There’s nothing like kicking off ACL with this beloved local band. | Photo by Ashley Osborn for ACL Festival
Here in Austin, we like to keep things local, and that extends to our festival performers. With the 2025 edition of ACL Festival less than one month away, we’re getting ready to show up for our local musicians.
During the weekends of October 3-5 and October 10-12, nine Austin-based bands will perform on festival stages.
We rounded them all up for you along with their performance day, weekend, one of their top songs, and a fun fact.
Friday
Asleep at the Wheel | “Miles And Miles Of Texas” | Weekend one | This beloved group is always the first band to take the stage at ACL.
Geto Gala | “Homerun Derby” | Weekend one | Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown join forces to create this sonic force. Figi here — these two musicians put on a great show.
Pixies | 6:30 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | $58+ | ATX-based band Spoon and Fazerdaze will jam out alongside the band famous for their hit song, “Where Is My Mind?”
“Little Shop of Horrors” | Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Genesis Creative Collective | $25+ | Meet the Mean Green Mother From Outerspace, a demonic dentist, and an unsuspecting gardener in this hit musical.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Crescendo: A Benefit Concert | Times vary | Draylen Mason Studio at KMFA | $60+ | The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus, plus soprano Sarajane Dailey, will serenade the audience during this cabaret-style fundraiser.
“Jaws” on the Water 50th Anniversary | 8-11 p.m. | Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark, Leander | $19+ | Don’t get too scared while you float on the water as the film plays. Psst — a ticket purchase includes complimentary water park access starting at 4 p.m.
Dinner Cinema Series: “Kill Bill: Vol. 1" | Sunday, Sept. 7-Monday, Sept. 8 | 6 p.m. | Nido | $95+ | Uchi will serve a multi-course dinner timed with key moments in the classic tale of revenge.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Lukas Nelson | Sunday, Sept. 28-Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $35+ | The “Just Outside of Austin” singer-songwriter and generational talent will perform three nights of shows.
The new branding will be used in materials like newsletters and departmental webpages. | Graphic via City of Austin
Civic
The City of Austin unveiled a new logo + brand that will launch at the beginning of October. The logo will not appear on the uniforms of emergency services. The flowing green and blue “A” is meant to signify Austin’s hills, rivers, and bridges in the colors of greenery and violet skies.
Development
The first phases of construction on the brand new Austin Convention Center have begun. Austin officials say the new build is going to be one of the most sustainable public projects in the city — take a look at the plans. (KXAN)
Opening
Local cafe Cenote has reopened in the former Revival Coffee space (less than a mile down the road) after a temporary hiatus that began in April. The shop debuted a cocktail menu upon opening and will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13. (CultureMap)
Trending
Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is up to an estimated $1.7 billion, the third-highest prize in the game’s history. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the least “lucky” states for the lottery, as no one has won the Powerball Jackpot in the Lone Star State since 2015. (KXAN)
Gallery
Calling all birders. The Osprey — aka a bird of prey that eats fish — can be spotted in Austin from September through April. Familiarize yourself with these photos of the large bird so you can catch it in action. (KXAN)
List
Blue Bell Ice Cream is the most beloved brand in Texas, according to a study from MarketBeat. You’ll find fellow ice cream lovers in states like Arkansas, Vermont, and Iowa.
Sports
The Texans will face off against the Rams at SoFi Stadium this weekend. Get the biggest stories every day and some expert predictions from the local folks of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
Category
Culture
⚡️ It’s Flashback Friday
We triple-dog-dare you to jump off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool. | Photo by ATXtoday
576. That’s how many Historical Markers and War Memorials exist in Travis County, according to The Historical Marker Database. How many of them do you know about?
If you’ve lived in Austin long enough, chances are you’ve visited this one.
Barton Springs Pool | Erected in 1970
Folks in Austin have been gathering at this natural pool, which has a daily flow of 27 million gallons of water, for hundreds of years. Settler William “Uncle Billy” Barton patented the site in 1837, naming the springs after his daughters and attracting visitors with his two baby buffalo. Barton began renting suits to swimmers, installed a merry-go-round, and built ice machines in the area by 1871. Read more about the historic pool.
Do you know of a historical marker you would like to share? Submit it here.
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m on the hunt to find the best espresso martinis (aka my favorite cocktail) in Austin, and I need your help. Where have you had a delicious espresso martini? Send the best local spots my way so I can pay them a visit.
