated-drivers, or just looking for a place to sober up a little between artists. Next door, Ascension Seton volunteers administered Pfizer’s bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine. A physical copy of one’s vaccination card was not needed, as medical staff were able to look up vaccination history in M-Track. Overall, over 100 Covid-19 vaccines were administered at the tent during weekend 2 of ACL!
Two T-Mobile charging stations offered peace of mind to people whose phone batteries were quickly draining from filming and taking photos in the Texas heat, but didn’t have access to a portable charger. Users chose a password and locked their electronics in a secure cubby while their devices charged. Best of all, this service was offered at no cost.
ACL does their best to make getting to the festival convenient, cheap, and stress-free. They offer a variety of transportation methods, such as complimentary ACL Music Festival Shuttles, Cap Metro, Uber, car pooling, biking, walking, and taxis. Perhaps the most unique way to get to Zilker is by a bike-powered cab cart. Each driver’s cart is a reflection of their own personality, as evidenced by the unique costumes, decorations, and music blasting from each cab. If you’re looking for a fun and fast way to enter or exit the crowded streets near the ACL festival grounds, consider a pedicab as your mode of transport! As stated on austinpedicab.com, “It's more than just a Pedicab Ride, it's an Experience.”
Sza
Sza performing on the Honda stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Up-and-coming alt R&B chanteuse SZA is the latest contender for the burgeoning genre's crown, generating significant buzz with her silky voice, fresh beats, and mesmerizing performances. At her live shows SZA truly sizzles on ethereal, ominously beautiful tracks like "Babylon" and "Warm Winds", delivering her poetic lyrics with a confidence and ease that belie her recent arrival on the scene. She may be young, but there's nothing novice about her, from her striking visual presentation to her deliciously raspy voice, SZA has all the markings of a star in the making.
Amazing performance! Her band was awesome and sounded great, would highly recommend this show! Worth every penny!
SZA is such a beautiful person all around and gives off a really good vibe when she performs. She has the whole crowd jumping and singing along to her songs, even if some people haven't heard of her songs before. I brought my boyfriend to the concert, and he only knew a couple songs by her. We've been to many concerts together and he admits that SZA's show was the best concert he's been to ever. I definitely recommend seeing her live, even if you haven't heard of her before, just because she's that good. I can't wait to see her again!
Overall the concert was amazing. I would recommend everyone go to a SZA concert, she is soo sweet and the her energy is amazing.
Billy Strings
Billy Strings performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Michigan-born and now Nashville-based, Billy Strings is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician and one of music's most compelling artists. He is in the midst of a triumphant year following the release of his acclaimed new album, Renewal, which further solidifies his position as a singular artist--one who honors the music that inspires him, while continually pushing it forward.
The New York Times praises Strings saying, "a premier bluegrass mind...he has zigged and zagged between the form's antediluvian traditions and rapid-fire improvisations that hit like hard bop, all within songs with hooks so sharp that he seems poised for crossover stardom." In addition to his GRAMMY Award, Strings earned Pollstar's "Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic" in 2021 and "Best New Headliner Award" in 2022 and has multiple honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Known for his electric concerts, Strings has performed on the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Austin City Limits, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and is currently in the midst of an extensive sold-out headline tour with upcoming shows at New York's The Rooftop at Pier 17, Louisville Iroquois Amphitheater (three nights), Chicago's Metro, Indianapolis' TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park (three nights) and Portland's McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheatre (two nights) among many others. He will also perform at several major festivals this year including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
Might possibly have been the best show I’ve ever seen. It’s Monday after seeing him and I still can’t wrap my brain around how talented he and his band mates are. I’m in absolute awe at the skill and musicianship and his ability to just grab you by the guts/heart/ears and take you along for the ride.
Billy Strings and his band are fantastic live, even better than their recordings. A generous performance with extended versions of their songs and always a few surprises. What’s more, the audience is enthusiastic from the first note to the last. You won’t be sitting. Highly recommended to all music fans.
Billy Strings and band were on fire! The band was tight and the crowd was friendly. This band is the best. Go see them!
Phoenix
Phoenix performing on the Honda stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Combining elements of new wave, disco, and indie rock, French alt rock outfit Phoenix is arguably one of the most creative forces in contemporary pop music. After Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix took home the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, the band followed up with Bankrupt!, their fifth album and most successful release to date.
Building on the catchy synthpop of its predecessor and buoyed by infectious singles “Entertainment” and “Trying to Be Cool,” Bankrupt! reached No.1 on the US Alternative Albums, Independent Albums, and Rock Albums charts, marking a first for the band. Formed in the suburbs of Paris in the mid-‘90s, Phoenix scored a breakthrough hit with “If I Ever Feel Better” from their debut United, paving the way for the mainstream success of sophomore album Alphabetical
Second time seeing Phoenix and they didn't disappoint. Venue is fantastic and the performance was excellent. Great mixture of old and new songs.
I have never experienced so much fun and talent as when Phoenix performs. This was my 3rd show and they do not disappoint. I cannot wait for them to go on tour again!
This show was epic! I was mesmerized the entire time even when I was belting out their songs. I’ve wanted to see them for a long time and they exceeded my expectations. Had such a great time!
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks performing on the Miller Lite stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Arlo Parks is an 20 year old poet/singer from London. In her words she spent most of school feeling like that black kid who couldn't dance for shit, listening to too much emo music and crushing on some girl in her Spanish class. Her songs are confessional and tender, mainly inspired by Portishead and Earl Sweatshirt.
What an amazing experience!
Her vibe is the most welcoming, lovely, and inclusive. I was absolutely obsessed with Arlo Parks.
Arlo put on an amazing show!
Lily Rose
Lily Rose performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Touting a sound described as contemporary, vulnerable and raw, Lily Rose is blasting onto the Nashville music scene with her new single, “Villain." After releasing on Dec. 15, "Villain" debuted in the #1 spot on the iTunes all-genre and country charts.
The singer/songwriter teased the haunting track on TikTok and was immediately met with thousands of new fans clamoring for the song’s full version. In less than a week since Rose leaked a clip of “Villain,” she has quadrupled her social media following across all platforms, and has notched over 6M views, 2.8M likes and 512K followers on TikTok.
The show was absolutely fantastic!
It was so amazing! She sounds great live. So friendly and alive on stage. Will see her as many times as I can.
Lily Rose was amazing her and the band put on a good show.
Benee
Benee performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Benee is the dreamy voice of a disaffected generation, breaking through in 2020 with “Supalonely,” her irresistible, four billion streaming alt-pop banger that practically defined the pandemic experience.
Twenty-one year old Stella Bennett mixes her deeply heartfelt reflections on life in suburban Auckland, New Zealand, with offbeat and often whimsical lyrical encounters with zombies and snails, all produced with a technicolour ear for cooked beats and unpredictable hooks.
She has such a great stage presence and I love all her mannerisms. Would be over the moon to see her live again!
One of the most fun shows I’ve ever seen. Benee really knows how to put on a show!
Took my wife and daughters to see Benee and it was one of the best concert experiences ever! Benee is such a talented performer and singers even better in person! She knows how to put on a real concert and connects with her fans in a different way. I honestly would have paid x4 the amount I paid for these tickets and feel like we got a steal. Our good fortune.
Conan Gray
Conan Gray performing on the American Express stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Armed with nothing more than Garageband and a cheap microphone taped to a lamp, Conan released his song "Idle Town" on his YouTube channel as an ode to his hometown of Georgetown, Texas. The song went viral, and he later joined forces with LA based producer Dan Nigro to finalize his Sunset Season EP, featuring singles “Generation Why” and “Crush Culture”.
The EP debuted in November, 2018 to widespread critical acclaim from The Fader, Billboard, and Ones To Watch, amongst others. In January, 2019, Conan made his television debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers, before opening for Panic at the Disco! for several shows on their arena tour. Conan has sold out two North American headline tours as well as his most recent May, 2019 European tour.
Recently called the ‘Prince of Pop’ by MTV, he will be performing at Lollapalooza in Chicago and Life is Beautiful this summer before headlining his next North American tour in the fall. Conan has been featured in Paper Magazine, I-D Magazine, and the Sunday Times
Conan has a truly incredible stage presence, he interacts with the crowd so much and makes everyone feel loved and important. He sang some songs we weren’t expecting which was so fun. His audio quality and lights and band were all so amazing. The venue was very hot and crowded in the pit, but it was an overall amazing experience!
He is such a fantastic performer. I saw him at the Crescent Ballroom across the street from this venue 4 years ago, and he has grown so so much! I love seeing his talent on stage!
Best concert I will ever attend. Conan is an absolute sweetheart and took pictures with everyone, signed their stuff, and chatted with them. The music was phenomenal, the lights were perfectly coordinated, the opener Bülow blew everyone’s expectations. So grateful for everyone involved in the making of such an amazing experience.
Teezo Touchdown
Teezo Touchdown performing on the T-Mobile stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Never failing to add interest to even the most mundane situations, Teezo Touchdown brings a little bit more sunshine wherever he goes. Existing in his own dimension, Teezo doesn’t tone down his unique and authentic nature for anyone. There’s something so idiosyncratic about Teezo that you can’t help but be pulled into his orbit, wanting to figure him out and eventually realizing you can’t. While we may not be able to define this eccentric individual, it’s mesmerizing to see his music and personality at work.
Real cool guy. Had so much bass that the hairs on my leg were trembling. Glad Tyler had him on, will definitely be looking out for any other time he plays live again, would enjoy seeing his energy and loud music again.
Teezo is awesome! Been a fan of Teezo for a while now and finally seeing him in person exceeded my expectations.
Awesomeness! I looked him up after the concert and been stuck on him ever since! I’m literally obsessed.
His performance was on par with Tyler’s in my opinion, I’d never listened to Teezo before but the concert I went to made me a hardcore fan Teezo is amazing and so underrated.
Dro Kenji
Dro Kenji performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Dro Kenji’s rise is a testament to the power of the internet. Last year, the 19-year-old artist was a senior in high school in Summerville, South Carolina, releasing a string of captivating singles and mixtapes on his SoundCloud. Now, he’s preparing to release his debut album on Mira Touch/ Internet Money Records/ 10K Projects, collaborating closely with the label’s team of platinum-certified producers, with plans to earn some plaques of his own.
A true child of the digital age, raised on video games and the lo-fi sounds of rap’s online underground, his discography has a remarkable ability to capture both the apathy and aspiration of his generation in his songs and a spellbinding voice with which to tell these stories.
His set was amazing! He was the artist I was looking forward to seeing all day and he didn’t disappoint. All of the songs he sang were the best literally there’s not one song of his that sucks haha. He took time after his set to met his fans and take pictures with them. He had like a 30 min conversation with my boyfriend and I. We took pictures and talked to his manager as well. He’s literally so humble, sweet and very chill. Looking forward to seeing him preform again!
Glaive
Glaive performing on the Barton Springs stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Glaive is an artist hailing from the mountains of North Carolina who began making music at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. He released his first song on Soundcloud and his rise in the time since has been meteoric, supported by a steady stream of new music that quickly earned him acclaim and a devoted following.
He shared his debut EP cypress grove this past fall, with The Fader naming the single "astrid" one of the best song songs of 2020 and The New York Times' Jon Caramanica including it among his top tracks of the year. He shared his second, all dogs go to heaven, in August, with The New Yorker praising its "startlingly well-formed sound" and Rolling Stone citing standout single "detest me" as "a good example of everything there is to like about glaive." He now has 1,015,391 monthly listeners on Spotify – a 101,539,100% increase after starting 2020 with just one.
One of my favorite concerts. He killed it & I loved every moment of it. Got to meet him afterwards where he talked to everyone out there, he even commented on my post Malone shirt, I hope he comes back soon! Such a sweet soul and I loved his little dance moves.
The best concert ever! I have never been to a concert before, so glaive was my first, and honestly this was the best experience I have ever had. His performance was amazing. Every song was sung so well, and I even got the chance to get on stage with him. This was so worth, 100% will go again and I recommend everyone to go.
Best experience ever. Had so much fun! Got to meet him on accident before the show and he is so sweet and goofy! Will definitely see him again!
Noah Cyrus
Noah Cyrus performing on the American Express stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
In the middle of a whirlwind of loss, heartbreak, and chaos, Noah Cyrus grabbed the reins, took control of her life, and told her story like never before. The GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum Nashville-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter uncovered the kind of strength you only find within. She lived every song, and the embers of her experiences burn bright over a soundtrack steeped in pop spirit, folk eloquence, and country soul. Noah has stepped into herself on her 2022 full-length debut album, The Hardest Part [RECORDS / Columbia Records].
Emerging in 2016 at the age of 16, she immediately captivated audiences with platinum singles "Make Me (Cry)" [feat. Labrinth] and "Again" [feat. XXXTENTACION]. 2020's The End of Everything EP yielded the triple-platinum "July" and gold "Lonely." In between earning a GRAMMY® Award nod in the category of "Best New Artist," she teamed up with PJ Harding for the People Don't Change EP in 2021. NME rated the project "4-out-of-5 stars" and predicted, "it's not hard to imagine her becoming a household name in her own right." Along the way, she performed at Coachella twice, while Billboard named her among its "21 Under 21" for three straight years. She also shined on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, and The Today Show.
If you bring up Noah to people, you'll most likely have to follow it up with "Miley's sister." This is a bummer because Noah deserves her own recognition. Noah's singing voice is amazing! If you are expecting her music to be like Miley's, be warned. It isn't. It's not all pop. It's a blend of pop, rock, and country in a slightly similar style like Billy Ray.
Much like the artist herself, the entire experience was perfect.
Phenomenal experience! I am glad for the unforgettable experience of being taken away by Noah Cyrus and her band.
Bktherula
Bktherula performing on the Barton Springs stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Atlanta rapper Bktherula's sound is constantly in flux, varying from energetic trap boasts to more introspective, ethereal material on releases like her mixtape Nirvana.
Brooklyn Rodriguez first began uploading pop and R&B songs to SoundCloud as BK in 2017, when she was 15 years old. Switching to rap, she earned a buzz with tracks like 2018's "Faygo" (as BK BK). Settling on the moniker Bktherula, she made a greater impact in 2019 with "Left Right" and the self-described love song "Tweakin' Together." Love Santana, her debut mixtape, appeared in early 2020. She then signed to Warner Records and released her second mixtape, Nirvana, later in the year.
It’s was fun and lit she did so good hope she come back!
One of the craziest concerts I have ever been too!
Went to see Bktherula and all my expectations were met and more. Glad to see her grow from her early career.
Early James
Early James performing on the BMI stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Easy Eye Sound / Concord recording Artist. Luck Reunion artist. Has toured with The Black Keys, The Lone Bellow, Marcus King, St Paul and the Broken Bones and many others. Festival appearances include Bonnaroo, Summerfest, ACL, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Newport Folk Fest and more.
These guys write great tunes with a terrific sound. Their live performance was a sight to behold. Dancing bass lines mix with on-point guitar and soul-wrenching vocals.
Absolutely killed it!
Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective
Jazz Collective performing on the Tito's stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
From soundtracking fraternity galas to comprising part of the university president’s entourage, the HustonTillotson Jazz Collective has established itself as a fixture of the school’s social and musical institutions.
Happie Hoffman
Happie Hoffman performing on the Honda stage at the ACL Music Festival on October 14, 2022. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Singer songwriter Happie Hoffman’s debut EP Heartbreak Season combines her soulful voice and open lyrics.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on two consecutive three-day weekends. Inspired by the KLRU/PBS music series of the same name, the festival is produced by Austin-based company C3 Presents, which also produces Chicago's Lollapalooza.The ACL Music Festival has eight stages where musical groups from genres including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop perform for fans. The concerts continue until 10:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival with various stages spread out in the park. Approximately 450,000 people attend the festival each year. In addition to the music performances, there are food and drinks, an art market, a kids area for families, and other activities for attendees.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
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Words and photos by Makayla Arvesen
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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