The Big Picture
It rained. It stayed loud. Austin Chronicle critics filed reviews of Sunday’s ACL Fest sets across Zilker Park, noting strong turnouts and standout performances despite a drizzle that returned after a dry Saturday. Local and national acts from Flight by Nothing to Blood Orange and Geese each left distinct impressions across stages including the AmEx headliner slot, Miller Lite, Tito’s Tent, and the Beatbox stage.
Villanelle, Jess Williamson, Flight by Nothing, Dexter & the Moonrocks, Calder Allen, underscores, Geese, and Blood Orange were all reported on by the Chronicle’s writers for their Sunday appearances.
What Changed
Sunday’s weather shifted ACL back into wet territory after a dry Saturday; the Chronicle notes a mist and later a steady drizzle that affected sets beginning with Villanelle at 1pm. Several local acts treated the day as a homecoming: Flight by Nothing drew a large, enthusiastic midday crowd for their 2pm Miller Lite set, while Dexter & the Moonrocks used a Sunday slot to spotlight their debut full-length release performed on a major stage.
The Chronicle also highlights stylistic contrasts: Villanelle leaned into Brit-Nineties rock, Flight by Nothing delivered theatrical indie-pop disco, underscores brought warehouse-club energy to the Beatbox stage, and Blood Orange centered musicianship with cello, keys, and guitar across a 56-minute set.
What's Next
The Chronicle’s reviews are time-stamped coverage of ACL Fest’s first weekend; they do not provide ticket links or schedule updates. For readers wanting to follow this weekend’s festival schedule or future set times, consult ACL Fest’s official schedule and ticketing pages for exact stage times and ticket availability.
Read the full day-by-day reviews and photos at the Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/geese-blood-orange-the-xx-and-more-reviews-from-sunday-at-acl/ — and bring a poncho if you plan to brave Zilker Park next time; the weather does not negotiate.