{"id":457413,"date":"2026-10-05T23:04:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T23:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/457413\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T23:04:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T23:04:08","slug":"the-best-and-worst-things-we-saw-at-acl-fest-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/457413\/","title":{"rendered":"The best and worst things we saw at ACL Fest 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Mud, rain and booming bass marked the first weekend of an undeniably messy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/entertainment\/music\/article\/acl-fest-2026-weekend-1-austin-texas-photos-22453036.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/a>. From exhilarating headline sets by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/entertainment\/music\/article\/charli-xcx-troye-sivan-acl-surprise-setlist-22443928.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charli xcx<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/entertainment\/music\/article\/lorde-acl-fest-review-22461749.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lorde <\/a>to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/sYicSP_8XdI\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">local acts who are about to break out,<\/a> musical memories were made. There were a few missteps too.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These are the best and worst things we saw, heard and experienced at ACL Fest 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Best of ACL Fest 2026<\/p>\n<p>Turnstile<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Yeslyann Cruz and Billy Mounlasy kiss in the Turnstile mosh pit at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Yeslyann Cruz and Billy Mounlasy kiss in the Turnstile mosh pit at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Brad Tuma finds a lost shoe in the mud during Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Brad Tuma finds a lost shoe in the mud during Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Lance Steiner of Denver watches Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lance Steiner of Denver watches Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"People mosh in the mud during Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People mosh in the mud during Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Turnstile performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Kitty Divine watches Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Kitty Divine watches Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"People mosh in the mud during Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>People mosh in the mud during Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Hannah Roth, left, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Kaylee Adelmann, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, watch Turnstile's performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hannah Roth, left, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Kaylee Adelmann, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, watch Turnstile&#8217;s performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans mosh to Turnstile at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Karlis Vidass watches Turnstile perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Karlis Vidass watches Turnstile perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Friday\u2019s mud-soaked Turnstile set at the T-Mobile stage was the kind of ACL moment people will be talking about years from now. By that point in the evening, everyone in the crowd was already a mud-soaked mess \u2014 or about five seconds away from it. The only thing to do was lean in. The performance, interspersed with fan videos from previous Turnstile shows and interviews about why hardcore music fosters a strong sense of community, felt like vintage ACL in the best way. It wasn\u2019t just one of the best moments of Weekend 1 \u2014 it\u2019ll go down in the books as a top moment in my 15 or so years of attending this fest. Next weekend\u2019s set may not be muddy, but I left feeling ready to run it back and do it all over again. \u2014 Katey Psencik\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Amyl and the Sniffers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>I hate to admit it, but Texans love a little pandering. Early in Friday\u2019s mud-soaked set, frontwoman Amy Taylor asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s that song you sing when the night sky is bright?\u201d And without further instruction, the crowd broke into a chorus of \u201cDeep in the Heart of Texas,\u201d claps and all \u2014 Melbourne punk goes Texas. With Taylor\u2019s signature snarling vocals and \u201cHedwig and the Angry Inch\u201d-adjacent wardrobe, Amyl and the Sniffers kicked off what ended up as a rock-heavy holy trinity for this writer: Austin&#8217;s Grocery Bag kept the momentum going, and Turnstile brought it gloriously home in the mud. \u2014 K.P.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Young Miko<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Dancers perform alongside Young Miko at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dancers perform alongside Young Miko at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans cheer as Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Young Miko performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>As a native Spanish speaker, I wish I could hear Miko\u2019s very explicit lyrics for the first time again. But even without understanding what the Boricua singer was saying, fans at the American Express stage on Saturday were dancing and getting down to her sound. Mixing urban, rap and reggaeton is a smart move to make her music more commercial and overcome boundaries created by language differences. Miko included songs from her latest album like \u201cBIAF\u201d (Baby, I\u2019m a Freak), and popular collabs including \u201cFINA\u201d with Bad Bunny and \u201cCLASSY 101.\u201d\u00a0\u2014 Ana Gutierrez<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Twenty One Pilots performs on the American Express Stage on the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Tyler Joseph was a singing surfer and an ocean of people held him up during the duo&#8217;s Sunday night closing set. Fans of all ages \u2014 decked out in T\u00d8P staple red beanies with black-painted hands and necks \u2014 screamed along to hit songs like \u201cTear in My Heart,\u201d \u201cHeavydirtysoul&#8221; and \u201cHeathens,\u201d the band\u2019s song from the 2016 movie \u201cSuicide Squad.\u201d The last stretch of the show included a crazed cover of The White Stripes&#8217; \u201cSeven Nation Army\u201d and the duo&#8217;s biggest hit, \u201cStressed Out.\u201d For the grand finale, the pair hovered above the crowd on boards supported by fans during \u201cTrees.\u201d Dun banged a drum that spouted water with every strike.<\/p>\n<p>Joseph asked if the the duo &#8220;earned&#8221; their headline spot. Without a shred of a doubt, yes. \u2014 Mars Salazar<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Labrinth<\/p>\n<p>Labrinth performs on the American Express stage on the first day of ACL, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Labrinth performs on the American Express stage on the first day of ACL, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>When the artist formerly known as &#8220;that guy from the &#8216;Euphoria&#8217; soundtrack&#8221; last played ACL, he leaned into mystery, lurking in the backline, his face obscured by plumes of smoke. He returned to the fest in his frontman era, preaching love and flexing guitar hero chops as he opened with &#8220;Still Don&#8217;t Know My Name.&#8221; He wove rich textures into techno-fuzz soul, the softness of a stray guitar melody or a three-part harmony cutting through distorted noise. He layered drum pad polyrhythms over the drum kit and dabbled in gospel and grimy blues. Sure, &#8220;Euphoria&#8221;\/ songs like &#8220;Formula&#8221; and &#8220;When I R.I.P.&#8221; still got the biggest cheers, but the British singer and multi-instrumentalist is a stand-alone star. \u00a0\u2014 Deborah Sengupta Stith<\/p>\n<p>R\u00fcf\u00fcs du Sol<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Fireworks light up the night during R\u00fcf\u00fcs du Sol's Austin City Limits Music Festival headline set on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fireworks light up the night during R\u00fcf\u00fcs du Sol&#8217;s Austin City Limits Music Festival headline set on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nathan Zucker\/Provided by Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>The Australian electronic trio brought magic to their Saturday headlining set. Surprisingly, this was one of the crowds with the fewest phones out. But it checks out for a group with a song called \u201cIn the Moment.\u201d Their techno set was complemented by live drums and Tyrone Lindqvist playing an electric guitar sporadically. They wrapped up the night with the slow and transcendent \u201cInnerbloom\u201d which picked up with beats, a laser show and fireworks. \u2014A.G.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Lorde\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Lorde performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 4, 2026, in Zilker Park.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lorde performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 4, 2026, in Zilker Park.<\/p>\n<p>Ashley Osborn\/Provided by Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>Scream-singing \u201cRibs\u201d with your best friend. That\u2019s it. \u2014 KP<\/p>\n<p>The XX<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Rebecca Black performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rebecca Black performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>The first half of the reunited British indie-pop duo\u2019s set was awash in loud noise from the much heavier Twenty One Pilots. Turns out an introspective set of love ballads with dueling, whispered boy-girl vocals is a tough sell if you\u2019re closing out ACL. Then the house, DJ-stuff took over and ignited a simmering, romantic dance party as songs like \u201cOn Hold\u201d fought back with beat drops. \u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Bleachers, Suki Waterhouse<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Suki Waterhouse performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Does love or heartache make music better? Yes.<\/p>\n<p>Jack Antonoff recently split with actress Margaret Qualley, and Suki Waterhouse recently had a baby with &#8220;Twilight&#8221; superhunk Robert Pattinson. The two are on opposite sides of the love spectrum. So which makes for better music: heartbreak or honeymoon? Waterhouse began her set with an arrow to the chest and played with a disco ball heart behind her, singing songs of bliss like \u201cMy Fun\u201d and \u201cGood Looking.\u201d Honestly, I want what she has \u2014 so badly. The music spoke to the hopeless romantics looking for Cupid\u2019s arrow at ACL Fest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jack Antonoff of Bleachers performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>With Bleachers, Antonoff brought a renewed fire to his live show, leading his band through hits like \u201cI Wanna Get Better.\u201d He even brought his dad out to play a song midway through the set. His performance felt reinvigorated as the virtuoso musician-producer channeled his passion. The result? Two of the most emotionally charged performances of the weekend.\u00a0\u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p>Geese<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Geese performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Geese performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>The Brooklyn 20-somethings trolled Texas sports fans with a video intro showing highlights from this summer\u2019s NBA Finals, in which their Knicks bested our Spurs. As footage of OG Anunoby\u2019s miracle tip-in played on-screen, the art rockers began noodling. Their fast-tracked fame is thanks in part to their management\u2019s use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/geese-chaotic-good-marketing-industry-plant\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">stream-boosting social media manipulation<\/a>, but Cameron Winter and co. proved they are Gen Z\u2019s sulking, weirdo answer to the Smashing Pumpkins \u00a0\u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Brandon Flowers<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Brandon Flowers performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Brandon Flowers performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Rob Loud\/Provided by Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was a little bit of country. How about a little rock and roll?\u201d Killers frontman Brandon Flowers asked the Miller Lite stage on Friday. Then he went into \u201cWhen You Were Young,\u201d an enduring 20-year-old anthem bolstered by its timeless inclusion in \u201cGuitar Hero.\u201d He later played the still-stirring \u201cAll These Things That I\u2019ve Done.\u201d The two standards folded beautifully into his \u201cThrasher\u201d-first set. That\u2019s his heralded new Americana album. The ACL hall-of-famer is pure charisma and all blue collar grind, lording over a seven-piece band with impeccable timing. \u2014 Ramon Ramirez<\/p>\n<p>Audrey Hobert<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Audrey Hobert performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Audrey Hobert performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Sue me, she\u2019s weird but I love her. Audrey Hobert is relatable. She dances around onstage the way kids come up with choreography at sleepovers. Hobert came out wearing a ridiculously long trench coat and a comical disguise mask while standing on a ladder. Under it, she wore another, shorter trench coat. Hobert\u2019s lyricism, from \u201cThirst Trap\u201d to \u201cPhoebe,\u201d landed perfectly with Gen Z and millennial fans. She graced the crowd with her TikTok-famous song \u201cSue Me,\u201d not once but twice. The first time she ran around the stage as everyone grabbed clips on their phones. The second time, she told fans to put away their phones. And as the sun came out and the sky cleared for the first time, I reached euphoria. \u2013 A.G\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Lola Young<\/p>\n<p>Lola Young performs on the American Express stage on the second day of ACL, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Lola Young performs on the American Express stage on the second day of ACL, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>After a few difficult years for an artist who skyrocketed to stardom only to crash almost as quickly, Lola Young\u2019s set felt like redemption in the best way. She looked happy, healthy and genuinely grateful to be there. As Young closed with \u201cMessy,\u201d her biggest hit, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time all weekend. Just before the chorus, she paused to tell the crowd, &#8220;And let me tell you something, ACL: it is absolutely allowed&#8221; \u2014 a nod to the song&#8217;s message about showing up as your authentic self. As the tiniest sliver of sunlight streaked orange across the sky, it felt poetic for an artist who finally seems to be stepping into a brighter chapter.\u00a0\u2014 K.P.<\/p>\n<p>Leon Thomas<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Leon Thomas performs on the Miller Lite Stage during the first day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Leon Thomas performs on the Miller Lite Stage during the first day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>The former Nickelodeon star has fully shed that skin, and his evening set on opening day of the festival is proof. One of just a few R&amp;B artists on the lineup, Thomas wasn\u2019t afraid to stick to his contemporary take on the genre. Paired with his signature black beret-style cap, his soulful vocals make him feel much older than his 33 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>He took brief breaks from crooning to hit the drums, much to the crowd\u2019s delight, and his steady stream of visualizers projected in the background brought his songs to life. They also evoked another era. In the past, he\u2019s called these \u201cfine art backdrops\u201d and said he intentionally hires directors who harness their raw enthusiasm through their work. He brought his own raw energy to the audience Friday, with the heartbreaking hit \u201cMutt\u201d a fitting closer. \u2014 Julianna Duennes Russ<\/p>\n<p>Balu Brigada<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Balu Brigada performs on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv f bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><img alt=\"Balu Brigada perform on the T-Mobile stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 23 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv f bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Balu Brigada performs on the T-Mobile stage on the second day of ACL, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Balu Brigada performs on the T-Mobile stage on the second day of ACL, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve said it thrice, and I\u2019ll say it again: New Zealand\u2019s Balu Brigada is the next big thing in rock. Despite Saturday\u2019s unexpected weather delay and half of the field being closed, the band had people hyped for songs like \u201cBackseat\u201d and \u201cSo Cold.\u201d Brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley even pulled out a new song called \u201cBedhead.\u201d If you manage to pull yourself out of bed early next Saturday, this one\u2019s a can\u2019t-miss set. You\u2018ll kick yourself over the next couple years if you don\u2019t see them now. \u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Palace<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Palace performs on the Miller Lite stage during the second day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Palace\u2019s evening set on the Miller Lite stage was chill, vibey and everything this longtime fan was looking for. The British alt-rock band broke out classics like &#8220;Bitter, Lover (Don&#8217;t Let Me Down)&#8221; and my favorite, &#8220;Let\u2019s Go Swimming.&#8221; With their new album on the projector behind the band, lead singer Leo Wyndham was smiling at his bandmates when the crowd started dancing to their new songs.\u00a0\u2014 Sanchalli Singh<\/p>\n<p>Rusowsky<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Rusowsky and his band played at the Beatbox stage on Friday Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rusowsky and his band played at the Beatbox stage on Friday Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Ana Gutierrez\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Rusowsky (Rusl\u00e1n Mediavilla) is the future of music production. The Spanish singer most recently produced and was featured on Karol G\u2019s hit \u201cBbY WOW\u201d alongside Judeline. Rusowsky is tapping into sounds that are unlike anything you\u2019ve heard: a little bit of flamenco and a little bit of bachata, all mixed with brainrot. His band, dressed in black bob wigs, complemented this sound, most notably with an incredible flute player. He switched between English and Spanish during songs like \u201cpink+pink\u201d and \u201cBBY ROMEO.\u201d The crowd echoed his sound with palmas flamencas, singing and moshing to his more electronic tracks.\u00a0\u2014 A.G.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Cure For Paranoia<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>MIkala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Fans cheer for Cure for Paranoia at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans cheer for Cure for Paranoia at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cure for Paranoia performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Remember when Malcolm Gladwell said it takes 10,000 hours to master a subject? Dallas rapper Cameron McCloud has put in the work. In 2025, the frontman of the Dallas hip-hop and soul collective challenged himself to write and post one original rap verse a day to Instagram for an entire year. Working through mental health issues, including diagnoses of bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, he considered it both a creative and therapeutic exercise. When his mother, his biggest champion, died midway through the year, it pushed him to work harder. Practice works. As his skills became sharper, his follower count ballooned from roughly 10,000 to more than 600,000. This year, the group beat more than 6,000 other acts to win National Public Radio&#8217;s Tiny Desk Contest.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At ACL Fest the crew raised vibrations at an afternoon marked by immaculate wordplay, positive affirmations and some of the weekend&#8217;s most strident political commentary on &#8220;WTF (Where The Files)&#8221;. \u00a0\u2014 D.S.S.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Lykke Li<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Lykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lykke Li performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>The 40-year-old Swedish songwriter is a veteran of the indie sleaze days. Cuts like \u201cLittle Bit\u201d were popular enough online that a young Drake remixed them in 2009. But her brooding, richly layered pop performance on Saturday night was all peacocking sashay. It\u2019s unclear whether the plastic stage wrapping was weather protection or intentional, but it added decorative flair that obfuscated the screens, blending crowd shots into one faceless mass of humanity.\u00a0 \u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p>Grocery Bag<\/p>\n<p>Grocery Bag performs on the BMI stage on the first day of ACL, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Grocery Bag performs on the BMI stage on the first day of ACL, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins \/ Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>In our pre-fest planning meetings, this was my &#8220;watch this space&#8221; band. After catching part of Grocery Bag&#8217;s set during South by Southwest, the Austin garage-rock group seemed on its way to becoming the city&#8217;s next hometown success story. I stand by that. Grocery Bag is loud, scrappy and impossible not to bop your head to. More importantly, the band was a reminder that even in an era when ACL is defined by blockbuster headliners, there&#8217;s still room for local artists to breakout. \u2014 K.P.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Noga Erez<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Noga Erez performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Noga Erez performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Wearing a baggy, sleeveless sweater-and-tie combo like a \u201890s hip-hop dancer, the Israeli rapper sang anti-war songs with fatalist flair. \u201cI hope you know the world is ending \u2014 but don\u2019t be so sad about it,\u201d she postured on one. \u201cIf you want a happy ending let\u2019s just start a war with Thailand,\u201d she barked on another. \u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p>Dolly Parton &#8216;9 to 5&#8217; drag tribute<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Extragrams hosted a drag tribute to Dolly Parton on the Bonus Tracks stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Extragrams hosted a drag tribute to Dolly Parton on the Bonus Tracks stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026 on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ashley Osborn\/Provided by Austin City Limits<\/p>\n<p>This rhinestone-bedazzled double helping of Southern-fried sass kicked off with &#8220;Jolene,&#8221; climaxed with a Dolly and Whitney &#8220;I Will Always Love You&#8221; duet and concluded with more than half a dozen performers from Extragrams onstage dancing to &#8220;Light of a Clear Blue Morning&#8221; as fans sang, &#8220;Everything&#8217;s gonna be all right\/ It&#8217;s gonna be okay,&#8221; at the top of their lungs. A welcome shot of queer joy deep in the heart of Texas.\u00a0 \u2014 D.S.S.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Marlon Funaki<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"A fan dances as Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A fan dances as Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Marlon Funaki performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles singer-songwriter Marlon Funaki has Japanese and Mexican roots, and presents as a distinct, cool rock star. So distinct that I think he\u2019s pioneering a new genre of rock. It\u2019s called \u201ccool guy rock,\u201d and it\u2019s distinctly Gen Z, baked in a world of promotional Reels where bands play in a kitchen to catch your eye. Imagine the post-rock, ethereal guitars pioneered by bands such as Explosions in the Sky \u2014 only the drummer and bassist are grooving. Smooth enough for curious watchers to sway along to effective, but often simple, progressions.<\/p>\n<p>Funaki and his three-piece band sport sunglasses. They wear monochrome T-shirts with chains dangling above them (men\u2019s fashion so of the moment even Mark Zuckerberg wears one.) Funaki pulls off the black cowboy hat, in part, because he wears cool boots and several silver rings.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am just a man who is all alone,\u201d he sings, slyly. Not for long brother, you\u2019ll have to shake off the fans with a stick after this one.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Dexter and the Moonrocks<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"James Tuffs of Dexter and the Moonrocks performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>James Tuffs of Dexter and the Moonrocks performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Fresh off performing the viral hit &#8220;Freakin&#8217; Out&#8221; on Jimmy Fallon, these Abilene rockers arrived on the AmEx stage ready for the mud with Attitude Era flair. The drummer wrote a curse word on his kickdrum. They wore camo pants and gave the crowd the finger as singer James Tuffs snarled, &#8220;Here&#8217;s your &#8216;Free Bird.'&#8221; Take that, Mom and Dad. \u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Villanelle<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Villanelle performs on the American Express stage during the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Villanelle performs on the American Express stage during the third day of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>It was immediately obvious that Villanelle\u2019s Gene Gallagher, one of the cockiest kids I\u2019ve ever seen, was Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher\u2019s son. I don\u2019t care much for nepo babies and didn\u2019t want to like the band, but these young rockers ripped. Gallagher inherited his dad\u2019s snide, don&#8217;t-care attitude and is modernizing sleek-slacker Brit rock for a new generation. It\u2019s too bad the crowd seemed disinterested. It was overcast and drizzling, which made the whole set feel very English. \u201cLook at you lot down in the mud, making me feel at home,\u201d Gallagher commented. I think they have the swagger and potential to be contenders in the next few years.\u00a0 \u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p>Worst of ACL Festival 2026<\/p>\n<p>The mud<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"A discarded boot remains stuck in deep mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A discarded boot remains stuck in deep mud at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Enemy No. 1 for festgoers this year. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/entertainment\/article\/acl-fest-2026-worst-shoes-22460409.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Many shoes became casualties<\/a> as festgoers trudged through a slimy mess that grew soupier as each day wore on. One of our writers sludged a phone too.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The mulch\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Guest services shovels mulch to help soak up puddles at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Guest services shovels mulch to help soak up puddles at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>It attracted gnats. Fine, I\u2019d rather deal with gnats than my skin burning in the sun, but it\u2019s not pleasant when the little bugs fly right in your face like they\u2019re ready to give you a kiss. \u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p>I know it\u2019s not Dillo Dirt, but it stinks and there&#8217;s something about it that had my throat absolutely wrecked by Sunday. I know I shouldn\u2019t complain because at least it\u2019s not clouds of dust, but if I still have to wear a bandana on my face stagecoach-robber style, is there really a difference?\u00a0\u2014 K.P.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Skrillex<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Skrillex performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Skrillex performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Roger Ho\/Provided by Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>An area man whose lock screen featured a pic of his black Lab offered this reporter a popper. Then he asked who was onstage. That\u2019d be the longtime meme DJ whose most noteworthy drop samples a YouTube cup-stacking champion. The 38-year-old pressed play on booming, unrelenting noise and later, mainstream rap songs by Ken Carson and Chief Keef. The muddy rave was as lit as it was nihilistic. At least he had a spaceship in 2016. \u2014 R.R.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki on side stages<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The Chainsmokers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Chainsmokers perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Not sure whose idea it was to put The Chainsmokers on the Snapchat stage. The space was disproportionately small considering the duo\u2019s popularity. Sure, their biggest hits came out around 2016, but they have enough era-defining hits to draw thousands of Gen Z and younger millennial festgoers. They played right before headliners Charli xcx and Skrillex on a stage in the middle of the park, meaning a mass of people watching The Chainsmokers became nearly impassable for\u00a0 people trying to move toward the biggest stages at the opposite ends of Zilker Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Another issue: Steve Aoki on the Tito\u2019s stage. The crowd spilled out on every side of the small tent. It was so crowded, I bet there was at least one person standing inside one of the stage-adjacent porta potties just to get a glimpse at the veteran DJ. The most dedicated fans camped out at the barricade with signs reading \u201cCake Me.\u201d Austin\u2019s Sugar Mama\u2019s Bake Shop made 10 sheet cakes that Aoki flung at the audience, but for people in the back they may as well have been sheets of paper flying in the wind. \u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p>Finn Wolfhard<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:4 \/ 3\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Finn Wolfhard performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Hollywood actors sometimes make music in bands that enjoy shortcuts onto large stages because they are of a higher social ilk. The &#8220;Stranger Things&#8221; star&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/entertainment\/music\/article\/finn-wolfhard-acl-festival-review-22461256.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rickenbacker-strummed garage rock struggled to lift muddy spirits<\/a>, as the 23-year-old Canadian sparked dozens of confounding looks. Like seeing your co-worker\u2019s band with your other co-workers on a Tuesday.\u00a0He sang a piano ballad where he didn\u2019t 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 \u201cFinn Wolfhard\u2019s childrens choir\u201d and sang in childish, high-pitched \u201cla-las.\u201d And when there weren&#8217;t enough songs to fill the void, he played a defensive note-for-note cover of \u201cYou Don\u2019t Know How It Feels\u201d by Tom Petty. With harmonica.\u00a0\u2014 R.R.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>No crossover from Charli xcx, Lorde<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Charli xcx headlines Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charli xcx headlines Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Henry Redcliffe\/Provided by Austin City Limits Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>Some fans were disappointed that Charli xcx didn\u2019t bring Lorde onstage for their collab, \u201cGirl, so confusing,\u201d especially after Lorde was seen dancing on the side of the stage during Charli\u2019s set. Lorde also didn\u2019t bring Charli out when she played \u201cGirl, so confusing\u201d the next day. Fingers crossed for a Weekend 2 crossover.\u00a0\u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p>Rebecca Black<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XX headline Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Mikala Compton\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Rebecca Black was like Charli xcx\u2019s backwash. She has come a long way since she became a 13-year-old internet meme for the song \u201cFriday,\u201d and her choreography is stellar. But it felt like she was trying to copy other artists making club-kid dance pop and falling short. \u201cMiss Delicious\u201d and some of her other songs felt too similar to Christina Aguilera\u2019s \u201cCandyman\u201d era.\u00a0\u2014 M.S.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Woke lyrics with no substance<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Jesse Wells performs on the T-Mobile stage during the first day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 2, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jesse Wells performs on the T-Mobile stage during the first day of Austin City Limits Festival, Oct. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>Jesse Welles was polarizing for the Statesman team. Up front during his set, Ramon Ramirez found this singer-songwriter amazing. The team members listening from the press tent had a different reaction:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We love that you try to be accepting and welcoming. But lyrics like, \u201cIt won\u2019t matter if you\u2019re neocon or a MAGA democrat\u201d and, \u201cThe 401(k)s are slaying\u201d made us roll our eyes. We get the point. We just think there\u2019s a more poetic way to express those views.\u00a0\u2014 A.G.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Musically, the folk artist helped us catch a vibe, but the shallow lyrics were distracting. My worst moment came during \u201cBugs\u201d \u2014 a well-intentioned song about enjoying nature \u2014 when the phrase \u201cstinky stink bugs\u201d made me full-body cringe. \u2014\u00a0K.P.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mud, rain and booming bass marked the first weekend of an undeniably messy Austin City Limits Music Festival.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":457414,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[132,134,133],"class_list":["post-457413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-austin","tag-austin","tag-austin-headlines","tag-austin-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=457413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457413\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/457414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=457413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=457413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=457413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}