Get to Know 8 Local Bands Playing ACL Music Festival This Year

Whether it’s your first time or your 20th attending Austin’s eponymous ACL Music Festival, it never fails to spread an exciting, infectious energy throughout the city. Taking place for two weekends from October 4–6 and 11–13 at the picturesque Zilker Park, more than 100 acts will play across nine stages, making it easy to spend the day watching your favorite musicians and discovering new ones. 

While invariably each year there are some disagreements over the lineup, one thing the program has never shied away from is hosting a considerate list of upcoming and established local artists, representing a slice of Austin culture to visitors and residents alike.

It can be hard to keep up with who’s who in a city filled with so much natural talent. And even if you’re not planning to brave the sky-high temps or scores of concert-goers this year for a chance to jam out in-person, each of these homegrown artists are still worth putting on your playlist or catching at a esteemed venue all year round. Take a look at our locals-only schedule below for a little taste of Austin’s renowned music scene.

1. Asleep at the Wheel

Friday, Oct. 4 (W1)
Honda Stage | 12:55 – 1:40 p.m.

Celebrating over half a century of musical excellence, Asleep at the Wheel is a long-time ACL staple and true icon of American roots music. Founded in 1970 by Ray Benson, this Western swing powerhouse has been bridging the gap between past and present for generations of music lovers. The band found its home in Austin, Texas in 1973, quickly becoming an integral part of the city’s vibrant music scene. Drawing inspiration from Western swing and honky-tonk country, Asleep at the Wheel has garnered an impressive 10 Grammy Awards throughout their storied career. With their unique blend of tradition and innovation, Asleep at the Wheel continues to be a driving force in keeping the spirit of American roots music alive and thriving.

2. Midnight Navy

Friday, Oct. 4 (W1)
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage | 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Set to make his debut at ACL Music Festival this year, Midnight Navy is an Austin-based singer-songwriter, producer and saxophonist whose music spans alternative R&B and lo-fi psychedelic indie soul. Paying homage to his Mexican heritage, his latest release, “De Melón,” features bilingual vocals and vibrant percussion that highlight his Chicano roots. With a soft vocal range reminiscent of Cigarettes After Sex and the chill pop sensibility of The Marías, Midnight Navy stands out as a must-see live act.

3. Penny & Sparrow

Friday, Oct. 4 (W1)
IHG Hotels + Resorts Stage | 3:30 –  4:30 p.m.

Texas natives Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke form a heartfelt indie folk duo making waves in Austin’s music scene and beyond. Inspired by acts like Bon Iver, The Swell Season and The Civil Wars, the pair met at the University of Texas at Austin, forging a deep musical connection that blends Baxter’s mesmerizing falsetto with Jahnke’s melodic guitar work. Their latest single, “Country,” offers a glimpse into their upcoming album Lefty, set to release on Jan. 31, 2025—a collection they describe as a mix of real and imagined stories, poetry, elegies, toasts, confessions, and at least two love letters.

4. Chief Cleopatra

Sunday, Oct. 6 (W1)
IHG Hotels + Resorts Stage | 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.

Rising star Chief Cleopatra, Jalesa Jessie, is making waves in ATX with her unique blend of soul and rock. Hailing from Corsicana, Texas, this talented singer-songwriter found her voice in church choirs before forging her own path in the Live Music Capital of the World. Since releasing her debut EP in 2019, Chief Cleopatra has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, earning accolades from local tastemakers and sharing stages with renowned acts like The Wailers and Girl Talk. A five-time SXSW official artist and KUTX’s Artist of the Month, Cleo’s sultry vocals and psychedelic soul sound have garnered comparisons to Santigold and Blood Orange.

5. West 22nd

Sunday, Oct. 6 (W1)
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

West 22nd, an energetic indie-rock band from Austin, is set to make their debut at this year’s festival. Known for their warm and sunny indie rock sound, perfect for swaying and nodding along to their catchy harmonies, the five-piece—comprising University of Texas seniors Gabe Acevedo, Logan Madsen, Jet Beck, Jeremy Ancheta, and Douglas Blatt—has rapidly gained traction with over 3.3 million streams across all platforms. Though they only released their debut EP in 2023, this energetic five-piece has already opened for Midland at Longhorn City Limits and performed at SXSW 2023. Their latest single, “Hangman,” garnered over 50,000 streams in its first week, and with a full-length LP coming in April 2025, West 22nd is primed for even bigger stages and a bright future.

6. Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective

Friday, Oct. 11 (W2)
BMI Stage | 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Having already played ACL Festival for the past two years, the Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective is set to make the third time a charm for festival-goers. Not only is it terrific to support these local students, but they are also an incredibly talented group of musicians. In fact, they recently won first place in the Louis Armstrong HBCU Jazz Competition in Nashville. You can expect a mix of traditional jazz with modern influences, and their smooth sounds are a treat to hear live.

7. Being Dead

Saturday, Oct. 12 (W2)
IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage | 12:05 – 12:50 p.m.

For a high-energy show, Being Dead is sure to deliver surprises with a dynamic performance of indie rock and noise-punk. The Austin trio’s new album, “EELS” to be released on September 27, is a 16-track record that is a mix of unpredictable sounds from one song to the next, blending surf sounds and harmonies, among other otherworldly elements. There is definitely something joyful in the element of surprise when listening to this unique Austin band. 

8. DAIISTAR

Sunday, Oct. 13 (W2)
Miller Lite Stage | 12:10 – 12:55 p.m.

For psych rock fans, DAIISTAR (pronounced ‘day star’) is a must-see. Produced by the Black Angels’ Alex Maas and engineered by White Denim’s James Petrailli, the band is made up of veterans of the Austin music scene who came together on this project just before the start of the pandemic.  Their debut album “Good Time” was released in September 2023, followed by a successful tour. Their music gives a bit of throwback to Jesus and The Mary Chain, and for those who love a bit of shoegaze and noise-pop, DAIISTAR offers a great time.