Austin City Limits 2024 is in full swing, and the first day starts with popular acts like Blink 182, Foster the People, Mannequin Pussy and more.
Austin City Limits returns to Zilker Park for the first weekend full of music, fun, and entertainment. The day holds a variety of artists, including Dasha, Eggy, Stephen Sanchez, Elderbrook, The Marias and many more. Fans ran in to get good spots for the headliners for the night, Blink-182 and Chris Stapleton
Indie-rock band Sir Chloe started off the run of amazing shows happening at the T-Mobile Stage. Fans were eager for the singer to perform at this year’s festival, as the last time Sir Chloe performed in Austin was earlier in 2024. Their set was a great way to warm up the ACL crowd, as they performed hits like “Animal,” “Salivate” and “Michelle.”
Another perfect artist that hyped up ACL was Mannequin Pussy, who are sole Weekend One performers and rocked out on the Miller Lite stage. Known for their outspoken tendencies about real world problems, the band sported a glittery Palestine flag in their set as a way to spread the word. They started off their set with the electrifying tracks “Sometimes” and “Patience,” and continued to perform fan favorites like “Aching,” “Pigs is Pigs” and “Emotional High.” Mannequin Pussy ended their set with “OK? OK! OK? OK!,” where the crowd erupted with mosh pits and crowd surfers.
Carin Leon, one of ACL’s only latin acts, took the American Express stage on Friday afternoon. The crowd, notably more latinx, was prepared to hear the regional Mexican music sounds from the singer. Leon, currently on tour, made a surprise stop to the beloved Austin festival in support of his latest album Boca Chueca, which was released earlier this year. During his set, he encouraged fans to stay hydrated while also telling them to drink as their hearts desire. With songs like “Te lo agradezco,” “Te Vi Con El,” “Una Vida Pasada” and “El Toxico,” Carin Leon surely won over the Austin audience.
Foster the People performed the golden hour set at the Honda stage, and was hands down the best set of the entire day. Foster the People, currently home to musicians Mark Foster and Isom Innis, most recently released their funky fourth album titled Paradise State of Mind earlier this year. The last time the duo performed ACL was back in 2017, following the release of their third album Sacred Hearts Club. The set was absolutely astounding, as they performed deep cuts along with some of their latest bangers. They immediately started off with a few tracks from Torches, such as “Helena Beat” and “Call It What You Want.” Mark Foster was mesmerizing throughout each performance, often interacting with fans in the crowd dancing and swaying. On top of their hits, they also performed a multitude of new tracks, such as “Lost in Space,” “See You in the Afterlife” and “Glitchzig.” Before ending their set with “Pumped Up Kicks,” Mark Foster expressed gratitude for the festival bringing together local musicians and businesses, and teased a world tour announcement.
Blink 182 ended the day at the Honda Stage – the band currently consists of members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker. Finishing their festival rounds strong in the city of Austin, they came out with high energy. Starting their set with “Feeling This,” “The Rock Show” and “Man Overboard,” it was clear from the get-go their festival setlist would include all of their greatest hits along with a few hidden gems. Although the commentary between Hoppus and Delonge was a bit unsettling at times, it was refreshing to see their stage dynamic, especially in front of such a large + loud crowd. Their set consisted of hits like “Up All Night,” “What’s My Age Again?” “First Date,” and “All The Small Things,” which truly made the ACL Crowd show off their vocal talent. Blink 182 ended their set with “Dammit,” (which included a fun interlude of Taylor Swift’s “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together”) and “One More Time.” Fireworks lit up the sky, day one was officially over.
Day one set the scene for the rest of the weekend – we are in for nothing but good vibes. As attendees were a mixed combination of Austin-natives and ACL first time newcomers, it’s gonna be a fun weekend for all.
Day 1 Environment
BLINK 182
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
MANNEQUIN PUSSY
STEPHEN SANCHEZ
Words by Keylee Paz | Photos by Keylee Paz and C3 Photographers