Austin City Limits: Three Days of Music, Sunshine & Western-Festival Style
It’s been a while since my last blog post, but if there was ever a reason to come back—it’s Austin City Limits. Last week, I escaped to Austin for three days to see longtime friends, dance under the Texas sky, and soak up the best kind of chaos: live music, laughter, and heat that refuses to quit.
Austin in October still feels like summer. Ninety degrees, boots and fringe everywhere, and that laid-back Texas energy that makes you feel alive.
If You Haven’t Been to ACL Before…
Here’s what to know: Austin City Limits isn’t just a music festival—it’s a full experience. It takes place over two weekends at Zilker Park, right in the heart of the city. Multiple stages are spread across the grounds, each with its own vibe—from indie and electronic to country, pop, and hip-hop.
You can come for a single day or the full weekend, but either way—plan for:
Heat and Dirt Dust: Austin doesn’t care that it’s October. Hydration is your best friend.
Walking (lots of it): Comfortable shoes, light layers, and sunscreen are essentials.
Foodie Heaven: From BBQ to plant-based tacos, the food lineup is reason enough to go.
Outfit Watching: ACL is a runway of its own—cowboy boots, denim, sequins, and fringe everywhere.
The key? Lean into the vibe. ACL is more relaxed than Coachella—less “influencer energy,” more southern charm meets city cool. Which I love! Another amazing perk, you aren’t going to be out until 1 a.m. , the City of Austin shuts everything down at 10 p.m.
Now let’s dive into the day by day action!
Day 1 – Empire of the Sun & Sam Barber
The first day always sets the tone, and this one was pure magic. The crowd was buzzing, the Austin skyline shimmered in the distance, and we made our way from one stage to another, trying to soak in as much music as possible.
Sam Barber’s voice carried through the park, that perfect golden-hour moment where everyone just stopped talking and listened. Later, Empire of the Sun took over—and if you’ve ever seen them live, you know it’s not just a concert, it’s an experience. The visuals, costumes, lights—it felt otherworldly.
My Look:
I wore a fringed strapless dress from Zara paired with gold western boots. The fringe caught every bit of light as I danced, and somehow, even in the heat, the look held up. Festival styling is all about breathable fabric, good movement, and pieces that make you feel alive.
Fringe Dress from Zara
Today’s Makeup Look - Natural with a Brown Smokey Eye
Day 2 – Sabrina Carpenter with the Girls
Day two was my favorite for so many reasons. My friend brought her daughter, who’s a total mini style icon, and it turned into the sweetest girls’ night. Sabrina Carpenter took the stage in full pop-star perfection—sparkle, sass, and confidence that was contagious.
There’s something about being surrounded by women of all ages singing their hearts out—it felt empowering, playful, and full of that unfiltered joy that only live music brings.
If You Haven’t Been with Kids:
ACL is actually very family-friendly during the day. There’s plenty of space to sit, food trucks to explore, and even shaded areas for breaks. But once the evening hits, it turns into a full-on dance party—so plan your exit or commit to the glitter.
My Look:
In honor of Sabrina’s sparkle, I wore a sequin mini skirt, a cropped denim vest, and my silver cowboy boots. I leaned into a playful, disco-western vibe. Sequins under the Texas sunset just hit differently.
Zara Sequin Skirt, Demin Vest from Amazon, Silver Boots
Day 3 – T-Pain & John Summit
By the final day, the dust had officially settled into my boots, my hair had seen better days, and my voice was almost gone—but the energy? Still going strong. We decided to go a little later in the day to not suffer in the heat. Which worked out perfectly because it was the exact music acts we wanted to see, T-Pain and John Summit!!
T-Pain’s set was pure nostalgia. Every song and his energy had the crowd screaming. I mean, Apple Bottom Jeans and All I do is Win, had everyone bonding in the best way possible! It reminded me how music connects us—no matter the age or where we come from. Later, John Summit closed out the night with a DJ set that turned the park into one massive dance floor. It was the first time I had seen him and I counldnt have asked for a better ending to the weekend. It was truly one of those moments you never want to end.
If You Haven’t Been on the Final Day:
Sunday is a vibe all its own. It was by far the busiest day, everyone was there for the final party. We were sun-kissed, a little tired—but also free and excited to cap it off right. You’ll see people smiling & laughing, couples dancing barefoot, and groups who clearly just met a few hours earlier but are now lifelong friends. It was high energy the whole time!
My Look:
I went for something easy and romantic: a white onesie and lace skirt from Free People, with a vintage western belt and simple Sam Edelman sandals (because my feet had officially given up). It was the perfect way to end the weekend—light, bohemian, and barefoot-in-the-grass energy.
Free People Skirt, Amazon Uni & Sam Edelman Sandals
Day 3 Makeup Look
Austin City Limits reminded me why I love music festivals—because they’re not really about the lineup. They’re about connection, expression, and the freedom to just be. Whether you’re there for the headliners, the food, or the fashion, you leave a little more yourself than when you arrived.
Between the laughter with friends, the sunsets, and the endless style inspiration, I left Austin sun-kissed, happy, and with a full camera roll (and heart).
If you go to a music festival this year, let me know which one. And if you’ve never been, let this be your sign to start planning now!
XO
Missy
