The West Gate Terminal Expansion project, which will cost $165 million, is expected to be complete in 2026. | Rendering courtesy of Journey with AUS via City of Austin
A once-in-a-generation expansion is in progress at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and it’s set to radically transform residents’ portal to the world and tourists’ first and last impression of the Capital City.
AUS officials shared behind-the-scenes insights into the $4 billion project at Austin Chamber’s Area Business Connections meeting this week.
We know you have many options, so thank you for choosing ATXtoday for your airport news. Let’s fly into Journey with AUS.
The West Gate Expansion’s mezzanine level will provide a new space for travelers to lounge, eat, and take in skyline views.
Photo courtesy Journey with AUS via City of Austin
One of the project’s guiding principles is keeping the “Austin-style” alive at the airport. Here’s how officials plan to do so:
CEO Ghizlane Badawi said adding more venues for live music will help make AUS an airport that travelers want to choose for connections.
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Texas Stars | 7 p.m. | H-E-B Center, Cedar Park | $34+ | May the Force be with the Texas Stars — don’t miss “Star Wars” Night at the Cedar Park arena.
Opening Reception: Spring 2025 Exhibitions | 8 p.m. | The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center | Free with RSVP | Sip cocktails and sway to live music on the museum’s rooftop as you participate in exhibition-inspired art pop-ups.
“The Real Housewives of Austin: Live!” | 8:30 p.m. | Coldtowne Theatre | $12+ | Bravo fanatics, here’s your chance to see an Austin version of the lifestyle reality television series through an improvised comedy show.
Saturday, Feb. 1
The Record Room | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Central Machine Works | Cost of purchase | Listen to live DJs and shop at a vinyl market with a cold beer in hand.
Jaston Williams: “High Heels and Cowboy Boots” | Times vary | The State Theatre | $39+ | Hear about Williams’s “chronic fear of champagne,” trips to the Safeway parking lot, and hilarious family tales.
The Foxtones | 8 p.m. | The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. | Free | Expect a night of funk and soul when the six-piece ensemble takes the stage at this all-ages show.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Acoustic Sunrise Brunch with KMFA Classical 89.5 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Urban Pour Social at Hotel Indigo | $65 | Dig into a chef-curated brunch buffet, listen to live music, and sip mimosas + customizable Bloody Marys.
Fifth Anniversary Party | 12 p.m. | The Lucky Duck | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the east Austin bar’s birthday with $5 specials like champagne bottles, espresso martinis, beer + shot combos, and five wings.
Tesla plans to launch a new robotaxi service in Austin. The driverless rideshares are expected to hit the streets in June and will use an “unsupervised” version of the company’s self-driving software. (Austin American-Statesman)
Number
6.7 million. That’s how much money the city of Austin was awarded through the federal government’s Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Grant. The funds will go toward improving local housing strategies and creating + preserving affordable homes.
Travel
Speaking of AUS, fast-casual restaurant Half Moon Empanadas and local blues venue Antone’s Nightclub’s satellite locations are now open in the Austin airport. HKG Duty Free, a travel retailer selling perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, and tobacco products, will also launch an airport concession soon.
Open
Las Dosis Coffee and Cocktails, a casual eatery slinging Merit Coffee Co. coffee, tacos, cocktails, and kolaches, will begin a soft opening phase for its newsletter subscribers today. Helmed by the creator behind La Holly and Taco Flats, the new concept in Cedar Park has a Western-inspired interior + two patios.
Eat
Save the date for Antonelli’s annual Free Cheese Week Monday, Feb. 3-Friday, Feb. 7. Each day, both shop locations will give a free cheese wedge to the first 100 people in line starting at 11 a.m. You can also celebrate its 15th anniversary with a series of special events.
Outdoors
Did you feel the ground rattle on Wednesday? A 4.5-magnitude earthquake hit Falls City, Texas, about ~40 miles southeast of San Antonio. Shaking was reported in the Austin area at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. (KVUE)
Sports
The Texans are interviewing candidates for its offensive coordinator position — who would bring out the best in the team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Instead of dinner and a movie, we’re shaking things up this year. Austinites can spend quality time together — and make long-lasting memories — at a Deep Eddy experience. Explore experiences and surprise the special person in your life with this one-of-a-kind gift.*
Featured Deal
Did you know? Texas’ Compassionate Use Program allows 150+ conditions to qualify for use of legal medical cannabis. Texas Original, the state’s leading medical cannabis dispensary, is offering new patients 20% off their first medical cannabis order. Learn more, become a patient, and snag the deal.*†
Shop
Save time (and your hands) with these kitchen hacks: this jar opener is great for arthritic joints, while this chicken shredder does the hard shredding work for you.*
†Texas CUP License No. 0005. Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions. Patients must consult a physician and receive a prescription to purchase medical cannabis products. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.
Category
Holiday
🐍 Year of the Snake
Lion and dragon dances are must-see performances during the festival. | Photo by Kelly Zhu Photo
The Capital City is filled to the brim with Lunar New Year celebrations. Find one (or several) to put on your calendar and celebrate with your friends + family.
Lunar New Year at Austin Beerworks | Saturday, Feb. 1
Festivities at the local brewery’s Sprinkle Valley location include Mahjong, a summit lion dance, and a market with 15+ local makers. Plus, pick up exclusive Lunar New Year x Austin Beerworks merch.
Lunar New Year Festival | Sunday, Feb. 2
The donation-based event at The Paper + Craft Pantry will feature a market with 30+ local vendors, food and drinks, lion and dragon dance performances at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., face painting artists, and DIY craft stations.
Sud Monkey’s Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, Feb. 2
There’s a little bit of everything at this brewery’s Year of the Snake party. Think: Gong Fu Cha tea service, a Chinese calligraphy lesson, and bookmark-making.
An organic face scrub and mask with over 10,000 five-star reviews. It’s crafted with manuka honey, orange peel, cehami, and aloe vera to hydrate, brighten, moisturize, and smooth for clearer and more youthful skin.
One more event for your weekend consideration: Micklethwait Craft Meats will host a grand opening party on Saturday, Feb. 1 for its new brick-and-mortar located inside a remodeled church. You can also enjoy the warm weather + free beer (while supplies last) on its patio.
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