BY: JESSE ZAPATERO & DEVIN RAMOS

The second weekend of the Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) has come to a close, leaving behind another epic chapter in the event’s legacy. Following an electrifying first weekend, music lovers were eager to return to Zilker Park, braving the relentless Texas heat once again for three more days of incredible performances, endless energy, and unforgettable moments. The festival, known for its diversity in sound and style, transformed the park into a musical oasis where every genre had a platform, from pop and rock to hip-hop, electronic, and country.

This weekend's lineup was a star-studded affair, featuring global powerhouse Dua Lipa lighting up the main stage with a show-stopping set that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Rising stars like Malcolm Todd also took the stage, continuing to build momentum in his career with a captivating performance that added to the weekend’s excitement. Even though the festival experienced some last-minute changes—Tyla and Dominic Fike, both initially part of the lineup, had to bow out—ACL didn’t miss a beat. The festival adapted seamlessly, with new acts stepping in and filling the gaps, ensuring that fans still got a full and dynamic experience.

What truly sets Austin City Limits apart from other festivals isn't just its ability to gather a top-tier lineup year after year but also its commitment to being one of the most organized, clean, and eco-friendly festivals in the country. ACL has become a pioneer in sustainability efforts, with every facet of the event reflecting an emphasis on reducing environmental impact. It's clear that Austin takes immense pride in leading by example, offering an experience that is not only fun but also mindful of the environment and the local community.

The festival’s layout across Zilker Park was a testament to this precision, with thoughtful planning ensuring that even with thousands of attendees, getting from one stage to another was smooth and stress-free. Ample shade structures, hydration stations, and cooling zones helped festival-goers beat the heat, while top-notch sound quality and striking visuals made each performance feel like a personal concert. Whether you were in the thick of the crowd or enjoying the music from a distance, ACL provided an immersive experience that kept fans engaged at every moment.

For our team, the chance to witness these incredible artists take the stage was nothing short of an honor. Each act brought their own unique energy and flair, making the second weekend of Austin City Limits another unforgettable installment in what continues to be one of the nation’s most iconic music festivals. We had the incredible opportunity to meet some of our favorite artists and vendors, each of whom left a lasting impression with their passion, creativity, and energy. From intimate conversations to epic live performances, this year’s ACL will be one we’ll remember for years to come. Here are some of our favorite moments at this year’s festival

Malcolm Todd:

I was first introduced to Malcolm Todd when he opened for Omar Apollo at the Hollywood Bowl. From the moment I found out he was performing at Austin City Limits, I knew I had to catch his set. Malcolm is an electrifying ball of energy, and his stage presence never disappoints. After his performance, I caught up with him at the press tent for a quick portrait session. As he walked up, we shook hands, and the first thing he said was, “Goddamn, you have big ass hands.” I couldn’t help but burst out laughing—his humor is as infectious as his energy.

Malcolm kicked off his ACL set with a contagious energy that quickly drew in a large crowd, all eager to rock out to his indie-rock vibes. From the start, he connected effortlessly with fans, making everyone feel like part of the show. A highlight of his set was the performance of "Electric Feel," which had the audience fully engaged, especially during its catchy, groovy bridge. Followed by a playful rendition of the iCarly theme song that had the crowd singing along. Malcolm closed his performance with "Roommate," a high-energy track that had everyone clapping, dancing, and mesmerized by his dynamic vocals and stage presence. His love for music is undeniable, and he encouraged the crowd to jump and move with him, leaving everyone excited to see what he would bring next at ACL.

Malcolm Todd has been on a steady rise this year. He just released his latest bundle, Two New Malcolm Todd Songs, a testament to his evolving artistry. Known for blending groove-heavy production with introspective lyrics, Malcolm is steadily carving out his own space in music. With a sold-out headline tour, a standout stop at Lollapalooza, and time spent supporting Omar Apollo on the road, Malcolm’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

CANNONS:

Cannons delivered a mesmerizing set at weekend two of ACL, taking the crowd on a journey of melodic bliss. Their retro-inspired sound filled the Austin air, getting the entire crowd moving despite the sweltering Texas heat. Hits like "Fire for You" and "Bright Lights" had fans vibing hard, with the energy becoming almost electric as the audience sang along to every word. Lead singer Michelle Joy expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing that the band has been together for a decade, making this moment feel like a dream realized. The performance was intimate yet powerful, with Michelle's ethereal vocals and the band's signature smooth beats creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Before the show, we had the chance to meet up with the band, and they were as down-to-earth and kind as ever. It was amazing to reconnect and capture a few moments with them. Cannons proved once again why they’re a can’t-miss live act, leaving everyone buzzing long after the final note. If you haven’t seen them in concert yet, it’s time to add them to your list.

EYEDRESS:

Father, artist, writer, and performer Idris Ennolandy Vicuña, also known as Eyedress, brought his dynamic to the festival, showcasing his distinct blend of lo-fi indie rock and post-punk energy. Performing on the American Express stage, Eyedress captivated the audience with an emotionally charged setlist that included well-loved tracks like “Romantic Lover,” “Something About You,” and his viral hit “Jealous,” the song that catapulted him into the limelight.

Eyedress's visual presentation was just as mesmerizing as his music. The background screens featured surreal animations, with claymation figures of the artist alongside video game-style sequences where he fought digital monsters and skated through neon-lit cities. The unique visuals, paired with his raw guitar work and deep, moody vocals, created an atmosphere that felt like stepping into a dreamlike, distorted world.

His laid-back yet captivating presence solidified his place as one of the festival's standout acts, appealing to fans of alternative, indie rock, and experimental music alike.

JORDY:

He stole the show with one of the most energetic and unapologetically fun performances of the weekend. Dressed in all black under the Texas sun, he didn't miss a beat. Even though he arrived a little late for our portrait session, we couldn’t hold it against him—he’s as sweet as they come and quickly became one of our personal favorite artists of the weekend. If you don’t know Jordy yet, it’s time to get familiar because he’s a star on the rise! His third studio album, *SEX WITH MYSELF*, continues to push boundaries, celebrating sexual liberation and championing the LGBTQ+ community. The tracks are sure to pull you straight to the dancefloor, where the energy is high, and inhibitions are left at the door.

CHAPPELL ROAN:

Chappell Roan's set at the Austin City Limits Music Festival was nothing short of a sensation, drawing a crowd that seemed to engulf the entire festival grounds. If you're unfamiliar with her name, you're missing out on one of pop's most exciting rising stars. Her high-energy performance felt like a magnet, pulling in fans from all directions, and the audience overflowed to neighboring stages, a testament to her growing popularity. Roan, known for her bold, colorful aesthetic and unapologetic lyricism, captivated the massive crowd with hits like "Pink Pony Club" and "Casual," blending theatrical pop with an infectious, dance-heavy set. The sheer volume of festival-goers who showed up for her performance signaled a pivotal moment in her career, as it became clear she's no longer just an underground artist but a pop powerhouse in the making.

Her dynamic choreography, playful costumes, and powerhouse vocals created an electrifying atmosphere, leaving festival attendees buzzing long after her set ended. Roan's ACL performance underscored her ability to command attention and engage a crowd, solidifying her as a must-watch talent on the festival circuit.

OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS AT AUSTIN CITY LIMITS