In 2025, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) expanded its commitment to live music and public art, featuring over 1,000 live performances and highlighting more than 2,200 local musicians throughout the terminal. The airport’s music program is exclusively dedicated to Austin-based artists, with over 170 bands and performers making their AUS debut during the year.
Travelers passing through AUS experienced a range of musical genres, including Romani-Gypsy, Flamenco, Sufi, Chicha (psych cumbia), Desert Blues, Harmolodic Dub, and Orchestral Jazz. The program aims to reduce travel stress by providing live performances that create memorable moments for passengers. Special events included pop-up performances by Mariachi Relámpago for Mother’s Day celebrations.
The airport marked several notable occasions in 2025. On September 23rd, AUS celebrated the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians’ (HAAM) 20th anniversary with five artists performing throughout the day. In November, the HOME Austin kickoff was highlighted at AUS to support aging musicians. Kid Band Week allowed students from local music schools to perform in the terminal.
Holiday performances closed out the year with appearances by the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus and student groups from Del Valle Middle and High School. Carpe Sono and Chor.US led caroling sessions across the terminal alongside holiday gift-wrapping activities.
AUS also enhanced its visual arts offerings in 2025. Permanent and rotating installations were featured throughout the terminal. One significant addition was “Convergence / Austin,” an overhead artwork at Gate 15 commissioned through the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places Program. The installation consists of about 400 vertical strands holding over 3,000 elements.
Rotating exhibitions focused on themes such as sustainability and environmental stewardship under programs like “Keeping AUS Safe & Wild.” These efforts reflect the City of Austin’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion as well as climate resilience within its operations.
The inaugural Public Art Makers Expo drew attendees from across Austin’s arts community to connect fabricators, designers, and professionals working on projects such as mosaics and interactive installations. Twenty-three artist-led teams have been commissioned for new works as part of ongoing expansion efforts at AUS into early 2026.
AUS encourages travelers and residents to stay informed about upcoming events through social media or by subscribing to newsletters focused on activations and public art projects at the airport.
The City of Austin manages a budget of $5.9 billion with a workforce exceeding 16,000 employees. It promotes community pride through cultural initiatives like those seen at AUS while striving for sustainable development goals outlined in its official vision statement.
