2025 ACL Music Fest Weekend 2 - Saturday 10/11/2025 Recap
Austin, Texas – The second day of ACL carried a different kind of energy—one built on purpose and planning. Unlike Friday, where the flow felt more spontaneous, Saturday came with a clear plan of which artists to catch and cover. That focus gave the day a fuller rhythm and allowed us to move through Zilker with intention.
We started the day at the Ladybird Stage with Alemeda before heading over to the American Express Stage for Olivia Dean. Her set had a jazzy, soulful feel that kept the audience locked in. The highlight came with “I Want Your Love to Be Mine”, a groovy number that had the crowd swaying. In one lighthearted moment, Olivia spilled her beer in excitement—a small accident that made her set all the more relatable. She later shared “Lady Lady”, inspired by Mother Nature and trusting the process, which resonated deeply with fans.
Next up was Leisure at the T-Mobile Stage, a band from New Zealand blending R&B, soul, and electronic textures. Their slower tempo allowed lyrics to shine, pulling the crowd into moments of singalong clarity.
Ocean Alley followed at the Miller Lite Stage, returning to ACL with a performance that matched the day’s hotter weather. Their song “Where Do We Go” became a crowd favorite, the energy cutting through the Texas sun.
One of the most anticipated moments was La Lom at the Tito’s Stage. Seeing cumbia and Latin bands featured at ACL is always a highlight, and La Lom didn’t disappoint. Their set mixed rhythms from across Latin America, captivating a diverse audience that danced together regardless of background. If you haven’t already, listen to “La Cumbia Zampuezana”—a perfect example of their infectious sound.
When the lineup was announced, Latin Mafia’s name was one of the first circled. Their set at the Miller Lite Stage showcased why. Beyond the music, their stage production stood out with multiple cameras circling around them, capturing raw, unpolished angles. The intent was clear: show the audience a new, unfiltered perspective of Latin Mafia at ACL.
As the sun dropped, we split time between Pierce the Veil at T-Mobile and Doechii at Amex before catching Japanese Breakfast at the Beatbox Stage. This was our second time covering Michelle Zauner live, and even though the dust kicked up in that part of Zilker, her fans held strong, singing through every track.
Saturday closed at the American Express Stage with Sabrina Carpenter. The crowd was massive, yet remarkably respectful, as families and longtime fans stood shoulder to shoulder. Carpenter delivered a polished, energetic performance that left everyone satisfied. We had to step away early, though, to catch Latin Mafia’s after-hours show at SoHo House.
Where Friday felt like exploration, Saturday was about purpose. We moved through ACL with a plan and it paid off—covering a wide range of artists from jazzy vocals to sun-soaked rock, cumbia rhythms, and pop anthems. More than the music, though, it was the connections that stood out. Whether in casual conversations or dancing in a crowd, Saturday reminded us that ACL is just as much about the people you meet as the sets you see.
