The first weekend of Austin City Limits Music Festival never fails to bring the excitement and anticipation. This year, Zilker Park’s famous festival offered fans lots of country and Americana, femme pop, and electronic artists — plus the nostalgic rock the festival has long been known for.

Whether it was The Strokes or Sabrina Carpenter who brought in the crowd, there were all kinds of performances in between that festival attendees could enjoy. They might even have a new favorite festival memory. (Here are our top picks.)

Until next weekend, here are some shots to tide Austin over, detailing the best fashions, strongest stage presence, and overall good vibes Weekend One had to offer.

Words and most photos by Kenn Box.

The skyline view from Zilker Park never gets old.Photo by Kenn Box

The Strokes kicked off their headlining set with “Bad Decisions” from their latest full length album, The New Abnormal, a fitting opener for new fans of the indie sleaze legends. Photo by Kenn Box

Fresh off their North American tour with British legends Oasis, Cage the Elephant braved the setting sun on Saturday and ripped through an hour of songs on the American Express Stage.Photo by Daniel Cavazos

Wet Leg amplified the energy on the American Express stage on Sunday afternoon, which later featured 2000s R&B/hip hop legend T-Pain and 2000s indie rock icons The Killers (who replaced Doja Cat when she dropped off the lineup).Photo by Kenn Box

Nighttime is a barricader's best friend after spending hours in the blazing heat.Photo by Kenn Box

Stranger Things star and indie icon Djo played a fun evening set on the Lady Bird stage before appearing as the surprise “Juno” arrestee at Sabrina Carpenter’s short-and-sweet headlining set. Photo by Kenn Box

Joey Valence and Brae threw it back to the 80s with their retro take on hip hop on the BeatBox stage. Photo by Kenn Box

Whether it’s 3:15 am or 3:15 pm, The Dare knows how to throw a hedonistic party where the energy doesn't stop. Tons of Gen Z fans crowded around the Miller Lite stage, donning their best indie sleaze clubwear.Photo by Kenn Box

The ACL flags have long been a popular spot for festival goers to capture the festival vibes, whether it be via smartphone or that now-hip-again 2000s point-and-Sporting a two-piece blue silk set, lead singer Mica Tenenbaum of Magdalena Bay utilized every inch of the Lady Bird stage on Saturday. shoot digital camera. Photo by Kenn Box

Sporting a two-piece blue silk set, lead singer Mica Tenenbaum of Magdalena Bay utilized every inch of the Lady Bird stage on Saturday.Photo by Kenn Box

Australian electro-pop duo Confidence Man made their return to Austin following South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025, when they spent a week in town playing shows.Photo by Kenn Box

Fellow Australians Empire of the Sun dazzled the ACL crowd with a theatrical set including dancers, costume changes, and a light show that took advantage of the set time at dusk.Photo by Kenn Box

The mystery man in the Banana costume seemed to delight anyone who crossed his path.Photo by Kenn Box

Grammy winner Doechii brought a lusciously curated set design to the American Express stage. The crowd screamed along to every word of her all-hits setlist.Photo by Kenn Box

Despite the 6 pm slot, Role Model played a headline-worthy set to a large crowd of fans. He’s back on the same stage next Friday, a day before his musical debut on Saturday Night Live.Photo by Kenn Box

Nothing beats singing along to your favorite artists’ song with your best friend.Photo by Kenn Box

King Princess is no stranger to the T Mobile stage, having played it in 2019 when it was then known as the Honda stage. Her fashion was just as good the second time around.Photo by Kenn Box

Brisbane star Mallrat played an opening set on the Miller Lite stage on Saturday to a growing crowd of early-bird concert goers. Photo by Kenn Box

Ending the weekend on the BeatBox stage, Sarah Barthel of New York duo Phantogram hypnotized the crowd with her movements set to a strobe-filled light show.Photo by Kenn Box

A classic spot to get a worthy lead photo for your post-ACL Instagram photo dump. Photo by Kenn Box

Rising country star Willow Avalon sang her heart out as diehard fans sang right back to her on the Lady Bird stage during the hottest point of the day. Photo by Kenn Box

Quirky Australian indie rock band Spacey Jane played an early set on the T-Mobile stage to a rapidly filling crowd who were ready to park all day for the Strokes closing set on Saturday.Photo by Kenn Box

Ashville, North Carolina’s sweetheart MJ Lenderman is, at the young age of 26, is already considered an indie darling. Still riding the high off of “Wristwatch” from last year's release, Manning Fireworks, Lenderman made his ACL 2025 appearance on the Beatbox stage. Photo by Kenn Box

The two flag fields on the ACL grounds have always been the most popular meeting site at Zilker.Photo by Kenn Box

New York City rock band Hotline TNT, who released their third studio album, Raspberry Moon, earlier this summer, played the opening slot on the T-Mobile stage. Photo by Kenn Box

Moody Joody brought the energy to the BMI stage on Friday. They played to hardcore fans holding signs, donning customized t-shirts, and singing every word with the Nashville act. Photo by Kenn Box

As the sun set on the final day of weekend one, the crowd's energy seemed to settle as people made their way to the headlining stages of their choice.Photo by Kenn Box