Live Music Takes Flight at Austin’s Airport

Flight delays can be frustrating, but the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers a solution to those traveler woes: live music! From solo acoustic acts to full bands, the airport's live music program offers a diverse array of genres, including country, blues, rock, and more, reflecting the eclectic music scene of the city. 

Photo: Briana Sanchez / Austin American-Statesman

The Airport’s Live Music Scene

From the moment you step out onto the terminal, there’s no mistaking you’re in the Live Music Capital of the World! Known for its commitment to showcasing local culture and music, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport features live performances by talented musicians throughout its terminals. The airport has hosted over 12,270 live music performances since 1999. What started as two performances per week has grown to over 15 shows per week!

Travelers can catch live performances at one of eight stages Monday through Friday. These performances not only entertain passengers but also provide a unique opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talent to a diverse audience from around the world. Named after iconic Austin spots, the Airport’s eight stages provide passengers with a place to relax, grab a bite to eat, and sip some coffee (or an adult beverage) while taking in a variety of live performances from local Austin artists. 

At the Asleep at the Wheel mainstage, located between the Saxon Pub and Earl Campbell’s Taco Truck, guests can enjoy lively performances by singers, choirs, and bands. The Tacodeli Stage offers a taste of local flavor with its intimate setting and iconic "Live Music Capital of the World" neon light. Annie's Cafe provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy live music while dining. The Haymaker Stage offers a mysterious and dim-lit concert vibe, perfect for enjoying craft beer and a mellow soundtrack. Hut’s Hamburgers surprises passengers with an intimate musical experience as they pass by, providing a unique musical backdrop to their dining experience. The Austin City Market Stage offers a larger-than-life performance space with a giant Texas flag backdrop, creating an intimate yet proud atmosphere. The 24 Diner Stage provides casual dining with pleasant live music during regular hours, adding to the overall dining experience. Lastly, the Vino Volo Stage offers a refined setting surrounded by a curated selection of wines, providing a charming ambiance reminiscent of a European wine cellar.

The airport also hosts special performances for events such as Austin City Limits Music Festival and SXSW. In 2023, indie supergroup boygenius played surprise SXSW sets to delighted audiences at the Asleep at the Wheel stage. Traveling on a date when there’s no live music? That’s okay: keep your ears open for carefully curated picks from radio station KUTX 98.9, dubbed “The Austin Music Experience.” Check the airport’s live music calendar to see the lineup on your travel date.

Whether travelers are arriving in Austin for the first time or saying goodbye to the city after a visit, the live music at the airport serves as a fitting introduction to the vibrant culture and soulful sounds that await them in Austin. Planning a celebration, party, or wedding in the Live Music Capital of the World? Whether you're welcoming guests to your event or bidding them farewell, let live music kickstart the festivities and showcase the soulful sounds of Austin. Book your live band for a truly memorable experience with Moontower Entertainment’s wide selection of bands to soundtrack any occasion.