It has been a while since Austin saw a full-scale Mumford & Sons show, and judging by the energy inside the Moody Center, fans were more than ready. 

From the first strum of the banjo to the final song, the night felt like a reunion between old friends, the kind where you fall right back into rhythm, no matter how much time has passed.

Sierra Ferrell Sets the Stage in Style

Opening the night was Sierra Ferrell, who instantly won the crowd over with her mix of charm, grit, and old-school soul. Dressed in her signature vintage flair, she delivered a set that blended bluegrass, folk, and gypsy jazz in a way that felt both timeless and completely her own. Her voice, part honey, part wildfire, carried effortlessly across the arena, making even the folks in the upper seats feel like they were in on something special.

Songs like “In Dreams” and “Bells of Every Chapel” showcased her knack for storytelling, while her playful banter with the audience reminded everyone why she’s one of Americana’s most exciting rising stars. By the end of her set, the crowd wasn’t just clapping politely, they were fully invested. Sierra didn’t just open the show, she set the tone for a night built on connection, craft, and a pure love of music.

During Mumford and Sons’ set Marcus Mumford would say “We do big shows like this to give artists like Sierra a big stage to be heard…and if you didn’t come early I will never forgive you.” A strong endorsement for Sierra Ferrell.  

Mumford & Sons Take Austin on a Journey

When Mumford & Sons hit the stage, the roar that filled the Moody Center was deafening. The band wasted no time, kicking off with a run of songs that reminded everyone why they’ve remained one of the most captivating live acts in modern folk rock. They weaved through a setlist that balanced fan favorites like “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave” with newer songs that showed just how much their sound has evolved. One moment, the crowd was stomping along to thunderous percussion, the next, you could hear a pin drop during the quieter, more emotional moments.

After opening with “Babel,” “Lover of the Light,” and “Here,” a song they performed live for the first time, the band moved to a smaller stage for a more intimate section of the show. There, they slowed things down with acoustic versions of “Ghosts That We Knew,” “Caroline,” and “Guiding Light.”

Marcus Mumford couldn’t resist a little playful ribbing when he mentioned the Ohio State Buckeyes’ win over the Texas Longhorns earlier in the football season, which earned him a few good-natured boos from the Austin crowd. It was all in fun though, the laughter and cheers that followed proved how much the city loves him and his band.

Between songs, Marcus reflected on the group’s long history with Austin. “We love this place. I think we’ve played Austin more than any other city in the world,” he said. “We’ve played ACL Fest three times, but this is our first time performing indoors here.” His appreciation felt genuine, and the audience clearly felt the same connection.

The band’s excitement to share their new material was obvious. They performed songs from their latest album, Rushmere, and even treated fans to “Rubber Band Man,” a newly released collaboration with Hozier that dropped on Oct. 24. Both songs fit seamlessly into the night’s flow, showing how Mumford & Sons continue to evolve without losing the heart of what makes them special.

By the time the encore rolled around, Marcus, Ben and Ted gathered around a microphone for a stripped down version of “Timshel.” Because the volume was low for this song, Marcus politely told the crowd “I love you guys, but please shut the f*** up.”  “Awake My Soul” and “I Will Wait” brought the crowd to its feet one last time, filling the Moody Center with a wave of joyful sound. It was loud, emotional, and full of heart. Mumford & Sons may have grown far beyond their early folk days, but the soul of their music is still right where it started, connecting people through honest lyrics and big, human emotion.

As “A Conversation With My Son, Gangsters, and Angels” ended, and fans slowly made their way out into the Austin night, there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction in the air. Mumford & Sons didn’t just play a show, they reminded everyone why live music matters, the shared energy, the sing-alongs, the moments that make you feel connected to something bigger. With Sierra Ferrell’s soulful opening set and the band’s heartfelt performance, the evening felt like a celebration of musicianship and community, the kind of night that lingers long after the last chord fades. Austin has always held a special place for Mumford & Sons, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, that love runs both ways.

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Cover photo Brian Maass

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.