How to Keep It Local During Weekend Two of ACL Fest

The Samsung stage features so many quality artists that folks pick a spot to camp out there all day
(Credit: John Cabuena)

Weekend One of the 14th Austin City Limits Music Festival wrapped up Sunday evening after three days of near-perfect weather. The 75,000 attendees at Austin’s annual Autumn bash were serenaded by national acts like the Foo Fighters and Drake, and nostalgia rock from Billy Idol, not to mention a growing number of local Austin bands that are starting to make a name for themselves on a national scale.

Join us as we take a quick look back at Weekend One and get you ready for Weekend Two. We’re sharing the best food to eat on site, local acts you don’t want to miss, and even ways to catch ACL musicians on the cheap outside the festival. Don’t forget to check out our list of 16 ACL pro tips that we published last week.

Local Music at the Fest

We were graced by picturesque sunsets every night of Weekend One

As always, you can expect the Barton Hills Choir to open up the festival on Friday morning with the first set at 11 a.m. During Weekend One, they incorporated tunes from Foo Fighters who headlined later that night.

Other Austin musicians you’ll see during Weekend Two include:

Tameca Jones
The Nightowls
El Tule
Asleep at the Wheel
Gary Clark Jr.
Riders Against the Storm
Shakey Graves

“My name is Gary Clark Jr. I’m from right here in Austin, Texas,” our local boy with a current top 10 album announced during his 7 p.m. set on the Homeaway stage during Weekend One. He also made a not altogether unexpected cameo during the Foo Fighters set, reprising his role in “What Did I Do/God As My Witness.” Weekend Two ticket holders are in for an excellent set from him.

Shakey Graves is another artist to look forward to during Weekend Two. Shakey is about as grassroots a musician as they come, and watching him hustle and grind his way to where he is has been one of my favorite stories in Austin music over the last few years.

Take it from this little one: dance like no one is watching

Austin Vendors

The great thing about the “pop-up tent” economy we have in Austin is that the huge amount of outdoor food and craft vendors we host throughout the city adapt well to a massive outdoor festival. A staggering 32 vendors offer great grub for all foodie types this year. No matter what you’re allergic to, ACL Eats has you covered. A few highlights from the massive food court include:

The Mighty Cone: Hot & Crunchy Chicken Avocado Cone (the original ACL Festival snack, $10)
Chi’Lantro: Barbecue Beef Kimchi Fries ($10)
The Salt Lick: Pork Rib Boat ($12)
JuiceLand: Watermelon Agua Fresca ($6)
GoodPop Popsicles: Hibiscus Mint ($4)

Fun stunt, though not advised. The police came by shortly after this photo was taken and politely told him to come down.

The ACL Market, located in front of the food court by the Tito’s stage, hosts several of the best art vendors in town, as well as a few boutique shops and even a “general store” for basic festival necessities (sunscreen, painkillers, bandaids, etc.). The Austin Art Garage always has a steady crowd, as does the the Hatbox, for folks looking for that last minute sombrero.

The Barton Springs Beer Hall offers up a German beer hall type of atmosphere. You can take a break from the heat or take in one of the 18 different beer types, including four from Real Ale.

KUTX Live at the Four Seasons

Can’t make it out to the festival on Friday? Come to the Four Seasons! Our friends over at KUTX will be hosting KUTX Live at the Four Seasons this Friday morning, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Four Seasons lawn.

This is your best chance to catch an all-star Austin lineup of musicians in a more intimate venue, with only a $10 donation to Seton Shivers Cancer Center. “We are very proud and excited to again be associated with Four Seasons and the wonderful Seton Healthcare Family,” Matt Reilly, KUTX Program Director, told me. “We also have our crew backstage both weekends to capture videos for the VuHaus.” The VuHaus website is a collaboration between KUTX and their partner radio stations all over the U.S. to share unique and exclusive videos of emerging artists.

The lines ran long all day, but for most it was worth it to grab that perfect Austin photo

Ultimately, Austin City Limits is a festival large enough, with so many varied acts, that you can truly make it your own. It always boils down to the music and the atmosphere; nothing else matters. That’s why I buy the Souvenir passes for the following year that go on sale shortly after Weekend Two closes out. It doesn’t really matter who is playing. Austin will always throw a party in early October worth checking out.

@Crafty_Ed wants to know:

Who are you looking forward to seeing the most during Weekend Two?