By Britne Goldstein
October 11-13, 2024 | Zilker Park, Austin, TX
As the sun blazed over Zilker Park, ACL Music Festival 2024 kicked off its second weekend with three days of diverse performances, local food, and a lively atmosphere that highlighted the best of Austin’s festival scene. From headline acts to surprise guest appearances and memorable fan moments, ACL once again proved why it’s one of the most anticipated festivals in the country.
The Vibe: From Day to Night
Throughout the weekend, the energy at ACL shifted as dramatically as the Texas weather. Daytime in Zilker Park was filled with playful, relaxed vibes, with festival goers taking advantage of sponsor activations, photo ops, and the chance to browse artist merch. Despite the searing Austin heat, with temperatures peaking between 90-98 degrees, fans stayed energized and engaged. Families with kids enjoyed activities at Austin Kiddie Limits, with group yoga and drum circles offering a fun, inclusive space for younger attendees.
As the sun set and the park came alive with lights, the energy spiked. Fans who had camped out at the barricades all day rushed forward as the headliners took the stage. A sea of pink bandanas and cowboy hats flooded the front rows for Chappell Roan’s Sunday night performance, with her fans sprinting to secure spots as soon as the gates opened that morning.
The Performances: A Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s lineup brought a wide range of musical genres and unforgettable performances. Here’s a breakdown of some of the standout acts:
- ● Orville Peck brought his unique blend of country and Western gothic to the stage, his haunting voice and masked persona captivating the crowd.
- ● Remi Wolf kept things quirky and fun, her high-energy performance combining funky beats and pop melodies, ensuring the crowd was dancing from start to finish.
- ● Renee Rapp delivered a powerful and sassy pop set, showcasing her impressive vocal range and deeply personal lyrics that connected with fans.
- ● Sir Chloe added an indie rock edge to the festival, their brooding yet melodic performance highlighting frontwoman Dana Foote’s magnetic vocals.
- ● Teddy Swims wowed the crowd with his soulful voice, blending R&B, pop, and country in a set filled with emotion and heart.
- ● The Beaches brought rock ‘n’ roll attitude, delivering an unapologetically fun and energetic performance that had the crowd cheering.
- ● The Paper Kites provided a more serene moment, their dreamy folk sound creating an intimate atmosphere under the late afternoon sun.
- ● Dom Dolla lit the stage on fire, literally. Strobe, lasers, and pyro were all hyping the crowd to the electrifying beats with Dom leading on a platform center stage.
- ● Dasha performed her hit song “Austin” for the namesake crowd, decked out in her country western outfit.
- ● Chappell Roan brought theatrical flair, blending her bold pop sound with a dramatic stage performance that kept fans enthralled. Chappell brought in the largest crowd of the weekend, ending her US tour with the final “Pink Pony Club” of 2024.
- ● Blink-182 delivered a nostalgic yet high-energy pop-punk set, with crowd-pleasers that had fans singing along to every hit.
- ● Benson Boone captivated with his soulful ballads and uplifting pop tracks, creating an intimate connection with the crowd. He also flipped off of his piano multiple times.
A special moment for local fans was the appearance of Austin’s very own Willie Nelson, who surprised the audience with guest spots in multiple performances, adding to the festival’s already rich Austin charm.
The Food: A Taste of Austin
ACL Eats once again brought a wide variety of food options, from sweet to savory, vegan to gluten-free. Festival Goers could refuel with everything from hearty meals to late-night bites, featuring vendors like Bambino with its wood-fired pizzas and La Pachanga Eatery, curated by Taco Mafia, offering a fresh lineup of Austin’s top taqueros.
For those with a sweet tooth, ACL Sweets offered a chance to indulge in treats from Austin favorites, including ice cream, snow cones, and donuts. With dietary restrictions in mind, vendors offered plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Sponsor Activations and Classic Spots
Festival sponsors added to the fun, providing unique experiences for fans. The Amex Experience offered festival goers a disco cowboy-inspired bar, while the Aperol Spritz Piazza transformed into an Italian oasis complete with interactive AR experiences. Meanwhile, the H-E-B Rock & Recycle program encouraged sustainability by offering fans the chance to recycle cans and win prizes.
Fans looking for a break from the music could retreat to the Big Tent, where giant screens played the weekend’s biggest football games, including the UT game that brought festival goers together in a sea of burnt orange. Festival Goers looking to recharge could find a respite at the Honda Recharge Retreat or head over to Miller Lite Bar 75 to play games and cool off with a cold drink.
Classic ACL photo spots like The Frame with the Downtown Austin skyline and the colorful ACL Flags remained crowd favorites for snapping Instagram-worthy pics, while festival merch was available at both the main merch tent and a dedicated artist tent.
Festival Experience for All
ACL’s commitment to accessibility was evident with its Access Center, providing services for patrons with disabilities, including ASL-interpreted performances, accessible viewing areas, and support for mobility impairments.
ACL isn’t just for adults—Austin Kiddie Limits provided a space for children to enjoy yoga sessions, drum circles, and interactive play areas. With Family Services offering areas to change diapers or nurse, the festival was family-friendly, making sure everyone had a great time.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
As the final headliners brought ACL 2024 to a close, Zilker Park emptied, leaving behind memories of three sun-soaked days filled with unforgettable performances, delicious bites, and the one-of-a-kind vibe that only Austin can deliver. ACL Weekend 2 was a true celebration of music, culture, and community—a weekend that will leave fans counting down the days until next year’s festival.
