A longtime ACL vet (11 straight years) shared a Week 1 rundown — highlights, letdowns, and hard-earned tips. Read the original recap on r/aclfestival.
Quick takeaways
- Top pick: Joey Valence & Brae — high energy, Beastie Boys vibes for the crowd.
- Most elaborate set: Empire of the Sun.
- Big-name wins: Hozier and Doechii (tie).
- Surprising early act: Good Neighbours kicked off Friday with great energy.
- Disappointing: Sabrina Carpenter (sounded off-key; didn’t stay long).
- Worst opener: DJO’s starting song deflated the room after Doechii.
- Best voices: Olivia Dean and Gigi Perez.
- Best crowd moment: T‑Pain (All I Do Is Win and a Journey cover).
- Best headliner night: Sunday — caught John Summit and closed near The Killers.
- Band missed but heard rocked it: Cage the Elephant.
- Festival rank (personal): 2025 sits at 7 out of 11 for this attendee.
Practical tips from the post: stay hydrated, wear a mask for the dust, and pack a cooling towel — the medical tent with AC came through when needed. For veteran and first-time festivalgoers alike, those small moves make big differences.
Credit: recap posted by u/Mrhooker on r/aclfestival.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/aclfestival/comments/1o04q9g/a_w1_recap_from_an_old_person/
