Music and Culture Converge in Zilker Park for ACL’s First Weekend
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival made a triumphant return to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, for its first weekend from October 6 to 8, 2023, drawing tens of thousands of music lovers from across the country. Renowned for its eclectic blend of genres and immersive atmosphere, ACL 2023 lived up to its legacy by delivering a dynamic lineup of superstar headliners, iconic acts, and emerging talent—all set against the vibrant backdrop of one of America’s most beloved music cities.
From the thunderous riffs of Foo Fighters to the country-pop nostalgia of Shania Twain, the festival offered a little something for everyone. Attendees enjoyed perfect autumn weather, a scenic urban park setting, and an abundance of music, art, food, and culture.
Diverse Headliners Rock the Capital of Live Music
ACL 2023’s first weekend lineup was a masterclass in genre diversity and generational appeal. Among the standout headliners:
- Foo Fighters delivered a blistering rock set on Friday night, paying tribute to late drummer Taylor Hawkins while also showcasing new material from their 2023 album But Here We Are.
- Shania Twain, making her ACL debut, had the crowd singing along to hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One,” blending pop-country charm with glitzy stage presence.
- The Lumineers enchanted fans with their folk-rock anthems “Ophelia” and “Ho Hey,” offering a more intimate and emotional counterpoint to the festival’s louder acts.
- Alanis Morissette brought ’90s angst and authenticity to the stage with songs from Jagged Little Pill, igniting a chorus of nostalgia from longtime fans.
Other highly anticipated acts included:
- Hozier, who mesmerized with soulful renditions of “Take Me to Church” and new material from his latest album Unreal Unearth.
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who rocked the crowd with post-punk energy and Karen O’s unmistakable stage charisma.
- Death Grips, whose aggressive industrial hip-hop sound provided one of the weekend’s most intense and electrifying performances.
Festival Livestream Brings ACL to Fans Everywhere
In a nod to evolving audience habits, ACL 2023 partnered with Hulu for exclusive live streaming coverage, allowing fans at home to catch full sets from major performers in real time. This innovation broadened the festival’s reach, giving viewers across the U.S. a front-row seat to some of the weekend’s biggest moments without leaving their homes.
The livestream featured curated sets and behind-the-scenes content, offering both convenience and access to an experience that many fans might otherwise miss.
More Than Music: Culture, Community, and Sustainability
Beyond the music, ACL 2023 featured:
- Local food vendors and Austin staples offering everything from Tex-Mex to vegan options.
- Art installations and interactive sponsor booths throughout Zilker Park, adding layers of visual engagement.
- The ACL Cares program, which spotlighted local nonprofits and sustainability initiatives, including recycling efforts and refillable water stations.
Families also enjoyed Kiddie Limits, a kid-friendly zone with activities, music, and shade—highlighting the festival’s commitment to being an inclusive, community-centered event.
What’s Next: Weekend Two
The festival’s second weekend, scheduled for October 13–15, is set to repeat much of the same star-studded lineup with a few changes and surprises in store. Fans attending both weekends can expect the same high-energy performances, along with special guests and unannounced collaborations—a hallmark of the ACL experience.
A Cultural Mainstay Still Going Strong
Now over two decades old, the Austin City Limits Music Festival continues to evolve while maintaining its core identity as a celebration of live music, diversity, and creative expression. The first weekend of ACL 2023 proved that the festival still holds its place as one of the premier music events in the country—blending tradition, innovation, and unforgettable performances in the heart of Austin.
Source:
Pitchfork – Austin City Limits 2023 Hulu Live Stream Schedule & Details
