Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Hippie Haven, Bat City, and Live Music Capital of the World–Austin, Texas has earned itself many colorful nicknames. The city is home to a number of incredible events each year. The popular film and music festival South by Southwest attracts over 300,000 people to Austin each year, while the Formula 1 Grand Prix draws in a crowd of around 430,000. However, one event tops both in popularity: Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL).
Everything is bigger in Texas, and ACL is no exception. The festival takes place at Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 351-acre recreational area along Lady Bird Lake. The festival spans a total of 6 days over the first two weekends in October each year. Since its start in 2002, ACL has grown to feature over 140 artists on nine stages. Approximately 75,000 people attend the massive music festival each day, making it one of the largest music festivals in the United States.
ACL is an unforgettable experience, from the performances to the weather to the sheer mass of crowds. Festival goers have weathered extreme heat, brutal winds and dust, and unexpected rain and cold–rain or shine, the show goes on. This year, Sunday of Weekend 2 was the second hottest day in the history of ACL. Temperatures reached a brutal 101º, making it only the second day of the festival to reach the triple digits. A timeline of significant events in the festival’s history can be found below.
Music of Austin, Texas
Plenty of artists paid homage to Texas or Austin during their sets. Texas native Leon Bridges delivered an unforgettable performance of “Texas Sun”, while up-and-coming Dasha didn’t miss with her crowd-favorite “Austin”. Willie Nelson, now 91 years old, made two surprise appearances during weekend two! On Friday, Nelson joined Chris Stapleton to perform “Whisky River” and “Bloody Mary Morning”. The Austin icon appeared again on Saturday, this time with Orville Peck, to serenade the crowd with “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other”.
Eats and Amenities
If your boots stop working, your truck breaks down, or you find yourself needing a break from the music for any reason, ACL’s Beyond the Music has you covered. These attractions are scattered throughout the park and offer limited edition merch, free festival memorabilia, and photo ops. Honda Recharge Retreat, Miller Lite Bar 75, T-Miller Club Magenta, and the Amex Experience provide shady seats, cooling stations, yard games, free phone charging and wifi, and premium giveaways. In addition to iconic orange and black bandanas, Tito’s Handmade Vodka now has exclusive ACL-themed merch for the first time in 2024.
ACL Market is located in the center of Zilker and features quirky goods from local vendors. Here, festival goers can shop for plants, clothing, hats, candles, koozies, and one-of-a-kind Austin-themed merch. But it’s not all about consumerism–local grocer H-E-B is committed to keeping Austin green and reports recycling approximately 740,000 cans from ACL in 2023.
When it’s time to refuel, ACL Eats has a wide variety of grub that caters to a variety of dietary restrictions. There are over 60 food vendors, with every single one offering options that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free. La Pachanga curated by Taco Mafia on PBS. Don’t forget to head over to ACL Sweets after to snag a treat from one of the 12 dessert vendors, including Tiff’s Treats and Bananarchy.
The Big Tent, formerly known as The Barton Springs Beer Hall, has exciting new food and drink options to accompany its fresh new name. Bambino made its debut inside the shaded tent this year, serving 12-inch wood-fired pizzas (with gluten- and dairy-free options, of course) in a convenient location for those who chose to watch football on the large screens. The Red River Showdown brought Longhorn fans together as they watched their team take on the Oklahoma Sooners. Although off to a slow start, Texas emerged victorious and swept the annual rivalry 34-3.
Safety
Safety is a priority at ACL Music Festival. Hydration stations were scattered throughout the grounds to ensure festival goers were hydrated, and boxed water was thrown out to the large crowds prior to and during performances. Artists often encourage crowds to drink water, eat food, and look out for one another. Multiple artists, including Orville Peck and Chappell Roan, stopped mid-performance to ensure members of the crowd received medical attention. This Must Be The Place is a nonprofit organization that travels to music festivals throughout the states. Travers-Hayward and associates provided free Narcan nasal spray, as well as education about signs and symptoms of drug overdose and how to reverse it. The World Health Organization estimates that 69,000 people die from opioid overdose each year, making free Narcan and education a truly priceless resource.
ACL is family friendly, and encourages music lovers to start their festival experience young. Kids under 8 years of age entered the festival free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Austin Kiddie Limits provided an array of activities for the little ones, such as crafts, line dancing lessons, a drum zone, temporary “tattooz”, and a rainbow chalk wall. The ACL Bonus Tracks stage is tucked away in a grove of trees adorned with colorful banners, and features activities such as drag shows, caricature drawings, and dance lessons.
Late Night Drive Home
Late Night Drive Home performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Late Night Drive Home is a four-member indie rock band from El Paso, Texas, featuring lead singer Andre Portillo, guitarist Juan "Ockz" Vargas, bassist Freddy Baca, and drummer Brian Dolan. The band is dedicated to introducing a fresh sound to the indie rock scene, drawing inspiration from bands such as Wallows, The Strokes, Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys, Car Seat Headrest, and Twenty One Pilots. Originally formed as a duo by Andre and Juan, Late Night Drive Home started with a focus on lo-fi aesthetic rock. They shifted to the indie rock genre, incorporating melodic, synth-like guitar leads. Join this vibrant, youthful band as they continue to evolve and redefine the indie rock sound.
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Paul Kelly, a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, is a revered figure in Australian music. Over the years, he has released music under various names, including Paul Kelly and the Messengers, Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls, and Paul Kelly and the Stormwater Boys. His work spans diverse genres, from bluegrass to studio-focused dub reggae, though his primary style blends elements of folk, rock, and country. With his straightforward and laid-back vocal delivery, Kelly’s lyrics have captured Australian experiences and history more broadly and directly than perhaps any other artist.
Katie Pruitt
Katie Pruitt performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Katie Pruitt demonstrates music's ability to transform our perception of the world. Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album "Expectations", a record where she shared her experience of growing up queer in the Christian South, the Georgia-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist received messages from countless fans about the profound impact her music had on their lives. With the album "Mantras" the Nashville-based artist turns inward, exploring themes such as gender identity, self-compassion, and the pursuit of peace during chaotic and uncertain times. The album ultimately delivers a message of strength in dismantling harmful self-beliefs and embracing one's truth.
Vanilla Is Black
Vanilla Is Black performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)For Vanilla is Black, there are no creative boundaries. The California-based trio, consisting of Chuck Inglish, K. Roosevelt, and Kenneth Wright, draws from funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and hip-hop, using improvisation to push their musical limits and create universal soundscapes for everyday life. The group formed after crossing paths throughout their individual careers. Chuck Inglish, known as one half of the influential hip-hop duo The Cool Kids, is a rapper, producer, songwriter, and DJ. K. Roosevelt serves as the band’s lead singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, and has collaborated with artists like Jhené Aiko, Hit Boy, and The Game in addition to his solo work. Kenneth Wright, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music director, has worked with artists such as Wiz Khalifa and many others.
Sir Chloe
Sir Chloe performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Sir Chloe is the band founded by Dana Foote during her senior year at Bennington College in Vermont, where she organized a concert as her thesis project. The original lineup included guitarist and producer Teddy O’Mara, drummer Willy Giambalvo, and bassist Pixel West. The group now features Dana’s brother, Palmer Foote, and Austin Holmes. Together, they brought Dana’s songs to life, developing a sound influenced by both The Pixies and Stravinsky. Foote’s musical background is diverse, she initially taught herself guitar using Mel Bay books before learning to play piano, mandolin, accordion, and harmonium.
Theo Lawrence
Theo Lawrence performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Over the past decade, Theo Lawrence has established himself as France's beloved songbird. A unique country singer and true torchbearer of the genre, Lawrence found his stride with his Austin-recorded LP "Cherie" and his latest all-acoustic album, "Pickin' & Singin".
Hudson Westbrook
Hudson Westbrook performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Following a dynamic debut and a string of grassroots hits, River House Artists’ talent Hudson Westbrook is emerging as a leading voice in the new generation of country singer-songwriters. Self-taught and embracing a rugged style, the rising star first made waves with his debut track “Take It Slow” (while still a student at Texas Tech) and is now forging ahead, breathing new life into the organic country-rock sound of the Red Dirt movement.
Dasha
Dasha performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Dasha's music is described as “rooted in mature songwriting and a layered soundscape” and is known for its authenticity, raw emotion, and relatability, reflecting her true self-expression. Growing up in San Luis Obispo, California, singer-songwriter was surrounded by country, folk, and Americana music from an early age. As she developed her skills, Dasha began captivating global audiences through her TikTok following, building an engaged platform to showcase her new music. Her credibility as a storyteller has brought her to a point where her artistry flourishes, marking a significant turning point in her career.
Thee Sinseers
Thee Sinseers performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Hailing from East L.A. and fronted by Latinx singer-songwriter Joseph Quiñones, Thee Sinseers boast a full rhythm and brass section. They represent a new generation of bands influenced by the intertwined lowrider and soul music scenes that originated within Los Angeles' Chicano communities in the 1950s.
Bre Kennedy
Bre Kennedy performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)At 12 years old, Bre Kennedy picked up an acoustic guitar and soon found herself performing across Los Angeles before relocating to Nashville, where her captivating live shows quickly garnered attention. She independently released her music, including the Jealous of Birds EP, Twenty Something EP, and Note to Self, before signing with Nettwerk and releasing the Clarity EP. Praised by Consequence of Sound as “contemplative and vulnerable” and hailed by Guitar Magazine, which said, “Bre Kennedy is bound to be a household name for all the right reasons,” Bre has headlined sold-out shows, opened for Sheryl Crow and Gary Clark Jr., joined Joy Oladokun and The Paper Kites on their tours, and made her debut at Bonnaroo.
Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Mickey Guyton, a native of Arlington, Texas, began her singing journey at a young age in church. Inspired by powerhouse vocalists like Dolly Parton, CeCe Winans, Whitney Houston, and LeAnn Rimes, Mickey's career took flight after signing with Capitol Records Nashville. Her debut performance, a memorable all-star concert at the White House, was captured by PBS. Mickey released her self-titled EP, showcasing her debut single, "Better Than You Left Me." The following year, she earned her first Academy of Country Music Award nomination for New Female Vocalist. She returned to the ACM Awards stage, delivering a powerful rendition of "I'm Standing With You" alongside Chrissy Metz, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina, and Maddie & Tae. Mickey continued to make history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country category for "Black Like Me." She performed the song at the awards ceremony and also co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards with Keith Urban.
Norah Jones
Norah Jones performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Norah Jones, a renowned jazz and jazz-influenced vocalist born in New York City, has captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Prior to her solo career, she was a member of the jazz ensemble Wax Poetic, contributing her vocals to two tracks on their album "Nublu Sessions." Jones' debut album, "Come Away With Me," achieved immense success, selling over 18 million copies globally. Her musical talent was widely recognized, earning her a remarkable five Grammy Awards.
Carin Leon
Carin Leon performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Carin León, a rising star in regional Mexican music, hails from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He launched his career with a series of live albums, including "Desvelada con Banda y Mariachi (En Vivo)," "A Puro Pelo (100% En Vivo)," "Pa’ las de Vidrio (En Vivo)," and "Amanecida con Todo y con Todos." His breakthrough came with the hit single "Que Vuelvas," a collaboration with Grupo Frontera that reached No. 2 on Billboard's Mexico Songs chart and marked his first entry on the Hot 100.
Whookilledkenny
Whookilledkenny performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Whookilledkenny, a rising Austin-based rapper with a Christian Rap background, has carved a niche in the Hip Hop scene. Inspired by his grandma's encouragement, he began crafting music in church as a teenager, using his rhymes to express his faith. This early exposure to Christian Rap shaped his artistic identity. Although Whookilledkenny gained recognition in the Christian Rap community, his musical journey evolved as he matured. He transitioned to secular Rap, making his official debut with the album "Pay the Fee." The eight-track project featured the standout single "Super Wet," accompanied by a music video that has garnered nearly 20,000 views on YouTube.
The Paper Kites
The Paper Kites performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)The Paper Kites, a Melbourne-based folk band, formed by high school friends Sam Bentley and Christina Lacey. After gaining local recognition, the duo expanded into a five-piece band and began performing at festivals. Over the next few years, The Paper Kites released three EPs, featuring popular tracks like "Bloom" and "Featherstone," which propelled them into the mainstream spotlight. Their warm harmonies and distinctive folk sound captivated audiences, leading to successful supporting tours with Boy & Bear, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Passenger. The band's critically acclaimed debut album, "States," further solidified their reputation and fueled a series of sold-out headlining shows across Australia. As a rising star in the folk music scene, The Paper Kites continue to delight fans with their captivating melodies and energetic live performances.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Jean-Philip Grobler, better known by his stage name St. Lucia, is a unique figure in the vibrant Brooklyn music scene. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Grobler's musical journey began with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. The choir's extensive travels, including tours to Japan, Australia, and Europe, exposed him to a diverse range of classical music. However, Grobler's heart yearned for something different, and he found inspiration in the pop music he grew up listening to, including Michael Jackson. After leaving South Africa for England to study music, Grobler eventually settled in New York City. There, he began working on the tracks that would form his self-titled debut album, released on Neon Gold. St. Lucia's electronic pop music is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, reflecting his global experiences and the hidden corners of the world that have shaped his artistic vision.
Royel Otis
Royel Otis performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Royel Otis is an Australian pop-rock duo consisting of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic. The pair formed after sharing and collaborating on each other's demos. They released their debut EP "Campus", followed by "Bar N Grill" which featured the hit single "Oysters in My Pocket." As Otis Pavlovic explained to NME , "We're making sure we're not overthinking stuff. Some music can be so serious or deep, but with us, everyone's invited to the party." Royel Otis' music is characterized by its fun, upbeat vibe and catchy melodies.
Foster The People
Foster The People performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Foster the People, a psychedelic pop-rock trio, formed in Los Angeles. Their unique blend of genres has captivated audiences worldwide, and their album "Torches" has sold over 321,000 copies. The hit single "Pumped Up Kicks" from that album became the sixth-best-selling digital song, selling 3.84 million copies. The band was founded by Mark Foster, who serves as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. He is joined by Cubbie Finkton on bass and Mark Pontius on drums and percussion. Their journey began with "Pumped Up Kicks," which quickly gained popularity online and led to a record deal. Through performances at small venues and music festivals like South by Southwest and Coachella, Foster the People gradually built a dedicated fanbase.
Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Leon Bridges, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, brings a unique blend of experiences, inspirations, and award-winning songs to every performance. From his humble beginnings as a dishwasher and street performer in Fort Worth, Texas, to his rapid rise to fame with a major label deal and a performance at the White House, Leon's career has been marked by remarkable achievements. Beyond his album releases, Leon has amassed a massive following with over a dozen platinum and gold certifications and billions of streams.
The Marias
The Marias performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)The Marías, a Grammy-nominated psychedelic-soul duo, formed a musical partnership between María Zardoya (Puerto Rican-bred, Atlanta-raised) and Josh Conway (Los Angeles native). Joined by their close friends Jesse Perlman (guitar) and Edward James (keys), The Marías' music blends jazz percussion, hypnotic guitar riffs, and María's captivating vocals with nostalgic horn solos. Their unique fusion of jazz, psychedelia, funk, and lounge creates a sensual and dreamlike atmosphere.
Chris Stapleton / Willie Nelson
Chris Stapleton / Willie Nelson performing at the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Chris Stapleton, a Kentucky native, established himself as a prominent figure in the Nashville music scene long before his breakthrough as an outlaw country icon. After relocating to Nashville, he served as the frontman for The SteelDrivers and The Jompson Brothers, while also penning songs for country music superstars like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Darius Rucker. Stapleton's exceptional talent has been recognized with eight Grammy Awards, and he received two additional nominations for his fifth album, "Higher." Beyond his collaborations with country music legends like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Lee Ann Womack, and Morgan Wallen, Stapleton has also shared the stage with pop superstars such as Taylor Swift, Adele, Justin Timberlake, P!NK, and Ed Sheeran.
Willie Nelson is a legendary country music singer-songwriter with a prolific career spanning decades. He has released an impressive 68 studio albums and 10 live albums throughout his illustrious journey. Nelson's musical talent emerged early, as he wrote his first song at the tender age of seven and joined his first band at ten. Even as a teenager, he was captivating audiences as a lead singer and guitarist. Nelson's enduring popularity and creativity continue to captivate audiences. He consistently releases new albums and remains a beloved figure in live performances, delighting fans with his timeless music.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
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