Austin City Limits 2025 Delivers Unforgettable Performances
The first weekend of the Austin City Limits 2025 festival brought a vibrant mix of established stars and emerging artists to Zilker Park from October 3 to 5. Music lovers experienced an array of unforgettable performances, despite the sweltering Texas heat. With surprise guests and a wealth of talent, the festival set a high bar for the rest of the event.
Highlights from Weekend One
Opening the festival, the UK indie duo Good Neighbours showcased their debut album, Blue Sky Mentality, during an energetic set at the T-Mobile stage. Vocalists Oli Fox and Scott Verrill energized the crowd with hits such as “Ripple” and “Suburbs,” emphasizing their ability to engage fans right from the start.
Later, Moody Joody, featuring singers Kaitie Forbes and Kayla Hall alongside producer Andrew Pacheco, made their festival debut at the BMI stage. The trio’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause, marking a memorable moment for the group. They later shared their joy on social media, calling it “pure magic.”
Among the standout performances, Role Model generated significant buzz when actress Hilary Duff made a surprise appearance. Duff danced alongside the artist during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” while Role Model also impressed with a cover of “Somebody Else” by The 1975. The artist kept the crowd entertained with humor, joking, “We are Maroon 5, and we are so happy to be here tonight.”
The evening concluded with a captivating performance by Hozier, who delivered a heartfelt set that included fan favorites like “Take Me to Church” and “Cherry Wine.” The Irish singer-songwriter used his platform to advocate for peace, making a poignant connection with the audience.
More Must-See Acts
Saturday’s highlights included Olivia Dean, who performed her viral hit “Man I Need.” The English singer shared a touching moment by dedicating “Carmen” to her grandmother, which resonated deeply with the audience. Dean’s emotional delivery showcased her growth as an artist.
A surprise pop-up DJ set by King Princess further energized attendees, who enjoyed the electrifying atmosphere at the PATRÓN oasis. Celebrating the successful start to the festival, she promised even more excitement for the upcoming weekend.
During her Saturday night headlining performance, Sabrina Carpenter teased, “Everything’s bigger in Texas … except for me.” The pop star thrilled fans by inviting Shania Twain on stage for a duet of “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Carpenter’s setlist combined new tracks with classics, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
As the festival progressed into Sunday, The Dare transformed the atmosphere at the Miller Lite stage, energizing the crowd with a club-like vibe. Known for his work with major artists, he joked about the early set time, yet delivered a performance that resonated with festivalgoers.
Closing out the weekend, T-Pain made a grand entrance and showcased his impressive stage presence. The artist led fans through his extensive catalog, performing hits like “Kiss Kiss” and “All I Do Is Win.” His ability to connect with the crowd created an unforgettable experience.
The festival concluded with a performance by The Killers, who filled the closing slot after a last-minute lineup change. The band opened with a cover of “Whiskey River,” then performed classics like “Mr. Brightside,” leaving fans exhilarated as the lights faded on the festival grounds.
The inaugural weekend of Austin City Limits 2025 has set the stage for a memorable festival season. With diverse acts and remarkable performances, attendees left with cherished memories and anticipation for what lies ahead.
