Written by Elisa Regulski
Fun Fun Fun Fest is more than just a lovely little alliteration. For die-hard Austin audiophiles and festival fanatics, this three-day event is the highlight of the year. Oversaturated commercialism takes the backseat and makes room for revved-up musicians, quick-witted comedians, and adrenaline-pumping athletes. Auditorium Shores has quite the spread laid out for you this weekend, and the schedule can often feel overwhelming. There’s no need to plan your weekend with spreadsheets and detailed schedules, however; this convenient listicle has the fest’s top ten acts conveniently organized for you. So turn off your phone and soak up the fun. It’s time to revel on, fellow wristband-wearers!
Mikal Cronin
When Mikal Cronin’s sunny brand of indie rock warms your eardrums, you’ll feel like you’re sinking into the welcoming sand near his childhood home in Laguna Beach. Surfy, vibrant, and as brisk as the California breeze, Mikal Cronin’s music will send your spirit swirling on Friday afternoon.
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” just begs for a 5,000-voice chorus to scream along. Don’t leave this ‘70s powergroup hanging. They’ll want to hear the loudest “don’t give yourself awaa-aaay!” that you can muster.
Twerking Lessons with Big Freedia
Who says festivals can’t be educational? On Sunday afternoon, The Queen of Bounce herself will bestow her knowledge of the ancient art of twerking to any reveler who craves instruction. This brief lesson at the Jash Yellow Stage will get you ready for Dirty Sixth Street in no time.
Alvvays
Sweetly psychedelic and enormously captivating, Alvvays will serve up a giant helping of poppy shoegaze brilliance on Sunday. Molly Rankin’s sugary vocals will float above driving bass lines and send listeners swaying to the sounds. Catch this Toronto five-piece at the Orange Stage at 4:10.
Jane’s Addiction
Jane says you’d be a fool to skip out on this headlining set. Seeing this act is a no-brainer. With a top to bottom performance of Ritual de lo Habitual, Jane’s Addiction will fuel your musical dependency once again.
BRONCHO
The pulsing chorus to BRONCHO’s “Class Historian” will get your feet jumping to the beat– if you can keep up with the pace. Their quick guitar rock will offer a perky energy boost for your Sunday afternoon and allow the sweaty dance party to continue.
Kurt Braunohler
Whether it’s on The Tonight Show, Conan, or Comedy Central, Kurt Braunohler makes stomachs ache from laughter on a daily basis. Friday gets a lot funnier with his 3:55 set at the Jash Yellow Stage.
Eric André
The host of Adult Swim’s The Eric André Show will inspire continuous giggling trills on Sunday afternoon. You may know him from such shows as 2 Broke Girls, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and Man Seeking Woman, but even if you’ve never seen his face before, the hilarity will flow freely.
Murder By Death
Airy folk-pop can step aside. Murder By Death smears a satisfying amount of grit and grime over their gothic Americana sound. Their lyrically-driven compositions will sound even earthier as they accompany the sunset behind the Jash Yellow Stage on Saturday.
Ms. Lauryn Hill
D’Angelo and the Vanguard’s last minute cancellation made room for Ms. Lauryn Hill’s comfy headlining spot. Although some fans still mourn the loss of D’Angelos Fun Fun Fun Fest debut, they won’t be bereft of soul-satisfying beats. Ms. Lauryn Hill’s Sunday evening set will bring out the dancer in all of us and place a big, shiny bow on this weekend’s festival.
Fun Fun Fun Fest runs from November 6th through November 8th in Austin, Texas.