It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The long-awaited Austin City Limits Music Festival makes its return to Zilker Park with two full weekends of live music across nine stages on October 6-8 and October 13-15, 2023.

With each passing year, ACL seems to outdo itself with its lineup of star studded headliners. This year is no exception. Festival goers can belt their hearts out to familiar favorites from The Lumineers, rap along to their favorite Kendrick Lamar songs or dance the night away to Shania Twain classics. However, the same can be said for the crop of local talent representing Austin at this year's festival. You might be surprised to recognize a few artists on the 2023 roster that got their big start right here in Austin. And for those up and coming names you don’t know yet, we created this list of local artists to put on your must watch list.

Even though 3-day passes are sold out, it’s not too late to grab 1-day passes here.

We Don't Ride Llamas

The sibling quartet that make up the Afro-rock band We Don't Ride Llamas knew they wanted to be rock stars from a young age. Channeling their superstar fantasies into the widely popular Rock Band video game, they traded in their console for the real thing and have been gaining momentum ever since. From opening up for Willow Smith, to gracing the SXSW stages, We Don't Ride Llamas is said to be Austin’s next big musical breakout.

Calder Allen

At just 20 years old, Calder Allen is audibly and lyrically beyond his years. A prolific singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist, his performances across local Austin stages has earned him a following that has catapulted him to national stages. Opening up for such acts as The Avett Brothers and Turnpike Troubadours, the achy croon of Allen’s thoughtful lyricism speaks to every generation.

Rattlesnake Milk

Hailing from the desolate southern plains of Texas, Rattlesnake Milk finds inspiration in the vast and lonely landscape where the four bandmates grew up. Even though they now call Austin their home base, the band still draws on the panhandle in every song they write. With a vintage country sound at its core, Rattlesnake Milk has cultivated a sound all their own, with hints of surf pop and a dash of psychedelic rock for good measure.

Die Spitz

Childhood friends-turned-bandmates make up the rough and rowdy all-female quartet known as Die Spitz. While they only just came together as a band in 2022, the electric chemistry on stage is palpable. With their head-banging style of grunge-y hard rock and defiant lyrics, it’s easy to see why this band has already established themselves as one of Austin's most exciting new acts.

Quin NFN

East Austin native, Quin NFN has become a notable talent in the emerging local rap scene. His breathless display of rapid-fire flow and quick-witted word play has gained the young rapper millions of online views, hundreds of thousands of fans and stage time at some of the most iconic venues and festivals around Austin. As Quin sets out to put Austin’s hip-hop scene on the map, we can’t wait to see what he does next.

Ben Kweller

Indie icon, Ben Kweller, has captured the hearts of fans for nearly two decades. His genre-jumping catalog spans six albums, four EPs and multiple singles, all of which represent different facets of Kweller’s life. His latest album Circuit Boredom released in 2021 is poised to become one of Kweller’s most successful album releases yet. The opening track, “Starz'' reigned #1 on Austin’s KGSR for 6 weeks straight.

Blackchyl

A rap veteran and Austin-native, Blackchyl is paving her own way in a male-dominated industry. She’s found an audience inspired by her truths about being a black, female, queer emcee living in Austin, Texas. Her effortless swagger and beaming pride for East Austin, has earned the lyricist a loyal fan base in Austin and beyond.
 

Caramelo Haze

An unexpected cross pollination of Texas soul, Afro-Colombian folk and psychedelic Americana make up the sonic landscape of Caramelo Haze. This newly-formed all-star outfit has been collaborating on each other’s individual projects for years, but Caramelo Haze is their first official band together. Each an accomplished producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in their own right, it’s no surprise when their genius and versatility came together to make their debut album, NOESTÁSAQUI (You Aren’t Here), it was destined for greatness.

Grace Sorensen

R&B/neo-soul artist, Grace Sorensen, who first took the stage as a dancer is no stranger to the local Austin music scene. After making a name for herself singing backup vocals for local acts like Shiela and Blk Odyssy and even opening up for Motown legend Diana Ross, it’s finally time for Sorensen to take her sultry vocals center stage.

Shooks

Rising indie-rock band, Shooks, has quickly grown in popularity across the local Austin music scene. After several successful residencies and numerous shows at iconic venues around town, the five-piece band has garnered a loyal following launching them to stages around the country.