Zilker Park came alive once again as ACL Fest 2025 kicked off its first weekend, filling the Austin skyline with the sounds of guitars, laughter, and that unmistakable energy only this city can bring. 

From Asleep at the Wheel officially opening the festival to The Killers performing “Whiskey River” under a full moon, Weekend One felt like a true celebration of everything that makes Austin “the Live Music Capital of the World.”

Friday set the tone with a mix of local pride and breakout moments. A couple of Austin-area acts made their ACL Fest debuts, including Dylan Gossett, one of music’s fastest-rising stars. After his song “Coal” went viral, Gossett became the first artist to sign with Big Loud Texas and even made his Grand Ole Opry debut this summer. 

Also stepping onto the ACL stage for the first time was Briscoe, the talented duo of University of Texas grads Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzleman. Fresh off the release of their new album Heat of July and a tour supporting The 502s, Briscoe showed exactly why they’re a band to keep your eye on. And of course, it wouldn’t be ACL Fest without Asleep at the Wheel kicking things off on that first Friday, an Austin tradition that never gets old.

Some standout performances included the always electric Cage the Elephant, the high-energy vibes of Role Model, RIIZE becoming to the first K-Pop band to play ACL Fest, and one of the weekend’s biggest surprises, Sabrina Carpenter bringing out none other than country icon Shania Twain (sorry Swifties, not that surprise!). And then there was Sunday night’s headliner, The Killers, who lit up Zilker Park paying tribute to Texas music icon, Willie Nelson, with a rousing cover of “Whiskey River,” all set against a massive Texas flag backdrop. It was a moment that summed up the weekend perfectly, big, bold, and unapologetically Texan.

As we roll into Weekend Two, there’s still plenty to look forward to. The lineup gets some exciting additions, including Pierce the Veil, Sam Barber, Car Seat Headrest, and a long-awaited reunion from Rilo Kiley. Unfortunately, if you missed bands like Briscoe of Phantogram during Weekend One, you’ll have to catch them next time, they won’t be back for round two.

If you’re feeling a little FOMO from all the Weekend One magic, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our photo gallery for a look back at the weekend that was. And if you’re heading to the park for Weekend Two, be sure to check out our ACL Fest tips, stay hydrated, be safe, and most importantly…have fun out there!

ACL Tips

Here are a few tips that will help make your experience at ACL Fest the best one possible. For more information, check out the ACL Fest Guide.

• Ride the shuttle! There is no parking at Zilker Park or the surrounding neighborhoods, and traffic will be bumper to bumper for miles around. Riding the shuttle is the least stressful way to go!
• Bag Policy – All bags will be searched before entry. Bags can be no larger than 12”x6”x12”. Anything larger than 6”x9” must be clear.
• Don’t put cell phones in your back pockets! We always hear about cell phones that go missing each year.
• Stay hydrated! Bring an empty reusable water bottle and refill it with free water at one of the many Hydration Stations located throughout the park.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen! Non-aeresol containers of 3.4oz or less are allowed. Hats and sunglasses are also must-bring items!
• If it looks like rain, wear rain boots and bring a rain poncho. No umbrellas allowed.
• Zilker Park is smoke free. No smoking OR vaping allowed.

If you need prescription medications, you must bring it in the pharmacy-labeled container and present it to the medical staff at each entrance gate. Only bring a sufficient supply for that day

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 Cover Photo Roger Ho

Brian Maass, a lifelong Austinite, is passionate about music, travel, and capturing life’s moments through his camera lens. He resides in Round Rock, Texas, with his wife, Dana Kent Maass, and their loyal dog, Chester.