Austin City Limits wants to offer you a multitude of musical, gastronomic and cultural emotions. Showmoon will explore the most fascinating experiences of one of the best festivals in the world to guide you through this gigantic event.
Six days of love and music await us on two weekends: October 5, 6 and 7 and October 12, 13 and 14. This will be our passionate story about the highlights of this unique festival. You can follow us on social media to enjoy them.
The Legacy of a Legendary Program
Austin City Limits is a liturgy. A legacy that was born in 1974 with the longest-running music program on American television. This show is proud to have broadcasted legendary live concerts. It was a matter of time before they decided to make the leap to a festival format.
Since 2002 it has managed to stamp on its posters the brightest names in the international music scene: LCD Soundsystem, Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Drake, Beck, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Eagles…
Last year, half a million people visited its eight stages, causing restrictions on the wi-fi networks of the inhabitants of the city. It is no wonder that it has successfully internationalized. In 2015, the first Auckland City Limits was organized in New Zealand. This year the Sidney City Limits debuts.
The Kings of the Austin City Limits 2018
Austin City Limits accommodates more than 100 concerts. The agenda for each week is practically similar although some bands act only one date. The headliners repeat both dates.
In the midst of a spectacular natural environment with the buildings of downtown Austin as a witness you can feel the magic of the great concerts.
Paul MacCartney arrives with Egypt Station under his arm having achieved his first number one in the United States in 36 years. Head to a dream night with the precious electronics of Odesza.
In addition to the glittering presence of the British artist, Metallica is another highlight of the festival. The mythical band will delight its legion of followers rescuing their repertoire of immortal hymns. Together they headline Austin City Limits with the best representative of the new rap, Travis Scott, heir of another great claim of the ACL as Lil Wayne, and the elegant pop of Arctic Monkeys, which will surprise the Texans with a spectacular show.
Endless musical proposals will help you to cope with the late absence of Childish Gambino due to a mysterious injury. Showmoon always explores beyond the obvious and for that reason we selected the most amazing ludic and sound experiences of the festival.
The Renovator of the Folk
Father John Misty – October 5th – 6.45-7.45 pm – Barton Springs Stage / October 12th – 6.45-7.45 pm – Barton Springs Stage
The calm guy from Maryland has revitalized folk. His unmistakable style, the sensitivity of his lyrics and his velvety voice are a poem addressed to the soul of those who stop to listen to him. Joshua Tillman hides behind the pseudonym. His beginnings of alternating a job in a bakery with composing in the early hours has forged an essential character.
Synthesizing Old Rhythms
Jungle – October 5th – 4.45 – 5.45 – Barton Springs Stage / October 12th – 4.45 – 5.45 – Barton Springs Stage
The electronic funk of this British band is pure fun. Jungle has a live show designed to celebrate the renewal of the Motown sound. Their rhythms are part of that London in love with American musical roots. His newly released second album delves into the delights of his debut album. Prepare your waist to not stop dancing.
The Outsider
Cuco – October 5th – 12.45 – 1.45 pm – HomeAway Stage / October 12th – 12.45 – 1.45 pm – HomeAway Stage
This musician is unclassifiable. He could be considered a geek if it were not for his strange music which makes a lot of sense and fits in your ear from the first time you listen to it. Cuco is a compendium of crazy references. I can not imagine what it will be like to see him live but we want to try the Cuco experience.
British Trap
IAMDDB – October 6th – 1.30 – 2.30 pm – Barton Springs Stage / October 13th – 1.30 – 2.30 pm – Barton Springs Stage
Diana de Brito is the face of the new urban sounds incubated in the United Kingdom. Portuguese and Angolan roots create a voice that ripped spits rhymes without fear of anything. When she finished high school in her native Manchester, she enrolled in college. She lasted a week. Immediately she knew that her future was that of hip hop which has raised her as a promise of British music. After leaving behind her life in Angola and Portugal, she has composed several underground hymns. IAMDDB is pure addiction and a passport to the most radiant musical news.
New Ways in Pop
CHVRCHES – October 6th – 6.30 – 7.30 pm – Honda Stage / October 13th – 6.30 – 7.30 pm – Honda Stage
This Scottish band has always gone against the grain. Their pop has enough creativity to mark its own path. Their music is pure sound fantasy with aesthetic universes that have captivated filmmakers and publicists. Let yourself be seduced by the intimacy of the voice of Lauren Mayberry and her avant-garde synthpop.
A Scenic Hurricane
St. Vincent – October 6th – 7.30 – 8.30 – Miller Lite Stage / October 13th – 7.30-8.30 pm – Miller Lite Stage
Annie Clark is undoubtedly the most creative artist of the moment. Each of her albums is a musical and stylistic reinvention. She flirts with pop, rock and art with a lot of style. Icon of fashion and the gay community, her courtship with model Cara Delevigne took her to the pink covers where she does not feel as comfortable as on the stage. The St. Vincent show is an unexpected madness proving to be a scenic hurricane. It will be one of the moments of the festival.
Beyond the Ad
Sofi Tukker – October 6th – 4.30 – 5.30 – Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage – October 13th – 4.30 – 5.30 pm – Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage
New Yorkers Sofi Tukker are a sample of how good House can become a commercial success. The launch campaign of the Iphone X was a wake-up call to discover Best Friend. Beyond that theme or its twin Batshit the band has created rhythms capable of clashing in any environment. Their first EP is two years old and just a few months ago they debuted, with a long duration that we will see if it leads them to consolidate or to enter the cave of the One Hit Wonders. For the moment we will enjoy their good vibes at ACL.
Electronic Music as Art
Justice – October 6th – 8.30 – 9.30 pm – Honda Stage / October 13th – 8.30 – 9.30 pm – Honda Stage
This French duo has continued the Daft Punk legacy by elevating electronic music to art. Their distorted melodies have created school in the last ten years. Their new album Woman Worldwide and their classic songs will serve to raise the temperature of the Texan night. In the absence of Childish Gambino, they have acquired a deserved headliner spot that we will celebrate and be hypnotized by their synthetic rhythms.
Acoustic Massage
Blood Orange – October 6th – 5.30 – 6.30 pm – Honda Stage / October 13th – 5.30 – 6.30 – Honda Stage
This artist is able to choreograph, produce and interpret their songs and those of great artists of the moment. Among his regular clients are A$AP Rocky, Blondie, FKA Twigs, Florence and the Machine, Chemical Brothers and Killye Minogue. His own songs stand out for an Electronic Music with a delicious R & B base. This British is a safe choice to experience an acoustic massage.
The Lady of the New R & B
Janelle Monae – October 7th – 4.30 – 5.30 – American Express Stage / October 14th – 4.30 – 5.30 – American Express Stage
This lady of R & B is a constant crossover. Her voice denotes a classic soul but her street rhythms take her away from the topic. The rockabilly toupee that is worn conceals a personal style that does not look like anyone else´s. Each of her four albums have left her mark on our best nights with a mix of classical and electronic soul that has been polished from Tightrope to that rhythm cut Prince’s heir in Make Me Feel. The lineage of Ray Charles, James Brown, Michael Jackson and Prince is safe.
Half Anger, Half Smile
Sailor Poon – October 7th – 11.30 – 12.15 pm – Barton Springs Stage / October 14th – 11.30 – 12.30 pm – Barton Springs Stage
Write down this name. These four friends from Austin are one of the most interesting bands in the music scene of the city. They embody the freshness of the first time. Their crazy rock is half angry, half smile. It is worth going to discover them.
Female Stride
Thunderpussy – October 14th – 12.15 – 1 pm – Honda Stage
These four girls live up to their name. Their music made in Seattle is a whole vaginal rumble. Female rock without brake, good vibes and an attitude of who the hell cares are what fascinates us. In a festival of big names, a point of irreverence is necessary. Exactly what these crazy four will contribute is what will fascinate you.
Foodies Temptations
Apart from music, the foodie offer is another one of the wonders of this ACL. Austin City Limits is also a place where you can eat at. The best of Austin’s streetfood will tempt us into Zilker Park. Amy’s distills the best ice cream in the city and will be a great antidote against the Texas heat. You will enjoy the icon of Austin foodie, Torchy’s. Their delicious tacos have seduced even Obama himself. South Flying Pizza and Austin’s Pizza will tempt us with their portions of ambrosia.
The Latin accent will be provided by Mmmpanadas, Tamale Addiction and Tacodeli. Shake Shack and The Salt Lick will also be there to offer postcard burgers to help us be energized during these long musical days.
Not Only Music
Austin City Limits is a generator of unlimited experiences. In Instagram’s time we appreciate the special decorations that the organization has placed throughout Zilker Park. This beautiful park will become a musical theme park for all ages. The little ones can enjoy their own festival, Austin Kiddie Limits, with musical and didactic activities to discover the magic of music.
The ACL Market will test our wallets with an spectacular selection of fashion, cowboy boots, merchandising and music of all kinds. On our route through the eight different stages we will find bars and lounges prepared to quench our thirst. We will also have at our disposal cultural and interactive activities that anticipate the future.
VIP Experiences
This festival offers you to feel like a Rock Star. The lucky VIPs and Platinum ticket holders can enjoy bars and lounges equipped with air conditioning, catering, places of privilege in each concert and special transports to not miss any of the shows. In addition, they will have the luxury of having professional masseuses at their disposal and can relish the same cocktails that musicians will enjoy: an incredible Hendrick’s Summer Mule, a delicious Flor de Caña’s Pineapple Basil Mojito and a succulent Glenfiddich’s Spiked Scottish Lemonade.
The Austin City Limits Far from Zilker Park
ACL Aviator Nation Opening Party – October 3th – 1325 Congress Avenue – 7.30 pm
ACL Happenings – Native Hostel – Soft Power After Parties – 807 E 4th Street – Check dates here
ACL Stubb’s – Stubb’s BBQ – 801 Red River Street – Check dates here
ACL at Moody Theater – Moody Theater – 310 W Willie Nelson Boulevard – Check concerts here
Antone´s ACL Fest Last Night Show – 305 5h Street – October 14th – 9 pm – 15$
The city not only lives the Austin City Limits in Zilker Park. All of Austin vibrates with events and concerts. Many performers can give a surprise concert like The Killers on the rooftop of the Continental Club last year. You have to be on the lookout.
Aviator Nation opens its first store in Austin on October 3 and offers good music from local bands, cool atmosphere and cocktails.
The most ardent nights of the city will be celebrated in the Native: Rebolledo’s electronic music and the sessions of the craziest djs at the best parties of the ACL. They also have time for gastronomy with the presentation on October 7 of the cakes of Chef Carrie Morey. Two weekends to enjoy fascinating after parties.
Many of the bars in the city give shelter to festival artists. Stubb’s receives Phoenix, St Vincent, Sylvan Esso and Odesza. Antone’s has prepared a memorable night to bid farewell to the ACL on October 14 with Jackie Venson, the young star of the Austin scene, and Curtis Harding.
Another interesting option is to go to the Moody Theater where the programs of Austin City Limits are recorded and enjoy with Residente, Janelle Monae or Arctic Monkeys. An ocean of options in which to navigate under the light of music.
Bonus Track: VVAA
Austin City Limits is the quintessential eclectic, for that reason, we are going to quote you other proposals that may be interesting.
- Camila Cabello, Lilly Allen, Shawn Mendes, Rhye, Sharon Von Ettern, Deftones, Lil Wayne, Phoenix, Marian Hill, The Wombats, David Byrne, Paris, Smino, Rezz, The National, X Amabassadors, Nelly.
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