Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024: Preview
by Virginia Hernandez
It’s almost here! The Austin City Limits Music Festival returns in October for two back-to-back weekends of music, merch, eats, and Austin-centric photo ops amidst the spectacular backdrop of Zilker Park. Get your camping chairs, blankets, and flags ready because Austin 101 has hand-selected the most highly anticipated bands and artists to highlight on your schedule. If you can’t make the fest, don’t fret, you can stream on Hulu again this year!
Local Artists:
ACL Fest has a long history of featuring local acts and this year is no exception. These Austin artists have earned a spot at the fest in 2024, typically a launching pad for recognition and longevity for local bands. Catch Chief Cleopatra, Midnight Navy, and Asleep at the Wheel on weekend one, and The Tiarras, Being Dead, The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective, and Bob Schneider on weekend two.
Headliners:
ACL is sometimes known for bringing a slew of nostalgic and legendary headliners, but this year’s lineup has an impressive number of the most relevant current artists in the nation, making tough decisions for festival-goers.
On Friday of both weekends, our choices are stirring country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton, indie pop English-Spanish fusion band The Marias, and Texas native Leon Bridges, bringing his uniquely passionate take on soul music to Zilker.
Saturday, don’t miss pop mega-star Dua Lipa making her debut at the Fest, breakout up-and-comer Renee Rapp, Grand Funk Railroad, and native Texan trio Khruangbin’s globally influenced psychedelic rock.
Sunday’s undeniable draw is pop sensation Chappell Roan, whose festival appearances have launched her meteoric rise in popularity. Rap icon Tyler, the Creator, Red Clay Strays, and Australian house DJ Dom Dolla round out our Sunday picks.
Other Highlights:
Sprinkled throughout the schedule are other artists well worth seeking out, such as Stephen Sanchez, Mannequin Pussy, Caamp, Vince Staples, Orville Peck, Cannons, and Lola Young. These bands on the verge of mainstream stardom deliver terrific shows around the country to their dedicated fans and hold the promise of being a “new favorite” discovery for many ACL-goers.
Austin Kiddie Limits also returns to the park, providing families a space to enjoy the festival with featured national performers like Lucky Kalantari & The Jazz Cats, Uncle Jumbo, and Andrew & Polly. Austin Kiddie Limits also offers plenty of fun activities like crafts, temporary tattoos, a photo booth, and drum zone. Kids under 8 years old are free to enter the festival and don’t forget to register the young ones at the Tag-Your-Kid program.
Austin City Limits Music Festival runs October 4-6 and October 11-13, 2024 at Zilker Park. 3-day wristbands and single-day tickets are available at aclfestival.com. Check out our coverage of this year’s fest and previous years on our site and socials.
