REVIEW: Austin City Limits 2025 was A Weekend of Sun, Sweat and Standout Sets
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY SOPHIE GRAGG ☆
Aerial photo by Rylan McCoy, portraits by Sophie Gragg
Leisure
EACH YEAR, AUSTIN CITY LIMITS TRANSFORMS ZILKER PARK INTO A MELTING POT OF SOUND, ENERGY AND COMMUNITY — and 2025 was no exception. Despite the relentless Texas heat and the never-ending search for shade, the crowds came early, stayed late and brought that signature ACL spirit: dancing, a good attitude, and a lineup that had something for everyone. From rising indie darlings to pop powerhouses, this year’s festival proved that ACL still knows how to curate a weekend that feels both massive and intimate.
Friday kicked off early at the Miller Lite stage with spill tab, whose high-energy performance set the tone for the weekend. Even with an early slot, she had the crowd fully in it — bouncing, singing and swaying under the early afternoon sun. From there, it was over to the T-Mobile stage for Good Neighbours, who lived up to every bit of the buzz surrounding them. Having recently interviewed them about their new album, it was exciting to see their chemistry live: confident, fun and full of momentum.
Next up was Jensen McRae at Miller Lite, whose stunning vocals and emotional honesty cut through the noise. On the other side of the park, Girl Tones rocked out, proving they’re definitely ones to watch. Then came King Princess, easily one of the best sets of the day. Fresh off her new album Girl Violence, she balanced humor, vulnerability, and charisma effortlessly - a true performer.
Role Model brought one of Friday’s most hyped crowds, and it didn’t disappoint. He surprised fans by bringing out Lizzy McAlpine for his “Sally”, a moment that had everyone singing at the top of their lungs. The night rounded out with Empire of the Sun, who delivered their usual spectacle of lights and theatrics, before I closed out with Cage The Elephant, who always put on a hell of a show. Despite the heat, Friday’s early turnout was impressive and set a strong tone for the weekend.
Sydney Rose
I started Saturday around 2:30 pm with Olivia Dean, who has been having a well-deserved breakout year. Her set was radiant — effortlessly blending soul, charm and joy, even under the blazing sun. Leisure followed, bringing groovy, mellow vibes that made everyone wish their set had been later in the day to really let loose.
The afternoon became a flurry of stage-hopping: Ocean Alley’s warm, surfy grooves; Dizzy Fae’s edgy, magnetic energy (definitely deserving of a bigger stage); and Spacey Jane, who had the crowd fully in their indie rock pocket.
Girl Tones
Marina was a nostalgic highlight — parasol in hand, dazzling under the punishing sun, she delivered a gorgeous set that reminded everyone why her pop legacy endures. Meanwhile, Doechii proved why she’s one of the most exciting artists to watch. With just her DJ and boundless charisma, she commanded the stage like a headliner.
An unexpected standout came from Zeds Dead, whose set completely lit up the crowd — packed energy, pulsing visuals and an undeniable sense of fun. Japanese Breakfast and Djo both pulled massive audiences despite being at the same times, while The Strokes closed things out with the kind of iconic performance that only they can pull off. But it was Sabrina Carpenter who stole the show. Between surprise guests The Chicks and a shoutout to Olivia Dean, she solidified herself as pop’s reigning performer: confident, playful and effortlessly commanding.
Sunday eased in with Wet Leg, who, as always, delivered a wildly fun rock set that made it impossible not to dance. Rainbow Kitten Surprise followed, their set feeling like a cathartic celebration of endurance and connection, the crowd’s love for them was palpable.
Disco Lines ended up being one of the day’s biggest highlights — high-energy, infectious and pure fun. Their set felt like the perfect daytime dance party, and honestly, one of the weekend’s best. John Summit’s hype was everywhere, but Disco Lines held their own and then some.
Unfortunately, Passion Pit’s set fell flat. Between muddy sound and off key notes, it didn’t quite land. But T-Pain immediately turned things around. His performance was pure nostalgia — hit after hit, massive singalongs, and a crowd full of millennials reliving the 2000s in the best way possible.
Mk.gee brought a darker, moodier vibe to the Lady Bird stage, offering a cinematic and immersive set before things lightened up again with Polo & Pan — the ultimate feel-good act to begin the closing out of the weekend. Both John Summit and The Killers lived up to the hype of Weekend 1 attendees. John Summit has continued to solidify his place in not only the EDM space, but the music world as a whole as he continues to excel in the music festival space.
Austin City Limits 2025 was a reminder of why this festival remains one of the country’s most beloved. Even in the sweltering heat and constant crowds, there’s something grounding about the way ACL brings together families, teens, and seasoned festival-goers alike. It’s a space where new artists find their footing, legends return to their roots and every stage tells a story.
