Austin City Limits Fest Highlights 2010s Indie Rock Favorites

Austin City Limits shines a nostalgic spotlight on beloved 2010s indie rock acts with fresh modern energy.

A Nostalgia-Fueled Celebration of 2010s Indie

If you stepped into Austin City Limits Festival this year, you’d feel like you’d been transported back a decade — but with a twist. The 2025 ACL fest's lineup was a love letter to 2010s indie rock, featuring iconic bands that defined the era. Fans reveled in seeing favorites like Empire of the Sun, Cage the Elephant, Passion Pit, Phantogram, Dr. Dog, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and MARIN all sharing the sprawling Zilker Park stage.

It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and now, a chance to relive those glory days of indie music while catching just enough fresh energy to keep things exciting. The vibe was electric, with many fans sporting vintage tees and nostalgic smiles.

Juggling Sets: The Indie Rock Scheduling Challenge

One major challenge for attendees? The dreaded simultaneous sets. On Friday, the festival split indie lovers’ attention as Empire of the Sun and Cage the Elephant played at the same time on different stages. Brave fans dashed between the Miller Light and American Express stages, trying to catch as much as possible.

Cage the Elephant’s performance was a fiery spectacle, highlighted by frontman Matt Shultz’s acrobatic stage antics and blazing fireballs lighting up the night.

Cage The Elephant ignited the ACL 2025 stage with energy and showmanship.

Meanwhile, Empire of the Sun drew a packed crowd into the more intimate Miller Light stage, where swirling EDM beats met a kaleidoscope of trippy visuals. It was a sensory overload that perfectly captured their signature style, transporting fans into a neon-lit dreamscape.

Passion Pit and the Soundtrack of a Tumblr Era

Over at the Tito’s tent, Passion Pit delivered a set filled with shimmering synths and catchy hooks, although their sound occasionally battled to cut through T-Pain’s booming main stage show. Still, when they hit fan favorites like “Sleepyhead,” it was a mini time machine back to the heyday of oversized sweaters and endless Tumblr scrolls.

Passion Pit brought the glittery synth-pop vibes to the Tito's tent.

The Strokes: Icons of an Era Bridging Generations

The Strokes, undeniably one of the era’s blueprint bands, took center stage with a 17-song set that spanned their groundbreaking early albums. Frontman Julian Casablancas even joked about the tough festival scheduling forcing fans to pick sides, quipping about stepping away momentarily to watch Sabrina Carpenter, who was headlining elsewhere.

Their classic tracks from Is This It brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding everyone why the band remains a critical influence on indie rock’s evolution.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Unexpected ACL Moment

Carpenter delighted fans by inviting the legendary Chicks on stage to cover the 1998 hit “Wide Open Spaces.” This unexpected collaboration bridged generations, mixing Carpenter’s contemporary pop with the country roots of the Chicks. She also performed her own “Please Please Please,” with an amusing cameo by U.K.’s Olivia Dean, who played the audience member “arrested” during the performance of “Juno.”

A Weekend of Rising Stars and Genre Blends

The festival wasn’t just about nostalgia; newer artists brought fresh flavors to the mix. Joey Valance’s infectious energy, the meme-loving hip-hop duo Brae, and queer indie pop star King Princess attracted younger crowds hungry for new voices.

MJ Lenderman blurred lines between indie rock and jam band vibes, perfect for a laid-back afternoon set under the trees. Wet Leg balanced punk grit with dreamy pop textures, while Magdalena Bay’s combo of bedroom pop vocals and retro-inspired stagecraft added cheeky charm.

Festivalgoers soaking up the indie magic on a perfect ACL day.

Headliners, Covers, and Heartfelt Performances

Sunday featured a stellar showdown with The Killers and EDM sensation John Summit. The Killers surprised the crowd with a rare cover of “You Were Always on My Mind,” a tune popularized by the Pet Shop Boys, while Summit spun tracks from 2010s favorites like Tame Impala, Kesha, and The Temper Trap.

Meanwhile, Gregory Alan Isakov emotionally thanked the crowd during his first ACL appearance after more than two decades of making music. Rising star Doechii impressed with her vibrant stage presence, and Gigi Perez shone brightly on the Lady Bird stage despite the intense sun.

“It sucks that they make you choose, not to get political.”
— Julian Casablancas on festival scheduling conflicts

Why the 2010s Indie Rock Resurgence Matters

Austin City Limits 2025 showcased more than just a nostalgic trip—it captured how the 2010s indie rock scene continues to influence music today. This decade was a golden era when indie music found its voice through catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-defying sounds.

Seeing these artists back in the spotlight reminds us why we fell in love with their music in the first place—and why their influence is still so strong.

FAQ

• Which 2010s indie bands played at ACL 2025?
  Empire of the Sun, Cage the Elephant, Passion Pit, Phantogram, Dr. Dog, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, MARIN, The Strokes, and more.
• Were there any scheduling conflicts for indie fans?
  Yes, notable overlap included Empire of the Sun and Cage the Elephant performing simultaneously, making it tough for fans to catch both.
• Did ACL feature new artists alongside 2010s acts?
  Absolutely, newer talents like Joey Valance, Brae, King Princess, MJ Lenderman, Wet Leg, and Magdalena Bay performed.
• What unique collaborations happened during the festival?
  Sabrina Carpenter brought out the Chicks for a cover of “Wide Open Spaces,” bridging pop and country fans.
• How did The Strokes’ set stand out?
  Their 17-song performance celebrated early classics, reminding fans of their lasting impact on indie rock.

Ready to bring some ACL vibes home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and relive the magic with art that celebrates the sounds of an unforgettable era. Explore our collection here!