Hitting Austin City Limits? Discover 13 Ones To Catch

Austin City Limits caters to a wide audience of Austin locals and international music lovers. Where else can you jam to "Sweet Child O' Mine" then lose your voice singing along to "Bad Guy" the next day? Packed with tons of local eats and drinks, ACL provides festival-goers with a "keep it weird" experience.  

Every year, ACL transforms Austin's beautiful Zilker Park into an eclectic live-music oasis for the first two weekends of October. You can catch the adorable Kiddie Limits for the youngsters, and the Barton Springs Beer Hall for those wanting to cool off with a cold one. Whether you want to make your way to the rails for your favorite artists, or sit back and relax and enjoy all seven stages of live music – Austin City Limits is sure to provide a memorable and unique experience ready for your Instagram feed. With a lineup ranging from festival veterans like Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, and Mumford and Sons, to new-comers like Sam Fender, Madison Ryann Ward, and Sigrid, ACL will have you movin' n' groovin' southern style. We did our homework on some of the 2019 Austin City Limits’ best not-to-miss acts so you don't have to. Happy festing!


Madison Ryann Ward

Saturday Oct 5 & 12 1:45-2:30 Tito's Handmade Vodka

Former collegiate volleyball player and Oklahoma native, Madison Ryann Ward will surely leave you teary-eyed with her smooth and sultry voice and heart-wrenching lyrics. With a viral video of her singing Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools," Ward knew music was her calling. Why does Ward make music? "Just to be honest. And to move people in a way that they've never been moved before." Somehow Madison Ryann Ward has figured out the perfect blend of soulful rhythms with gospel and rap influences in her debut EP, Beyond Me.


Mallrat

Sunday Oct 13 1:15-2 VRBO

If you're down to dance to some hip-hop inspired, pure-hearted electro-pop tunes, Mallrat, aka Grace Shaw, is the gal for you. Making her SXSW debut last year, Mallrat is breaking out of her bedroom and blessing the states with her recent singles, "Nobody's Home" and "Charlie." She's supported acts like Maggie Rogers, Post Malone, and Peking Duk, proving her versatility and musical variance. With aspirations to write for artists like Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Post Malone, and Beyoncé, Mallrat is well on her way to making her mark.


Koffee

Sunday Oct 6 3-4 T-Mobile

When you listen to Koffee, you can immediately hear the authentic and down to earth sounds of Jamaica. After accidentally entering in her school's talent and taking home first place, Koffee figured out she loved being on stage. Her song, "Burning," took over Jamaica gaining recognition from some of the biggest contemporary reggae stars, leading her to be an international success. Make sure to check out her set to dance off some tacos!


Sam Fender

Oct 4 1:15-2 VRBO

Fresh off his first album, Hypersonic Missiles, Newcastle's Sam Fender is well on his way to making his name known in the indie rock scene. With song lyrics decorated with socially conscious messages and cinematic melodies, Fender puts on a show that will leave you motivated and ready for battle and self-reflection. Winning the Brit Awards Critics' Choice honor, making his U.S television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and supporting acts like Hozier and Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender is paving his own lane on this side of the pond.


IDK

Sunday Oct 13 3:15-4 BMI

Maryland-based rapper, IDK, writes about what he knows best - himself and his own story. Verses about his personal financial turmoil, anxiety, and social commentary. Born as Jason Mills, IDK is paving his own lane with his honest and reflective lyrics that have listeners hanging on to every word. His debut studio album, Is He Real?, is a conceptual collection based around his belief in a higher power where listeners can take a step back and question their own ideas. He delivers an incredibly diverse production to his fans that will leave you wanting more.


Duckwrth

Sunday Oct 6 & 13 1:15-2 PM T-Mobile

Duckwrth brings vibrantly bold energy to the stage unlike anyone else. As soon as the first beat plays, he captivates the audience with his free-spirited nature and has everyone dancing. Collaborations with artists like Sabrina Claudio, Rico Nasty, Kiana Lede, and Medasin, Duckwrth's chameleon nature shines bright in every track on his newest EP, The Falling Man. If there's one thing you do ACL weekend, other than try as much local food as possible, is hit up Duckwrth's set.  


The Japanese House

Sunday Oct 6 1:15-2 VRBO

If you need a moment to collect yourself and take a breather, we highly suggest making your way to The Japanese House's set. London based singer/songwriter, Amber Bain, has figured out how to combine the feeling of floating and reading a love note into a single ballad. There's a serene simplicity to every song that will perhaps transcend you out of Zilker Park, and into a cloud. Her newest album, Good at Falling, continues the legacy of soft anthems made for dreaming.


LANY

Sunday Oct 6 & 13 7-8 VRBO

LA-based triad, LANY, have a cult following full of heartbroken but hopeful fans established, but should be checked out by music fans beyond their general demographics. Their sound transports you back to the electronic 80's days and vibrant 90's era with jams like "Thru These Tears" and "Thick and Thin." Their charisma and stage presence transcends to even the farthest fans from the stage. Do your friends a favor, and add LANY to your fest schedule. We know you will love it...so bad.


Mahalia

Friday Oct 11 12:30-1:15 Honda

English soul singer, Mahalia, has a voice like butter with messages of empowerment and romance. She's toured with Ella Mai and Ed Sheeran, complimenting their respective sense of storytelling and delicate yet powerful vocals. With achievements like being placed on the BBC Radio 1 Brit List and the envied YouTube's Ones to Watch roster, it goes to show Mahalia knows what she's doing and where she's going. Her set at ACL will definitely not have you missing your ex.


Faye Webster

Sunday Oct 6 1:15-2 PM BMI

Americana artist and Atlanta native, Faye Webster brings a refreshing approach to folk and bluegrass music. With Aaliyah as her main inspiration, Webster's genre-bending sound is a beautiful contradiction of traditional and modern music. Her most recent release, Atlanta Millionaires Club, is an intimate and longing collection of tunes carried by her delicate and vulnerable voice. Please, for us, check out this Georgia peach.  


The Band CAMINO

Friday Oct 11 1:15-2 PM

If you love dreamy rock with the likes of The Killers, LANY, or The 1975, The Band CAMINO are your guys. Jeffrey Jordan, Spencer Stewart, Graham Rowell, and Garrison Burgess make up the Tennessee group. Melodies and lyrics full of messages of personal growth, love, and perseverance, The Band CAMINO has gained attention from artists like Taylor Swift. For a set full of positivity and good vibes, hit up their set.


Dayglow

Saturday Oct 12 3-4 PM BMI

Based right here in Austin but originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Dayglow, brings a fresh take on indie pop. With a vibrant and textured approach to production, songs like "Can I Call You Tonight?" and "Hot Rod" carry a catchy tune made for fun in the sun. Sloan Struble started the project during his freshman year at the University of Texas, only a few miles away from Zilker Park. Pulling in from the music he found on the internet, Dayglow has made a sound of his own. You can't beat a hometown set!


Scarypoolparty

Friday Oct 4 2:15-3 PM Honda

You may have seen his American Idol audition, but Alejandro Aranda was destined for more than the opinions of judges. Hardworking and humble, Aranda continues to mesmerize his audience with thoughtful lyrics that leave his heart on his sleeve. If his brilliant music wasn't enough, his visuals are just as impressive. They truly paint a picture to the raw emotion of Scarypoolparty's music. Don't believe us? See for yourself!

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