A Weekend of Big Names and Bold Moments: ACL Weekend 1 Recap

Friday: Roots, Rising Stars & Texas Flair

Opening day embraced the festival’s Austin DNA. Asleep at the Wheel set a Texas-sized tone early, offering a nod to local heritage.  Emerging voices like Tiera Kennedy and viral breakout Dylan Gossett brought emotional resonance and energy, even under the hot sun. 

As night fell, Luke Combs delivered a heartfelt, powerful country set. Eschewing spectacle, he leaned on vulnerability and connection, and he paid homage to his roots throughout.  Meanwhile, Hozier used his platform to address global issues — weaving activism into performance, calling out hate, and advocating for peace. 

Saturday: Pop Ascendant, Surprise Ceilings

Saturday was the night many waited for. Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off a creative evolution into a more mature, country-pop hybrid, commanded the stage. Her set blended danceable energy with emotional gravitas.  A festival twist: Shania Twain appeared as a surprise guest during “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” elevating the moment and cementing Carpenter’s reinvention.

The night also included playful theatrics. Joe Keery, known to many as “Djo,” joined Carpenter onstage in a tongue-in-cheek “arrest” bit — part of her ongoing performance persona. 

Over on the American Express stage, Doechii lit up the crowd with her dynamic presence and fierce rap performance. Her set showcased why she’s one of 2025’s most watched rising stars. 

Elsewhere, Role Model’s set became unforgettable when Hilary Duff made a surprise appearance, joining him for a rendition of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” Duff danced, embraced the crowd, and reaffirmed her artistic comeback. 

Sunday: Full Spectrum & Festival Closure

Sunday’s slate brought a mix of textures — indie, electronic, rap — with performances spread across stages so fans could craft their own experience. While not every set made headline news, many local and breakout artists cemented their reputations under the ACL spotlight.

A notable moment: Riize, a K-pop group, made history as the first act from that genre to play ACL, performing on the Beatbox stage. Their synchronized choreography and fan energy sparked wide conversation. 

Meanwhile, Austin’s own INOHA represented San Antonio pride on the BMI stage. Despite weather challenges and gear hiccups, their energetic performance resonated with the crowd. 

Atmosphere, Surprises & Festival DNA

Surprise Guests & Moments of Fun

One of the most ACL-defining traits? The unexpected. Carpenter’s guest appearance by Shania Twain, Djo’s playful arrest bit, Role Model’s Hilary Duff cameo — these spontaneous moments created social media buzz and electrified festivalgoers. 

Breakout Talent & Local Voices

Beyond headliners, the lesser-known acts turned heads. Jensen McRae, MJ Lenderman, Briscoe, and Clover County were among those spotlighted by critics as essential discoveries. Local and regional acts — like INOHA — also broke through, reinforcing ACL’s reputation as a platform for growth.  

A Festival with Purpose

ACL once again blended music with activism. Hozier’s socially conscious message, Carpenter’s thematic maturity, and several artists’ vocal support for causes gave the event a dimension beyond entertainment.  

What to Watch for in Weekend Two

1. Repeat & unique headliners
   Many headliners, like Sabrina Carpenter, The Strokes, Luke Combs, and Doechii, appear across both weekends.  Expect fresh setlists, altered collaborations, and new surprises.

2. New artists and hidden gems
   With hundreds of artists across nine stages, Weekend Two will spotlight more names — perhaps some that didn’t perform yet or made their festival debut Sunday. Keep an ear out for bold newcomers.

3. Encore moments & crowds
   Word of Weekend One’s standout acts has already ramped excitement — attendance, energy, and surprise-guest potential may spike. Also, artists might lean further into riskier moments, given the buzz generated so far.

4. Logistics & local impact
   Traffic, road closures, and venue flow were factors in Weekend One. Austin officials earlier outlined full and partial closures along Barton Springs Road, MoPac, and Stratford Drive.  If you’re heading back, plan arrival strategy, check shuttle and transit schedules, and consider alternate routes.
   
   

   Weekend One of ACL 2025 delivered on its promise: a compelling mix of legends, crossover pop reinventions, rap breakthroughs, and raw, heartfelt sets from the upstarts. The festival again proved itself a cultural moment — a place where artistry, activism, and spontaneity collide.

   Weekend Two awaits with fresh possibilities. Whether you’re returning or tuning in from afar, stay ready: surprise guests, emotional sets, and magical moments are likely ahead.