Austin, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The Austin City Limits Music Festival kicked off at Zilker Park, featuring a stellar lineup and a memorable performance from Sabrina Carpenter. Headlining the American Express stage, Carpenter captivated the audience with her popular track ‘Espresso’ and a special appearance by Shania Twain. Speculation about a surprise performance from Taylor Swift added to the excitement, particularly following her recent album release. The event showcased the growing influence of female artists in the music festival scene.
Austin, Texas – The 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival commenced on October 4, 2025, at Zilker Park, featuring a lineup of artists including Hozier, Luke Combs, Cage The Elephant, and Empire of the Sun. Sabrina Carpenter headlined the American Express stage that evening, captivating a large crowd starting at 8:30 p.m. with her popular tracks, including the global hit “Espresso,” which boasts over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify.
Carpenter has garnered significant acclaim for her musical talent, receiving a Grammy for her album “Short & Sweet” and praise for her latest album, “Man Best’s Friend.” Fans, donning pastel blue outfits, gingham attire, and sparkles, showed their enthusiasm by sporting temporary red lipstick kiss tattoos, a nod to “Short & Sweet.” Many eager fans arrived early, queuing up in the morning to secure optimal spots close to the stage, with some stretching at the gates prior to the event’s opening.
During her highly anticipated performance, Carpenter held an espresso martini while singing “Espresso” and encouraged the audience to sing along, marking it as their last chance to join in. A highlight of her set was the surprise appearance of Shania Twain, who joined her for a rendition of “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” creating a memorable moment for concertgoers.
As the night unfolded, speculation about a potential surprise appearance by Taylor Swift arose. This buzz intensified following Swift’s recent album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” which features a duet with Carpenter. Furthermore, Swift’s social media team posted a schedule that included a vague “standby” slot for Saturday night, heightening anticipation among fans. Swift and Carpenter have previously shared the stage during an Eras Tour concert in New Orleans, adding to the excitement.
Adding to the speculation, Swift’s fans noted hints regarding the possibility of unreleased songs from her album “Reputation,” along with rumors that she may also be gearing up for a performance on “Saturday Night Live” in New York City. In the midst of this electric atmosphere, on-site scalpers reported single-day pass prices ranging from $300 to $500, reflecting the high demand for tickets on the day Carpenter performed.
Notably, female artists, such as Carpenter, have captivated audiences at recent ACL festivals, with previous years showcasing unforgettable performances from stars like Lizzo and Billie Eilish. This trend highlights the growing impact and popularity of female musicians in the festival scene.
Festival Highlights
- Opening date: October 4, 2025
- Location: Zilker Park, Austin
- Headliner: Sabrina Carpenter at 8:30 p.m.
- Special guest: Shania Twain
- Rumored appearance: Taylor Swift
- Single-day pass prices: $300 – $500
About Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is a talented singer-songwriter known for her infectious tunes and engaging performances. With her hit single “Espresso” achieving massive success, she continues to attract fans with her evolving discography and vibrant stage presence.
About Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits Music Festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, showcases a diverse array of artists across various genres. It has gained recognition for its vibrant atmosphere and significant contributions to the music industry, particularly highlighting female artists in the lineup over recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival start?
The festival kicked off on October 4, 2025, in Zilker Park, Austin.
Who headlined the festival on October 4, 2025?
Sabrina Carpenter headlined on the American Express stage at 8:30 p.m.
What is Sabrina Carpenter known for?
Carpenter is known for her hit “Espresso,” which has over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify.
Was there speculation about any surprise guests?
Yes, fans speculated a possible appearance by Taylor Swift during Carpenter’s set.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Sabrina Carpenter Launches Merchandise Pop-Up in Austin
ACL Fest Features Sabrina Carpenter and Surprise Guest
Austin City Limits Music Festival Set for 2025
University of Texas at Austin Seeks Federal Funding Incentives
UT Austin Selected for Trump Administration’s Academic Compact
Trump Administration Requests UT Austin to Sign Funding Compact
Austin City Limits Music Festival Kicks Off in Zilker Park
University of Texas Joins Federal Funding Compact
Austin City Limits Music Festival Set to Attract 450,000 Attendees
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: Sabrina Carpenter at ACL Fest 2025
- Wikipedia: Austin City Limits Music Festival
- KXAN: Weekend 1 Photos of ACL 2025
- Google Search: Taylor Swift at ACL 2025
- USA Today: Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025
- Google Scholar: Impact of Music Festivals
- KVUE: Taylor Swift at ACL Fest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ACL Music Festival
- People: Hilary Duff as Role Model at ACL
- Google News: Hilary Duff ACL 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.
