Austin, TX, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The Austin City Limits Music Festival returns to Zilker Park, with Sabrina Carpenter captivating fans on stage while speculation swirls about guest appearances. Notably, Shania Twain joined her, marking a highlight of the renowned festival’s all-female lineup. Attendees showcased their excitement through themed attire, echoing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. This year’s event promises over 100 performances across multiple stages, reflecting the changing landscape of the music industry and the rising prominence of female artists.
Austin, TX – ACL Fest 2025 Features Sabrina Carpenter and Fans Eagerly Await Surprise Guest
The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) is set to thrill attendees with its return, taking place over two weekends from October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025, in Zilker Park, Austin, TX. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the BMI stage, which will be showcasing an array of performers, including Sabrina Carpenter, who headlined on October 4, 2025.
Performing on the American Express stage at 8:30 PM, Carpenter captivated a large audience with her notable hit song “Espresso,” which has amassed over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify. The artist has garnered prestigious accolades, including a Grammy for her album “Short & Sweet” and critical acclaim for her recent record “Man Best’s Friend.”
As excitement built for Carpenter’s performance, fans began lining up early, with some arriving at dawn to secure front-row spots. Carpenter opened her show while holding an espresso martini, firing up the crowd by reminding them it was their last chance to sing along in Texas before ushering in a display of fireworks. As she engaged with her fans, Carpenter expressed her heartfelt gratitude, calling them “one of the best things that has happened to me.”
The anticipation for the performance heightened when Carpenter hinted at a potential special guest. Speculation reached a fever pitch as many fans on social media began discussing the possibility of Taylor Swift making an appearance. Swift, known for her recent album “The Life of a Showgirl,” features a duet with Carpenter, further fueling excitement. Ultimately, Shania Twain surprised the audience by joining Carpenter on stage, performing the hit “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
Moreover, the festival has also caught the attention of ticket scalpers, with increased prices for Saturday single-day passes due to the high demand generated by Carpenter’s popularity. This year’s ACL Fest highlights an all-female lineup alongside Carpenter, featuring artists such as Sydney Rose, Olivia Dean, Marina, and Doechii, reflecting the growing trend of female artists leading major performances in the music industry.
Fans expressed their enthusiasm through their attire, donning pastel blue outfits and sporting temporary tattoos that celebrated Carpenter’s music. The high-energy atmosphere created an engaging environment for attendees as they anticipated more performances throughout the festival, which features nine stages and over 100 acts across both weekends.
As ACL Fest continues to take place, it stands as a beacon of musical talent and emerging trends in the industry, showcasing both established and up-and-coming artists.
Performers on Sunday, October 5, 2025
- 12:15 PM – Aaron Page
- 1:30 PM – Tyler Ballgame
- 3:15 PM – Chuwi
- 5:15 PM – Zinadelphia
Key Features of ACL Fest 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Zilker Park, Austin, TX |
| Dates | October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025 |
| Headliner | Sabrina Carpenter |
| Notable Guest | Shania Twain |
| All-Female Lineup | Sydney Rose, Olivia Dean, Marina, and Doechii |
| Scalper Activity | High prices for Saturday single-day passes |
| Total Performances | Over 100 acts across nine stages |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for ACL Fest 2025?
ACL Fest is being held both weekends of October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025.
Who headlined ACL Fest on October 4, 2025?
Sabrina Carpenter headlined on October 4, 2025, at 8:30 PM on the American Express stage.
What was a notable guest appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s performance?
Shania Twain made a surprise appearance as Carpenter’s special guest.
What is the significance of the BMI stage at ACL Fest?
The BMI stage is back for its 22nd year at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, showcasing new and emerging talent.
How many performances will ACL Fest feature?
ACL Fest will feature over 100 performances across nine stages.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Austin City Limits Music Festival
- KXAN
- Google Search: Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Taylor Swift Austin City Limits 2025
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin City Limits
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: ACL Fest 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
