The first weekend of Austin City Limits Festival 2025 ended on a powerful, unifying note Sunday, reminding everyone why live music remains one of the most enduring forces that continues to bring people together.
After two days of unforgettable performances, the festival’s final chapter on day 3 was as eclectic and electric as its lineup promised, pulling tens of thousands of fans into a shared celebration of sound, community and culture under the Texas sky.
The afternoon kicked off with the soulful stylings of Chezile, whose seamless blend of R&B and pop influences set an uplifting tone for the day. The Dare kept that momentum going with a kinetic, club-ready set that turned the lawn into a sprawling outdoor dance floor, proving that even under the blazing Austin sun, the crowd’s energy was limitless.
As the day rolled on, Rainbow Kitten Surprise delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of the weekend, weaving together their trademark mix of introspective lyrics and explosive indie rock to create moments that felt deeply personal yet universally resonant. Wet Leg followed with their trademark irreverence, delivering a sharp, playful performance full of humor, attitude and irresistible hooks that kept the energy sky-high.
The festival shifted gears as evening approached, moving into a stretch of performances that captured the global reach and timeless appeal of music. On the T-Mobile Stage, Feid lit up the stage with a vibrant reggaeton set that turned Zilker Park into a celebration of Latin rhythm and culture, uniting fans of all backgrounds in a massive dance party.
Across the park at the American Express Stage, T-Pain leaned into nostalgia and charisma with a hit-filled performance that proved his music still has the power to move crowds just as it did two decades ago. Phantogram’s set added an atmospheric, cinematic layer to the evening, their swirling mix of electronic beats and dark, textured rock pulling the audience into an entrancing sonic landscape.
The weekend’s final act belonged to The Killers, whose headlining performance felt like a victory lap for a band that’s soundtracked a generation. Their anthems echoed across the park as thousands of voices sang in unison, dancing together to songs that have become part of the cultural fabric.
It was a fitting conclusion not just to the day but to a weekend that showcased the power of music in all its forms, from sweaty mosh pits to intimate singalongs, from global rhythms to timeless rock choruses.
In a world that often feels divided, especially in a place like Texas, ACL was a reminder that music remains a rare space where differences melt away and the collective joy of the moment takes over. Across three days and countless unforgettable sets, the festival once again proved that live music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a shared language that bridges divides, sparks connection, and reminds us of our capacity to come together and celebrate something bigger than ourselves.
See photos from day 3 of Austin City Limits weekend 1 below, by Dan DeSlover.
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