A perfect way to start Weekend 2!
The 2024 Austin City Limits festival kicked off with an unforgettable first day that left fans buzzing with excitement. From the soulful croon of Norah Jones to the genre-bending brilliance of Carin Leon, the festival showcased an eclectic lineup that had something for everyone. Foster The People brought a fresh wave of indie pop energy, while Leon Bridges captivated with his smooth, timeless voice. The Marias entranced the crowd with their dreamy fusion of genres, setting a mellow vibe before the energy hit its peak.
About the two headliners of the night, Blink-182 delivered their signature punk-rock chaos, fueling the crowd with non-stop adrenaline, while country superstar Chris Stapleton closed out the night with an explosive, heartfelt performance. To top it all off, Willie Nelson made a surprise appearance, creating a magical ACL moment no one will ever forget.
Day One set the tone for an epic weekend, reminding everyone why Austin is the live music capital of the world!
The bands we saw during ACL 2024 Day 1
As with every year, the anticipation and excitement of arriving at Zilker Park in Austin, TX, is absolutely incredible! The energy in the air is electric, with festival-goers buzzing with enthusiasm as they gather in one of the most iconic locations for live music. From the moment you step foot in the park, surrounded by the stunning city skyline and natural beauty, it feels like the start of an unforgettable weekend filled with music, fun, and community vibes.
With limited time, the struggle to choose which bands to see is always present, but we do our best to manage our schedule and enjoy as many performances as possible each day.
NORAH JONES
Norah Jones enchanted the crowd with her soothing blend of jazz, blues, and folk. Her silky vocals were flawless, creating a calm and serene atmosphere amidst the festival buzz. Fans swayed along as she performed hits like “Don’t Know Why” and “Come Away With Me,” her piano playing adding an intimate touch. The golden hour sunlight perfectly matched her warm, mellow sound, and the set felt like a gentle embrace. Jones’ effortless musicianship reminded everyone of her timeless artistry, making her one of the day’s most soulful and emotionally rich performances.
CARIN LEON
Carín León brought a fiery fusion of traditional Mexican music and modern influences to the American Express stage. His dynamic set, filled with mariachi horns, electrifying guitars, and heartfelt vocals, was a celebration of Latin culture. Leon had the crowd singing along to hits like “Me La Aventé” and “Tú,” even a couple of covers such “Si Una Vez” by Selena Quintanilla and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, creating an infectious energy that transcended language barriers. His ability to blend regional Mexican sounds with contemporary twists was on full display, and his charisma was undeniable. The passion in his voice and the energy of his band made for an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply with the diverse ACL crowd.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
Foster The People delivered an exhilarating, high-energy set that got the crowd dancing and singing along to every beat. The indie-pop rockers brought their signature sound, blending catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrics, and had the audience in a euphoric state with hits like “Pumped Up Kicks,” “Houdini,” and “Helena Beat.” Their vibrant stage presence and infectious energy lit up the afternoon, creating an upbeat vibe that contrasted beautifully with the more mellow acts earlier in the day. Mark Foster’s charismatic performance and the band’s tight musicianship kept the crowd buzzing, making it one of the day’s standout moments.
THE MARIAS
The Marias crafted a dreamy, atmospheric set that pulled the crowd into their hypnotic world at the T-Mobile stage. Their fusion of indie pop, jazz, and Latin elements created a unique, otherworldly soundscape. Lead singer María Zardoya’s ethereal vocals floated over the lush instrumentals, making songs like “Hamptons,” “Run Your Mouth,” “Otro Atardecer,” and for the very last end, “Cariño.” It feel like an intimate serenade. The band’s chill, sultry vibe offered a refreshing change of pace, and their visuals added a mesmerizing touch. The Marias’ ability to weave together so many genres seamlessly captivated the crowd, providing a mellow yet immersive experience that left fans entranced.
CHRIS STAPLETON
Chris Stapleton closed out the American Express stage Day One with a masterful set that showcased his incredible range as both a vocalist and guitarist. But he elevated it to legendary status by bringing out country music icon Willie Nelson for the first two songs, “Whiskey River” and “Bloody Mary Morning”. As soon as Stapleton introduced the Texas-born legend, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The atmosphere was instantly charged with emotion and awe. His gravelly voice soared through so many hits delivering each lyric with raw emotion. Stapleton’s performance was a powerful, unforgettable end to the night.
BLINK-182
Blink-182’s closing performance on ACL 2024 Day One at the Honda Stage was an electrifying mix of nostalgia, energy, and punk-rock perfection. From the moment the band hit the stage, the crowd erupted into a sea of excitement, ready to relive the iconic soundtracks of their youth. Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Tom DeLonge delivered a high-energy set packed with fan favorites like “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?,” and “I Miss You.”
DeLonge’s return to the lineup brought an extra spark, with playful banter between him and Hoppus keeping the vibe lighthearted and fun. Travis Barker’s drumming was as intense and flawless as ever, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The trio’s chemistry was undeniable, making it feel like they never skipped a beat. Closing with their signature hit “Dammit,” and “One More Time,” Blink-182 left the crowd buzzing, proving they’re still kings of pop-punk. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable first day at ACL.
Day One of ACL 2024 set the bar incredibly high for the weekend. Each act brought their unique flair, creating a kaleidoscope of musical styles that reflected the diversity of the Austin music scene. Norah Jones’ soulful serenity, Carin Leon’s passionate energy, and Foster The People’s indie-pop euphoria kept the crowd engaged throughout the day. The Marias’ dreamy, genre-bending set provided moments of pure magic. Blink-182’s punk-rock chaos brought the night’s energy to its peak, only to be grounded by the heartfelt, powerhouse performance from Chris Stapleton.
And when Willie Nelson joined Stapleton on stage, the surprise duet was the perfect Texas-sized cherry on top of an already stellar day. The energy, the artistry, and the unforgettable moments defined ACL’s opening day, leaving festival-goers eager for what’s next. Austin once again proved it knows how to throw the ultimate music celebration!
