It’s a new week, and as I sat at my internship earlier today, all I was doing was dreaming of my ACL experience. This past two weekends, I was lucky enough to experience the Austin City Limits Music Festival, held at the gorgeous Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Since it’s beginning in 2002, ACL has become famous for hosting over 150 different acts, with a wide variety of genres represented (meaning there’s something for everyone). Like Coachella but with a Southern twist, the festival has grown to be so large that a second weekend was necessary!
I attended the first of the two weekends, and I can honestly say that I am so glad I did (and not just because Weekend Two happens to be during the TX/OU game AND my friend’s wedding…). I feel as though Weekend One-ers get to see the acts flaws and all, which only betters the experience.
The first act I saw? Vampire Weekend. Anyone who knows me knows I was #DYING over the fact that I was finally able to see my favorite band play live, and there was no disappointment in their set. I headed over to Kaskade next, and was able to squeeze to the front and dance my heart out. My group then headed to see Muse, a band which put on a great performance. We left ACL that first night exhausted, but ready for what the next day had to offer.
That next day, our group split up and I went down early with a friend to catch Portugal. The Man. Instead of sitting through the show, we waited in the super long line for the ACL Fest frame picture (totally worth it) while waiting to meet up with everyone else.
We had an hour in between Portugal and Passion Pit, so we explored the food truck tents. Passion Pit, famous for songs like Sleepyhead and Little Secrets, had the crowd going with a more chill vibe, which was perfect seeing as Kendrick Lamar was performing right after! Kendrick killed his set; I wasn't a huge fan before, but after seeing him live, I’m a changed #MM! We ended the night at Kings of Leon, who teased the crowd by taking exceptionally long break before their encore performance, which ended with Sex on Fire.
The final day of ACL consisted of starting off at Paper Diamond (who’s going to be HUGE y’all, I can feel it), catching the first thirty minutes of Grouplove’s set, then running over to Franz Ferdinand, heading back to Toro Y Moi, seeing Eric Church (an odd choice for ACL, but great nonetheless), running to Phoenix, and ending the night at Atoms for Peace. It was exhausting, but definitely worth it to try and get our last fill (for those of us not coming back for Weekend Two) of all that is ACL.
Will I be back? You better believe it. I highly advise that if you live in Austin (or will be visiting), you make sure to check this off your list. You definitely won’t regret it!
(ACL 2014 is definitely on my bucket list y'all!! Amelia has me dying to go. -C. xx.)
Did you go to ACL?? What was your favorite act? Let me know!!
