Austin City Limits 2025: Weekend One, Day Three Overview

The last day of Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) always hits different. The crowd knows it. The artists feel it too. There is a mix of weariness and joy that only builds after two long days of music, heat, and connection. Day three carried that familiar rhythm—a slower start that slowly burned brighter as the hours passed.

By the third day, you could feel both the energy and the exhaustion. The sun hit harder. The crowds grew louder. The weekend’s final stretch had that balance of joy and calm that only Austin can pull off. Each set felt like one more reason we come back every year.

Hey, Nothing

The day started slow, but not dull. Hey, Nothing opened the American Express Stage with a calm, easy groove that moved like a soft breeze. Their sound was grounded but light, perfect for easing into the morning. The music floated over blankets, iced coffees, and sleepy smiles. It was a peaceful start, the kind that reminds you to slow down and take it all in. I caught myself just breathing, thinking, “Yeah, this feels right.”

flowerovlove

Next up was Flowerovlove at the Lady Bird Stage. She walked out glowing, dressed in something so bright and fun it matched her sound. I found her set thanks to her clever marketing. Flyers scattered across Austin with funny, sweet one-liners. They worked. Her voice was warm and clear, and her presence instantly pulled people closer. The crowd danced, laughed, and leaned in. It felt like watching someone fully step into their own spotlight.

Lunch Break at KG BBQ

After two solid sets, I needed fuel. I stopped by the KG BBQ tent for the brisket rice bowl. The flavor was smoky and rich, the kind of meal that hits right even under the Texas sun. I sat in the shade, refilled my water bottle, and took a deep breath. Around me, you could hear three stages blending into a steady hum. People laughed, swapped sunscreen, and cooled off with lemonades. It was the quiet before another rush of sound.

The Dare

Then came The Dare at the Miller Lite Stage. The second he started, the entire vibe flipped. His energy was loud, chaotic, but controlled in the best way. The bass hit hard. The crowd moved as one. You could feel people shake off their Sunday tiredness with every beat. It was fast, raw, and alive. Around me, strangers danced together like they had known each other for years. That is what a great set does.

Wet Leg

I made it back to the American Express Stage for Wet Leg, and the scene was already buzzing. The crowd was huge. You could sense the anticipation even before the first note. When the guitars kicked in, the place exploded. At one point, the lead singer dropped to the ground, yelling into the mic like she was releasing everything at once. It was wild. Messy in a good way. Unpolished but electric. Wet Leg proved again why they are one of the best live acts to see right now.

Gigi Perez

While I waited for my most anticipated act of the weekend, I caught Gigi Perez at the Lady Bird Stage. Her voice filled the space. Smooth, emotional, but catchy enough to get stuck in your head. She brought her sister out for one song, a soft, heartfelt moment that made the crowd go quiet. Near the end, she spotted a fan named Hawkins, someone who had seen her first ACL set back in 2021. Their quick, sweet exchange drew a big cheer. Watching her connect with fans like that made the whole thing feel personal.

T-Pain

From across the park, you could hear T-Pain’s set roaring. Every song was a hit. Every beat a memory. Even from far away, the crowd’s energy reached the Lady Bird Stage. People around me were talking about his outfit, his voice, the nostalgia of it all. I had real FOMO hearing “Buy U a Drank” echo through the park. It felt like a party happening just out of reach, but even from the sidelines, it was contagious.

Mk.Gee

Then came Mk.gee. My most anticipated act of the weekend. The Lady Bird Stage shifted from chatter to silence as he began. His sound is hard to pin down. Moody, textured, full of strange beauty. He played his hits but added fun twists, weaving “Candy” by Cameo into his own “Candy,” then sliding into “Miami, My Amy” by Keith Whitley. The lights stayed low, turning him and his band into silhouettes. It felt intimate, like you were standing inside the music, not watching it from a distance. It was the kind of set that stays with you long after it ends.

John Summit

To end the night, I headed to the T-Mobile Stage for John Summit. It was pure energy. The lights flashed in sync with the beat, washing over the crowd in bright bursts. Every song built momentum. People jumped, danced, shouted, and smiled at each other like it was their last night on Earth. The sound rolled like waves, impossible to resist. It was the perfect send-off. By the time the final drop hit, you could feel the whole weekend come full circle.

Under the Final Austin Sky

Day three of Austin City Limits had everything. Slow beginnings, loud endings, and those quiet, surprising in-between moments that make festivals worth it. From the small discoveries to the headline sets, every artist left their mark. The grass was trampled, the air thick with sound, but no one wanted to leave. That is the thing about ACL. It keeps pulling you back. So if you ever go, save your best energy for day three. It is the one that sticks with you the longest.