Over the years, many have said ACL Fest (the Austin City Limits Music Festival) has become less and less rootsy/country and more geared toward attracting young people who want to bounce to DJs. But true to the city's love for all music, ACL has always offered the chance to see several incredible country musicians play outside in Zilker Park with the backdrop of Austin's everchanging skyline.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The official lineup for this year's ACL Fest taking place over two weekends in a row, October 5 through Oct. 7 and Oct. 12 through Oct. 14, was released this morning. Country fans will scan the extensive list and see that Americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile sits high up on the bill. While reading down the list, more exciting acts with country influences pop up like Ghost of Paul Revere, Elle King, the Texas Gentlemen, Sharon Van Etten and The Weather Station.
Read More: Country Music Festivals You Need to Add to Your 2018 Calendar
And no Austin City Limits Music Festival would be complete without western swing favorites Asleep at the Wheel. Take note, they'll be playing the first weekend of the fest only, but Lucie Silvas, Trampled By Turtles, Ruston Kelly and Charley Crockett will play the second weekend, giving listeners a healthy dose of country music. Also, Austin Kiddie Limits, the children's portion of the festival, will offer some country with Red Yarn playing the first-weekend bringing folk songs and puppetry.
Tickets are already on sale for three-day passes, and day passes will follow soon. This year's event could easily sell out with such major first-time headliners as Paul McCartney and Metallica. Plus, Childish Gambino and the Arctic Monkeys will return to the fest as favorites from their performances in past years.
