There are so many reasons to be psyched for ACL Music Festival in Austin, where do we even start? The music, the celebs, the parties… there’s just so much to see and do!
Here’s Everything You Need To Know About ACL Music Festival in Austin
Celebrities
Each year, celebs are spotted throughout the festival – on stage, backstage and even out in the crowd. In 2023, a few of our favorites were: Glen Powell, Corey Feldman, Zachary Levi, James Marsden, and more. Previous year’s sightings included Connie Britton, Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Brett Goldstein, Adrian Grenier, and lots of others. Make sure you’re following us on Instagram so you know as soon as a celeb is sighted.
Local Music
We put together a little feature for Austin Lifestyle Magazine highlighting three of the local acts we are most psyched about, but that’s not all! Here are details on that trio and a few more.
Kalu and the Electric Joint
Blending the powers of psychedelic soul music with the driving beat of rock and roll and the ancient rhythms of Africa, Kalu and the Electric Joint offer an afropsych musical chemistry that will have you entranced. That chemistry comes from the bond forged by frontman Kalu James, who emigrated from Nigeria at age 18, and guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt, who adds a touch of American soul to Kalu’s West African heritage. Their music invokes a wide range of emotions while influencing an uplifting and empowering message. Opening for acts like The Black Keys, George Clinton & The Parliament Funkadelic, Trombone shorty and more, this band carries modern music forward while paying tribute to the inspirations of the past.
Chief Cleopatra
Originally hailing from Corsicana, Texas, Chief Cleopatra (born Jalessa Jessie) began her musical journey as a young child, singing and playing drums in her church’s youth choir. After making Austin her home in 2012, Cleo made a name for herself garnering praise by the Austin Chronicle and KUTX and prompting comparisons to Santigold. She is a five time SXSW official artist and excited to play ACL for the first time! Drawing inspiration from Aretha Franklin and Wu-Tang Clan, she promises a performance fueled by soul, funk, pop and hip-hop.
Chance Pena
This 19-year-old phenom may have been eliminated from The Voice in 2015, but nothing is going to stop this Tyler, Texas, native. His songs are featured on a variety of TV shows, including Freeform’s Siren, ABC’s Nashville, and CW’s Roswell, New Mexico. Chance has developed a penchant for penning songs that showcase his emotional vulnerability and it’s this sense of honesty that helps him connect with his growing legion of fans. In addition to playing Austin City Limits, Chance also played Outside Lands this year and will be adding support to Kaleo’s Payback Tour, followed by a headline UK + European tour.
Being Dead
Being Dead has grown from a duo to a trio live, that includes Falcon Bitch, Shmoofy and bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston. The genuinely unpredictable Austin based band fires on all cylinders with a sound that blends cinematic influences with noise-punk and rock. Their records are mosaics, technicolor incantations, where each song welcomes you into its own self-contained little universe.
Penny & Sparrow
Penny & Sparrow is comprised of Austin based singer-songwriters Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnk, though their ACL performance will feature a full band. This is a rare addition for the band which only amps up the excitement to see them play the fest. Formed in 2011, the duo began their musical endeavor as a hobby and creative outlet. While the instrumentation in each of their albums may differ, Penny & Sparrow has garnered a reputation of blending sincere lyrics with haunting melodies and harmonies. Prior to their ACL festival appearance, they also play the Common Grounds festival in Waco.
Parties and Events
With a plethora of official and unofficial events, there’s never a shortage of things do do during the 11 days of ACL. Here are a few party highlights.
KGSR and KROX Live Morning Broadcast – Join KGSR and KROX or an ACL Live Morning Broadcast at the Long Center on October 4 and 5 as they kick off the first weekend of the festival! For just a $5 donation to HAAM, they’ll be bringing you a morning of live performances from some of your favorite ACL Fest artists in a more intimate setting. They’ll have drinks specials for available for 21+ from Dulce Vida Tequila, Highland Park Single Malt Scotch, and 1888 Aged Rum by Brugal. Plus a chance to win ACL Festival wristbands!
The Green Room – PATRÓN Tequila and Rolling Stone are teaming up to present The Green Room—an exclusive experience that brings fans closer to their favorite artists. The experience will feature live music including a performance from pop band Misterwives, lite bites, and signature PATRÓN cocktails like the PATRÓN Ranch Water. Consumers can visit inthegreenroom.live to RSVP for the Austin event.
Party for the Parks Fundraiser ($$) – Party for the Parks isn’t just a night of fun. It also raises critical funds for our local parks, trails, and green spaces. Attendees can participate in a number of fun-raising opportunities throughout the event plus, enjoy a musical performance from Orville Peck.
Keep up with all the parties happening here.
Everything Else You Need to Know
Things like bag policy and prohibited items can be found here.
When it comes to transportation, consider taking the bus, the trail or biking. Festival shuttles are free! Use the ACL page to find out more about those. Search for an available parking garage on Spot Hero. And if you’re using Lyft, we recommend drop off at Austin High for the easiest way into the fest.
