Austin City Limits 2025: Weekend One, Day Two Overview

Day Two of Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) felt like summer bottled up and replayed in real time. From small-stage charm to arena-sized pop spectacle, every artist added a new color to the weekend’s rhythm. It was a day built on good vibes, strong voices, plus that unbeatable Austin mix of sound, sun, and spontaneity.

The second day started slow but hopeful. The air was cooler. The grass still wet from dew. Guitars hummed in the distance. People stretched, grabbed breakfast tacos, and settled on blankets. It felt like the calm before a long, beautiful storm of sound.

Sydney Rose

Sydney Rose opened the day with quiet confidence. When she played “We Hug Now,” the crowd sang every word. That moment caught me off guard. Hundreds of voices met hers in perfect sync. No frills, no giant screens. Just a young artist realizing her reach. It felt small but powerful, a reminder that the best moments often sneak up on you.

Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean kept the good energy flowing. She came out smiling like she had been waiting all morning. Her voice sounded effortless. Her presence calm but glowing. You could feel her warmth spill out over the crowd. During “Man I Need,” people swayed together like old friends. It felt easy and bright, like a backyard concert under perfect weather.

Ocean Alley

Then came Ocean Alley. The groove hit from the first chord. Laid back but full of life. “Confidence” sounded like sunshine itself. The crowd loosened up, sunglasses flashing, hands in the air. Their sound blended smooth and soulful with a touch of nostalgia. It never felt forced, just natural. I stayed until the last note, wishing it would never end.

Joey Valance and Brae

I caught the end of Joey Valence and Brae’s set. The Beatbox Stage felt like a party gone wild. The bass shook the ground. The crowd jumped in unison. Everyone was shouting and laughing. The duo had chemistry that made the set electric. Even if you did not know the lyrics, you felt like part of it. I left thinking I need to see their full show next time.

A Quick Recharge

After that, I needed fuel. I grabbed chicken tenders from Happy Chicks. Simple and perfect. Sometimes that’s all you need when you are running on festival time. I found a shady spot, ate slowly, and listened to the music drifting from three directions. The chatter, the laughter, the crunch of sneakers on dry grass, it all felt alive.

Magdalena Bay

Magdalena Bay turned the afternoon neon. Their set glowed with synths and shimmer. It felt like stepping into a dream where every beat pulsed with light. The duo looked at ease, playing off each other as visuals flickered behind them. The crowd danced, filmed, smiled. Even halfway through, I forgot about time. They turned the field into one big dance floor.

Latin Mafia

Latin Mafia turned up the temperature. The moment I reached the Miller Lite Stage, it felt electric. Fans waved flags high. Voices rose in every direction. The set mixed pride, rhythm, and community. You could feel the connection stretch all the way to the back. Every drop hit harder because it meant something. It was more than a performance. It was joy shared out loud.

The Backseat Lovers

The Backseat Lovers brought a softer magic. The crowd packed in tight, singing every lyric. Their songs hit that sweet spot between melancholy and release. It felt like watching a sunset through your car window on a long drive. Everyone swayed together, eyes closed, smiling. For a few songs, it felt like we all belonged to the same memory.

Doechii

By late afternoon, Doechii’s stage was shoulder to shoulder. She came out with pure command. Every move, every lyric, every look, it was sharp. Her dancers, her style, her timing all clicked perfectly. The beats were heavy, the crowd even heavier with energy. You could tell everyone had been waiting for this one. It was confidence turned into sound.

Sammy Virji

Then it was time for Sammy Virji. His set felt like an instant adrenaline shot. People jumped and shouted in perfect sync with the beat. It was fast, loud, and contagious. You could feel him building energy like a wave, never letting it crash too soon. Even a short listen was enough to understand why he’s a crowd favorite.

DJO

By evening, the Lady Bird Stage had doubled in size. Djo stepped out to a sea of people. His set was nostalgic and weird in the best way. The visuals were surreal. Colors swirling, lights pulsing like a heartbeat. Each song landed perfectly. People cheered and sang like it was their own private concert. The whole thing felt like a strange, joyful dream.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter closed out the night in full pop-star form. The stage sparkled. Every detail felt intentional. Her charm carried the show from start to finish. She moved from hit to hit with ease. Then the surprise. Shania Twain walked out. The crowd lost it. Together they sang “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” The duet felt like a moment from pop history unfolding live. It was confident, playful, and completely unforgettable.

The Art of Wandering at ACL

Day two at Austin City Limits was all about range. Big pop moments. Quiet discoveries. Everything in between. Each artist brought something unique, yet it all fit together. That is what makes ACL special. You can wander all day and still feel like part of one big story.

So if you go Weekend 2, keep exploring. Try something unexpected. Stay a little longer at the sets that surprise you. That’s where the best memories hide. In the noise, the heat, and the heart of Austin.