ACL Music Festival Draws Thousands for Day Two at Zilker Park
Thousands of music enthusiasts flocked to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas for the second day of the highly anticipated Austin City Limits Music Festival. This annual event has garnered a loyal following, with some attendees returning year after year. James Morrison, a dedicated festival-goer, proudly proclaimed, “A decade of ACLs, yes.”
Over the years, the festival has experienced exponential growth, both in terms of crowd size and the caliber of artists gracing its stages. Morrison, who has been attending since 2013, has witnessed this remarkable transformation firsthand. Reflecting on the festival’s evolution, he shared, “When I first started coming, it was a lot smaller, it felt a lot more local. And then now 10 years later it has become this kind of national, one of the largest festivals in the country.”
According to Austin City Limits, a staggering lineup of more than 130 artists is set to captivate audiences throughout the two-weekend extravaganza. On Saturday, fans eagerly turned out to witness performances by their favorite musicians. Morrison expressed his excitement, stating, “I am really wanting to see Tove Lo, that’s who I am here for, and of course Shania Twain, I mean, she is everything.”
Danielle Buxbaum, another festival enthusiast, echoed Morrison’s sentiments, exclaiming, “Shania Twain, I’m here for Shania! I only got a one-day pass, so I really came here for her.” Clearly, the allure of ACL extends far and wide, drawing fans from all corners of the country.
In addition to the musical performances, festival-goers embraced the opportunity to showcase their fashion-forward sensibilities. Many carefully curated festival-inspired outfits, turning the Zilker Park roadway into a vibrant runway. Buxbaum shared her approach to festival fashion, stating, “I was just looking for fun festival outfits that were still somewhat comfortable and suitable for the weather, and yeah, it arrived on Monday, so perfect timing.”
As the crowds swarmed into the ACL gates, there were those who patiently waited for an opportunity to purchase a last-minute wristband. Morrison acknowledged the increasing difficulty in securing these coveted wristbands, saying, “Every year it gets more and more difficult to get a wristband.” However, he remains optimistic, relying on his Texan charm to negotiate a favorable price for entry. He confidently declared, “I’m going to smile and use my good ole Texas charm and charm my way into a good price for a wristband.”
The Austin City Limits Music Festival continues to captivate music lovers with its diverse lineup and electric atmosphere. From its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the nation’s premier festivals, ACL has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
