5 lessons learned at ACL Fest weekend one

We’re talking dust, totems, crowds, and can’t-miss performances.

A festival crowd sits and stands on a grassy field with colorful flags on tall poles surrounding them. The flags have various abstract designs in bright colors, and people are scattered across the area, some in groups and others sitting alone. The scene is lit by late afternoon sunlight. — Ready to do it all again next weekend?

Phew — how are we feeling, ACL weekend one festivalgoers? Whether you’re reminiscing on the first weekend or preparing for weekend two, here are five things to know about ACL 2024 so far.

1. The dust is dusting

Thanks to a drier-than-normal September and thousands of people stomping around, Zilker Park’s grassy terrain looks more like a dusty desert. Wear a bandanna or face mask if you want to avoid the notorious “festival flu.”

2. Chappell Roan’s crowd was colossal

A large crowd gathers in front of an illuminated outdoor stage during a music festival. The stage is lit in red, with screens displaying visuals of the performer, Chappell Roan. In the background, the skyline of Austin with tall buildings, some under construction, can be seen at dusk. White tents are scattered throughout the festival grounds. — *Rumor has it* you could hear the crowd singing “HOT TO GO!” from far beyond the park.

All of Austin has been initiated into the “Pink Pony Club.” The superstar’s ACL debut will go down in the history books — her fans appeared to fill the entire park. If you want to be on the barricade for her next set, you’ll need to compete with folks who camped out there all day.

3. “Can you hear me now?”

Dua Lipa stands in the center of a stage with a microphone raised above her head, surrounded by backup dancers in coordinated black outfits. The background features vibrant pink lighting and horizontal stripes. The group strikes synchronized poses, with Dua Lipa at the forefront. — Dua Lipa was also spotted dining at local restaurants like Este and La Barbecue.

While Dua Lipa put on a sensational show, fans took to the internet to complain about sound issues at the American Express Stage where she performed. Many people in the crowd left after a few songs because they couldn’t hear the music. We’re hoping any technical difficulties are remedied before weekend two.

Benson Boone does a front flip on the stage. He's dressed in red pants and red sneakers. In the foreground, a camera man captures the flip. In the background, a man in sunglasses and red overalls plays the keyboard. — We’re flipping out over Benson Boone’s performance.

The “Beautiful Things” singer is on our radar as a must-see performer this weekend. His electric vocals and front flips aren’t the only thing that went viral — he also cut off the top half of his Austin-themed jumpsuit to get some relief from the Texas climate.

5. Tote your totem

ACL’s star-studded lineup of musicians aren’t the only celebrities at the park — keep your eyes to the sky to spot some pretty epic totems. From Moo Deng to Matthew McConaughey and Barb to Bey(oncé), you’ll see all kinds of homemade and hilarious figures.

Finally, be on the lookout for City Editor Morgan during weekend two. She’ll be exchanging friendship bracelets for ACL trivia participation.

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