Another year, another unforgettable weekend at Zilker Park. Austin City Limits Weekend Two brought the heat, literally and figuratively, as thousands gathered in the heart of Austin, Texas, for three sun-soaked days of music, food, and festival vibes. With a diverse lineup spanning genres, mouthwatering local eats, and interactive brand pop-ups around every corner, ACL once again proved why it’s one of the country’s most beloved music festivals. Whether you came for the headliners or stumbled upon your new favorite artist by accident, there was something for everyone under the Texas sun.
Any foodies in the house? ACL’s food game was on point this year. Juicy burgers, creamy ice cream, and all kinds of sweet treats were everywhere, making it impossible not to snack your way through the day. Whether you were craving a classic burger, a decadent dessert, or a little something in between, the festival had you covered. It was the perfect fuel for dancing between sets and indulging while soaking up the festival vibes. Now that we’re fueled up, let’s get into the sets that had everyone talking!
FRIDAY
Aidan Bissett
Photos by Matt Evans for Melodic
Opening the festival at the T-Mobile stage was Aidan Bissett. Marking a milestone in his career, his set was full of high energy as he navigated all around the stage. Playing guitar on and off, Aidan leaned into the Indie/Alt sound he is known for. He of course made sure to play his biggest hits such as “More Than Friends”, and “Out Of My League.” Even though it was peak heat for the day with the sun shining directly on the stage, he made sure to keep himself and his fans dancing the whole set. It was a perfect start to the festival weekend.
Role Model
Current Indie rising star, Role Model, also known by his real name as Tucker Pillsbury, took the T-Mobile stage by storm later in the day. As some fans had camped all day to see him as close as possible, it was crystal clear why once he came out on stage. His stage presence was emanating as he played for a packed crowd. Mostly sticking to his newest album, Kansas Anymore, Tucker dived into his new southern indie sound that collides southern charm with his past well known sound. He gave the fans exactly what they wanted, playing hits like “Look At That Woman” and “Deeply Still In Love” with a charisma that had everyone locked in.
Tucker is known for having as much fun as he can on stage, and his ACL set was no different. Having moments of cute dance breaks such as when he vocally addressed the camera man before turning around and shaking his hips, along with the moment he pulled out a mini birkin bag out of his back jeans pocket, it was clear Tucker was having the best time he could. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Role Model set without the famous “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”. Once the song started, fans roared with excitement, as he is known to always have a guest come on stage in the middle of the song to be his Sally. As anticipation grew, he finally called out his Sally who was none other than Lizzy McAlpine! This was a major surprise as the two are well known artistic and personal friends who have appeared in each other’s music videos and helped with projects they create. Lizzy dawned a cowboy hat, of course, and practically recreated her “Pushing It Down And Praying” music video dance that she did with Tucker. It was a perfect Sally for anyone who is a Role Model fan, leaving fans star struck and amazed since she was not even performing at the festival. With a beautiful golden hour to accompany, it was the set of the day for fans of Tucker.
The Favors
The Favors brought their signature dreamy energy to the Miller Lite stage, opening their set with the delicate yet piercing “The Little Mess You Made.” Ashe and Finneas effortlessly traded off on piano throughout the performance, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that felt both intimate and electric. Their chemistry radiated across the crowd, making even a festival setting feel like a small-room show. The set glided between soft, cinematic builds and emotional crescendos, exactly what The Favors do best.
Cage The Elephant
Cage the Elephant took over the American Express stage with a burst of pure energy, opening with “Broken Boy” and immediately pulling the crowd into their world. From the first chord, the band was unstoppable. Leaping into the audience, climbing on stage equipment, and trading frantic guitar riffs with explosive drumming. Fans were every bit as charged, screaming and singing along to every word, turning the entire area into a collective frenzy. Pyro effects and flashing lights only amplified the chaos, making it impossible to look away.
Despite the wild energy, there was a precision to their performance that kept it exhilarating rather than messy. Every song built on the momentum of the last, and the band’s chemistry was impossible to miss, each member feeding off the crowd and each other. By the end, Cage the Elephant had transformed the stage into a storm of sound, motion, and fire, leaving the audience breathless and buzzing long after the final note. It was the kind of set that reminded everyone why they’ve built a reputation for unforgettable, high-octane performances.
SATURDAY
Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay took the Lady Bird stage on a mystical ride, opening with “Image” and immediately immersing the crowd in their dreamy, synth-driven world. The performance felt magical and otherworldly, with trippy visuals swirling across the stage that perfectly complemented their ethereal sound. Every beat and melody seemed to pull the audience deeper into a shimmering, neon colored dreamscape.
The duo’s chemistry was effortless, bouncing between vocals and synths while maintaining an intimate connection with the crowd. Even amid the festival chaos, their set felt like stepping into another dimension. One filled with sparkling lights, hypnotic rhythms, and a sense of pure escapism. It was a performance that lingered in your mind long after the last note faded.
Doechii
Doechii brought the heat to the American Express stage, opening with “Nosebleeds” and immediately turning the energy all the way up. The crowd was loud, rapping and singing every word back to her, matching her wild, unapologetic stage presence. It was a full on party from start to finish, a performance that demanded everyone’s attention and participation.
And yes, while last week she famously split her pants twerking, this week she kept it all together, literally. Her charisma carried through every move, and the high octane energy never let up. By the end, it was clear why Doechii is one of the festival’s most electrifying performers, leaving the audience buzzing long after the set ended.
DJO
DJO, the Chicago-based performer, opened the Lady Bird stage with “Awake”, bathed in bright red lights that washed over the stage. The crowd was silent, but in the best way, completely magnetized by the hypnotic, immersive performance. It felt like the entire audience was holding its breath, fully absorbed in the moment.
Then, almost instantly, DJO flipped the switch. He started bouncing all over the stage, turning the energy way up, and the crowd matched him beat for beat. Yelling, cheering, and singing along. The contrast between the quiet, mesmerizing start and the explosive, high energy follow up made for one of the most captivating sets of the day, leaving everyone fully charged and buzzing long after he left the stage.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter, whos been taking over the pop industry ever since she skyrocketed with her album Short N Sweet, gave the performance of the weekend at the American Express stage. Having practically a full house set, complete with a “SC” sign that not only lit up but also was lifted off the stage and into the air above everything during some songs, the production value was insane. Fans had gotten to the gates before 7am that day just to ensure they got barricade for her set, and while that sounds crazy to be outside in the 90 degree heat all day long, it was clearly worth it. Fresh off releasing her newest album, Man’s Best Friend, Sabrina made sure to incorporate a couple of her new songs such as “Manchild” and her newest addition “Tears.” This marked her third time ever performing “Tears” for a live crowd and the dance breaks were intense and hot.
Wearing a beautiful silver top with red tassels, a bandana on her head, and shiny blue shorts, Sabrina clearly played into the cute southern aesthetic that is becoming more and more noticeable in every album she releases. Diving into the sensual side of the music industry, Sabrina had moments such as laying on a moving bed with two of her dancers in her beautiful short silver dress. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Carpenter festival set without a surprise guest, who was none other than The Chicks! After they joined each other to play one of each of their songs, Sabrina made her way down the catwalk to exit the stage for a barricade walk that had fans reaching as far as they could to reach her hands. This was the moment everyone at that barricade section had waited for. Practically every fan she passed was able to high five her as she passed by to sing “Dont Smile” on a crane as she hovered over fans behind the tech booth to get a full aerial view. It was truly an unforgettable set and left everyone perfectly satisfied when it was over.
SUNDAY
The Dare
Photos by Matt Evand for Melodic
Music producer, The Dare, has recently been taking the limelight as he has been diving deeper into making his own music. Known well for producing Charlie XCX’s hit “Guess,” he has been a genius in the electronic alternative industry. Taking the Miller Light stage to a crowd of dedicated fans, The Dare was one of the most energetic sets of the weekend, as he ran, jumped, climbed, and sang his heart out, all while returning to his electronic instruments when needed.
Wearing his classic suit, which he wears for every performance, it was a miracle he didn’t overheat in that Austin sun. He obviously made sure to perform his biggest hit, “Girls” which gives an edgy sound emphasized with bass that keeps the song bouncing with energy. There was truly never a dull moment during this set, and it is clear that while he began more on the behind the scenes side of production, his venture into making his own music and a bigger name for himself is going insanely well.
Disco Lines
House DJ, Disco Lines, pulled in one of the most packed crowds for Miller Light, as a sea of people practically made it impossible to go anywhere else. The vibes were immaculate as fans were jumping, dancing, and even crowd surfing! It is clear Austin loves their house music, and what Makes Disco Lines so sought after is his unique style not only with his remixes but also with his own songs. His current highlight is his song “No Broke Boys” which has been taking over the house industry for months now. The music he creates perfectly captures the energy and vibes that were present that day, and it was a set that most fans would have loved to continue for hours.
T-Pain
T-Pain took over the American Express stage and immediately proved why he’s been making such a massive comeback in recent years. The crowd was huge, absolutely packed, and buzzing with energy from the first note. Every festival seems to draw him insanely large crowds, and ACL was no exception. From the start, he had everyone dancing, singing, and having a total blast.
T-Pain’s charisma is impossible to resist, bouncing across the stage, encouraging the crowd, and reminding everyone why he’s a master of fun, feel-good performances. Honestly, coming from a girl wearing a DIY I ♥ T-Pain shirt, it was impossible not to be grinning and singing along the whole time. If you ever get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it and come ready to dance. The set was pure joy: equal parts nostalgia, energy, and ridiculous amounts of good vibes.
The Killers
The Killers closed out the American Express stage as headliners, stepping in last minute after Doja Cat’s switch and they came out on fire. Opening with “Mr. Brightside” instead of saving it for the encore immediately set the crowd off, with everyone screaming, singing, and jumping along from the very first note. The energy was electric, and the excitement only skyrocketed when they threw in a surprise performance of “Bones” as an October special, an oldie that had the crowd going absolutely wild.
It’s easy to see why The Killers are considered rock legends. From Brandon Flowers’ commanding stage presence to the band’s tight, anthemic sound, every moment felt massive and unforgettable. They bounced seamlessly from hits to deeper cuts, keeping the audience hooked the entire time. By the end, it wasn’t just a headlining set it was a festival defining performance, leaving everyone buzzing, singing, and fully convinced that The Killers are still at the very top of their game.
John Summit
Closing out the T-Mobile stage for the weekend was John Summit, who is basically the biggest thing in house music for the United States. He gave Austin a truly unforgettable set with a production that exceeded what most DJ’s do by miles and miles. Yes, it is typical for headlining DJ’s to use lasers, smoke, and pyro, but this absolute star also brought in a dance crew of around 20 people along with a 2 story set design. The lighting design was also impressive as the stage was lit pretty well during the whole set. Amazingly, the crowd in most parts was not cramped as many would think. While there was obviously about half the festival at his set, the method of production allowed fans to not worry as much about how close they were to the stage, since a lot of the elements work a lot better in full with a view of the entire stage.
John was clearly enjoying himself to the extreme and at one point even took off his shirt to appease all the fans who have been eyeing his workout journey. As the set went on, the dancing and high energy was practically infectious because there wasn’t one person anywhere not waving their hand and jumping. He played all his biggest hits while incorporating some experimental unreleased songs that dove more into Drum and Bass. It was clear that no matter what he performed, his stage presence and production gave everyone who left after his set the perfect close to their ACL weekend two.
ACL 2025 was an unforgettable mix of energy, artistry, and pure festival magic. From dreamy, intimate sets to explosive, high octane performances, the weekend had something for every kind of music fan. The stages were alive with creativity, the crowds were electrified from start to finish, and every set brought its own unique flavor to the festival.
What stood out most was the sheer connection between artists and audience. Whether it was a hypnotic, silent moment or a full-blown sing-along, every performance felt immersive and alive. ACL proved yet again why it’s one of the country’s premier music festivals: it’s a place to see legends, discover rising stars, and share unforgettable moments with thousands of fellow fans. If you weren’t there this year, the energy, the surprises, and the sheer joy of the music are impossible to fully capture but one thing’s certain: ACL 2025 was a weekend that left every attendee buzzing, dancing, and already counting down to next year.
Check out our Wet Leg after show HERE
