by Andrew Calvio

Now that the dust has settled and it’s back to the grind for most people it’s time to start gearing up for Weekend 2 of ACL. There were so many unforgettable sets from the first run but in case you missed it, you get one more chance to indulge. In case you’re still trying to build your list of must see sets, we’re here to help. From local acts to internationally touring mega stars, ACL spans all genres and has a little something for everyone.

Friday 10/11

Friday night’s headliners will make you decide between 90s nostalgia or some good old fashioned soul seeking country with Blink 182 on Honda at 8:10 or Chris Stapleton on AMEX 8:30. I look forward to losing my voice singing along to “Stay Together for the Kids.” The Marias crushed it last weekend. Don’t miss their set on T Mobile stage at 7:30. Texas artist Leon Bridges will be taking Amex at 6:30 while Foster The People will have the “Pumped Up Kicks” running at Honda 6:10. You can’t miss Stephen Sanchez on T Mobile at 5:30, if you can’t connect why you know this name go Google “Until I Found You.” “I Don’t Know Why,” but I really feel like Norah Jones will have a great set on Honda 4:10. Thee Sinseers bring their East LA soul to Miller Lite 3:10. This will be a good chill set. Dasha literally wrote a song named Austin, although it doesn’t quite glorify our beloved city, this set still might be worth checking out. She’ll be on AMEX at 2:45. Sir Chloe on T Mobile 2:00, the blazing sun will make this one a challenge. Your body will want to bounce to this indie outfit but you have to remember to pace yourself. El Paso natives Late Night Drive Home open Honda at 12:55. 

Other notables: Royal Otis (Miller Lite 5:10), Carin Leon (AMEX 4:30), CMAT (Tito’s 2:45), Katie Pruitt (Miller Lite 1:40), The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective (Tito’s 1:15), School Of Rock (Kiddie Limits 12:45) 

Saturday 10/12

Dua Lipa is coming back for round 2! She closes AMEX at 8:20. Be on the lookout around town. Who knows where she might pop up after being spotted at Franklin’s BBQ and the Broken Spoke last weekend. Renee Rapp will hit T Mobile at 7:20, be there. The 6 o’clock time slot is tough. Benson Boone on Honda 6:10 will be begging you to stay while Houston based trio Khruangbin takes on the AMEX stage at 6:20. Remi Wolf is an ACL alumni whose last appearance in 2021 was high energy and engaging throughout the entire set. She’ll be on Miller Lite at 5:10. Teddy Swims will make you “Lose Control” on Honda 4:10. The Beaches lit up the T Mobile stage last week, there’s a high probability that they will do the same the second time around at 3:20. Try catching a little bit of Balthvs on Tito’s 3:05 before moving to a bigger stage.

Movements on Honda at 2:10 will satisfy the emo needs. Austin’s own Bob Schneider will be in the Tito’s tent at 2:05. At 1:25 you will need to do a 3 sided coin flip. On Miller Lite is Nico Vega who’s bassist may be a familiar face if you’re a fan of Michael Pena, yes that one. Ugandan born Austin resident Jon Muq will be on BMI stage at the same time. His music is soothing to the soul. The other contender in this time slot is New York based indie rockers Geese on the T Mobile stage. These guys are fun. Good luck making a decision here. Goldie Boutlier will open AMEX at 12:50 with some easy listening alternative pop. Be sure to catch two local Austin bands to start the day with The Tiarras on Tito’s 12:35 and Being Dead on IHG 12:05

Other notables: Pretty Lights (Honda 8:10), Silent Disco (Tito’s 8:00), Jungle (Miller Lite 7:10), Hermanos Gutierrez (T Mobile 5:20), Eyedress (AMEX 4:20)

Sunday 10/13

We have Sturgill Simpson on Honda 8:25 vs Tyler the Creator at AMEX 8:45. Two very different closers will probably be an easy choice for you. Queen Herby will surprise you with her hip hop prowess on IHG at 7:45. Chappel Roan brought one of the biggest crowds Austin City Limits has ever seen last week. Expect a repeat with her AMEX set starting at 6:45. That Mexican OT will be on T Mobile at 5:45. On the other side of the park is Jess Glynne on Miller Lite 5:25. You might not know that you know her, but it’s hard to not know her hit song “Hold My Hand.” I’m leaning towards Cannons at 4:45 on AMEX but that crowd might be stacked already for Chappel Roan, a game time decision will be made. Over on Honda at 4:25 will be Orville Peck, this will will probably be easier to enjoy. Misterwives will be an awesome early set on Honda 2:25.

Petey made a name for himself through making absurd videos on TikTok during Covid. His stage banter is worth catching this one on IHG 2:00. Get to the park early to enjoy the locals as well. Kalu And The Electric Joint will give us a little psychedelic soul over at Tito’s 1:30. Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol really are as fun as their name sounds, try not to miss this one. They will be on at 12:30 on the IHG stage. Daiistar will open the Miller Lite stage at 12:10 with some indie psych rock.

Other notables: The Red Clay Strays (Miller Lite 7:25), Dom Dolla (TMobile 7:45), San Holo (Tito’s 6:00), David Shaw (Tito’s 4:30) Glass Beams (Tito’s 2:45)

Amenities 

Be sure to stay hydrated in the Texas heat by bringing your own refillable water bottle. Refill stations are placed throughout the park so you won’t run dry. Saturday is Red River day so be sure to stop by The Big Tent Bambino Pizza next to the Miller Lite for a slice and a craft beer while you check the score. Another new addition this year will be La Pachanga Eater located by the IHG stage which will satisfy your taco fix. ACL Eats will be back with a great selection of Austin favorites located by the Tito’s tent. If you need to feed that sweet tooth, ACL Sweets will be back in the same location near the T Mobile stage. Feeling bougie? No problem, head over to the Aperol Spritz Piazza and get you a signature cocktail. Hendrick’s Grand Garden Bar will be in GA this year located near the artist village, stop by for a Cucumber Lemonade. You’ll find good shade at the Wine Grove and might be able to catch something on the Bonus Track stage while you’re there.

American Express cardholders can stop by the Amex Saloon for personalized boot branding and shaded seating. Don’t forget Austin Kiddie Limits if you have little ones. There will be lots of fun activities and artist interactions to keep them entertained. One last tip, a face covering is wise. If you’ve never experienced ACL fest before, then you don’t know about ACL flu. It gets really dusty in some areas and having a bandana to cover your mouth and nose will help.

Lots to do, so many great artists to see. Make the experience yours and start mapping it all out! Three days of pain will be worth it, I promise.