Day 2 of the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival, held on Saturday, October 5th, continued the vibrant energy at Zilker Park, offering another full day of diverse musical acts and memorable moments under the warm Texas sun. While Friday set a high bar, Saturday delivered with a lineup that spanned pop, indie rock, electronic, and soul, ensuring there was something to captivate every festival-goer. The atmosphere remained electric, with crowds ready to embrace another day of live music.
The early afternoon saw a mix of emerging talents and established favorites setting the tone. Geese, hailing from New York, delivered a spectacular indie rock performance at the T-Mobile stage. Their set, characterized by kinetic guitar solos, fantastical drum breakdowns, and frontman Cameron Winter’s intense vocals reminiscent of ’90s predecessors, captivated the audience. Tracks like “Cowboy Nudes” and “3D Country” showcased their unique sound, drawing in experimental fans.
Over at the Tito’s stage, Atlanta-based artist Zach Person kicked off his set with an energetic bang. This marked his second return to the festival, and he brought an undeniable rock element with loud drums and wailing guitar riffs. The crowd was immediately hyped, headbanging to the beat as Person performed songs like “Nothing to Lose” from his latest album. His interactive stage presence, including asking the crowd to jump with him, ensured a high-energy start to the day.
A highlight for many was the soulful performance by Teddy Swims on the Honda Stage. The Georgia native brought his unique blend of passion and authenticity, resonating deeply with the crowd through standout songs like “911” and “Funeral.” He also offered a glimpse into his evolving sound with a new track, “Bad Dreams,” and, of course, had everyone singing along to the fan-favorite classic “Lose Control.” Swims also took a moment to emphasize crowd safety, fostering a sense of community.
As the day progressed, the American Express stage welcomed Lola Young, the British indie artist who powered through the Texas heat to deliver an unforgettable show. Despite a brief pause to cool off, Young’s energy and stage presence remained unwavering. Her Amy Winehouse-esque vocals, coupled with production ranging from electronic to pop-funk, kept the audience grooving. Closing with “Messy” and “Conceited,” Young showcased her bold lyrics and unapologetic presence, leaving the audience hooked.
The evening built towards the highly anticipated headlining performance by pop superstar Dua Lipa on the American Express stage. The crowd for her set stretched for what seemed like miles, a testament to her immense popularity. Dua Lipa delivered an electrifying performance, with the audience singing along to hit songs such as “One Kiss,” “Levitating,” and “Dance The Night.” In a nod to her Austin audience, she proudly sported a University of Texas football jersey, a gesture that was met with enthusiastic cheers, especially after the Longhorns’ recent victory in the Red River Rivalry.
Dua Lipa’s set was a visual and auditory spectacle, culminating in a powerful encore that included “Physical,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Houdini.” Her dynamic choreography and commanding stage presence made her performance one of the absolute best of the weekend, solidifying her status as a global pop icon and leaving the massive crowd energized and satisfied.
Beyond the major acts, Day 2 also featured a variety of other compelling performances. Benson Boone delivered a grand performance on the Honda stage, featuring impressive backflips and handsprings, alongside a heart-touching rendition of his song “In The Stars” that moved many to tears. Still Woozy’s set was anything but laid-back, with the artist bouncing around the stage, running from side to side, and encouraging the crowd to sing along to favorites like “Goodie Bag.”
The day also saw the Canadian all-female indie rock band The Beaches deliver a killer set on the T-Mobile stage, full of swagger and captivating grooves. Khruangbin brought their signature mellow rhythms and bright piano riffs to the American Express stage, offering a more relaxed yet equally engaging experience, even featuring a magical moment when Leon Bridges joined them on stage for their hit song “Texas Sun” as the sun set.
