Austin-Based Acts to Complete Your Festival Experience
Words by Abby L. Johnson
Plan the best Austin City Limits Festival weekend with our guide to unforgettable local acts! Whether you’re an Austin native who wants to support local musicians who make our music scene one-of-a-kind or you’ve made the trek to Zilker Park from out of town and want to sample local flavors, this guide is for you.
Follow @aclfestival on Instagram for updated schedules in case of inclement weather.
WEEKEND ONE
Friday, October 1:
Asleep at the Wheel
Honda Stage, 1pm
This Austin staple has been shaping the sound of the city since 1970. With 50 years of experience under their belts, this western swing group is sure to have even the most dubious listener two-stepping into their festival weekend!
Nané
Lady Bird Stage, 1pm
For a rousing start to the weekend, check out Nané, an up-and-coming homegrown funk & soul band with city roots. Frontman Daniel Sahad’s powerful vocals take inspiration from Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka.
Read more about Nané here.
Primo the Alien
Tito’s Stage, 1:45pm
Rising retrowave artist and producer Primo the Alien is set to bring 80s energy and powerhouse vocals to her electronic synth pop romp through the galaxy. Make sure to catch her out-of-this-world show.
Black Pumas
Lady Bird Stage, 6pm
Maybe one of the fastest-rising local groups, the buzz around Black Pumas is well-deserved. The psychedelic soul band sent shockwaves across the nation with their debut album and are sure to kick off the fest with a bang.
Saturday, October 2:
Sir Woman
Tito’s Stage, 1pm
The voice of local indie pop group Wild Child is stepping out on her own. Kelsey Wilson is taking on new sounds as she dives into the world of R&B and soul, finding her voice and exploring new sounds as Sir Woman.
Read more about Sir Woman here.
Gina Chavez
BMI Stage, 5:20pm
Bilingual Latin-folk singer Gina Chavez grew up in Austin. With an authentic and unique voice, she explores her roots and shares intimate moments of her life through her music. The acclaimed vocalist has become an integral pillar of the Austin music scene, her sound exemplifying the spirit of the city.
Sunday, October 3:
Deezie Brown
Miller Lite Stage, 12:15pm
Deeezie Brown is inspired by Texas hip-hop legends and continues to build on the legacy of his influences, including artists ranging from legendary DJ Screw to UGK. For a taste of Southern hip-hop, make sure to catch this distinctive set.
WEEKEND TWO
Friday, October 8:
Vincent Neil Emerson
Lady Bird Stage, 1pm
Vincent Neil Emerson is a rising star following in the footsteps of the legendary Texas songwriters of generations past. Influenced by the likes of Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle, Vincent’s songs ring with truth and reverence for the country traditions.
Riders Against the Storm
Tito’s Stage, 1:30pm
Certified power couple Chaka and Qi Dada make up the two halves of this hip-hop duo. The group exemplifies the state of Austin hip-hop today. They’ve used their platform as fixtures in the Austin music scene to spread positivity and healing, so don’t miss this cathartic experience.
Read more about Riders Against the Storm here.
Saturday, October 9:
Dayglow
VRBO Stage, 7:20pm
Indie pop project Dayglow offers up seemingly care-free performances, bringing levity and fun to audiences everywhere with their DIY, 80s inspired sound. Timeless pop sounds inspire the creative engine behind the project, Sloan Struble, whose youthful energy is sure to keep the party going all night long.
Sunday, October 10:
BLK ODYSSY
VRBO Stage, 12pm
Sam Houston a.k.a. BLY ODYSSY has been steadily building his music career in Austin since relocating here in 2016. The Funkadelic inspired soul & hip-hop artist truly takes listeners on a journey, exploring pain and joy with an explosion of creative energy.
Zach Person
BMI Stage, 12pm
Blues artist Zach Person offers a fresh take on a decades old, classic American sound. His debut album has been met with acclaim, but festival goers can see for themselves the burgeoning star’s extraordinary guitar skills and electric songwriting in person.
Superfónicos
BMI Stage, 3:30pm
This Austin-based Colombian funk band is spreading their clear ringing message through Afro-Colombian rhythms and unstoppable energy. Their commanding stage presence and dynamic sound is sure to captivate music lovers worldwide.
David Ramirez
BMI Stage, 5:30pm
Americana rocker David Ramirez is known to bring even the most raucous crowds to a hush during his emotionally charged, intimate solo performances. With a full band behind him, his show is elevated to new levels of energy but maintains the intensity and connection longtime listeners have come to expect.
Read more about David here.
