View breaks >>
Our summary of annual events in Vienna could be a useful guide to you when determining the time of year that you wish to visit the city. Vienna is jam packed with exciting festivals and events all year round, notably between January and March when the prestigious Viennese balls are held. Winter is a wonderful time to visit the city if you want to see the it transformed into a winter wonderland with traditional Christmas markets, complete with twinkling decorations and holiday spirit. Summers in Vienna are often warm and balmy and make for an equally wonderful time to visit when the evenings are light and the city's open-air cafe's and bars are brimming with evening drinkers enjoying the sunshine.
Read more on this destination in the AA Spiral Gudie to Vienna.
Top Vienna Events
January: Resonanzen - Vienna's annual winter music festival, held at the Vienna Konzerthaus. The event has different themes every year and the style of music is based on the baroque and medieval eras.
February: Rainbow Ball - Held annually at the spectacular Hofburg Palace, the Rainbow Ball is a popular event amongst Vienna's lesbian and gay community. Highlights include a midnight waltz and a disco, with all proceeds of the ball going to charity.
March: Vienna Opera Ball - Undoubtedly the highlight of Vienna's annual balls, this glitzy event at the State Opera House attracts celebrities and socialites from across the world. You can apply for tickets by post or fax but be aware that early booking is highly recommended.
April: Easter Market - A wonderful, free event at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace celebrating the Easter season. Children will enjoy the Easter egg hunts, while adults may be more interested in the many stalls sprawled across the palace gardens, offering traditional Austrian treats and local crafts.
May: Vienna Fair - This annual art exhibition at the Messse Wien Centre showcases contemporary European art fromvarious international galleries and up and coming artists. Open Thursdays to Saturdays.
June: Opera Live on the Square - If you are unlucky enough to miss out on tickets for performances at the Vienna State Opera House, you can catch the action on open-air screens in Herbert von Karajen Square. Performances are between 4pm and 8pm.
July: Music Film Festival - A free arts event held in in Vienna's Rathausplatz Sqaure, outisde the Town Hall. International food vendors are set up across the square and you can watch a range of performances on a giant screen from opera and ballet to jazz and dancing.
August: Gürtel Nightwalk - Established in 1998, the Gürtel Nightwalk is a celebration of live music for Vienna's up and coming local rock bands. The area's bars and clubs attract thousands of visitors and you can catch rooftop performances on top of the Main Library.
September: Vienna Recordia - This interesting and bizarre event see's thousands of record breakers decend upon the city's Prater Park to compete in world record challenges. You will see everything from tightrope walking to mobile phone throwing and is an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
October - November: Vienna International Film Festival - Austria's largest international film festival attracts over 90,000 people every year and showcases the very best in up and coming films by independent film-makers. Screenings and premieres are held across the city at Vienna's cinemas and art galleries.
November - December: Vienna Christmas Market - Every year, Vienna's Rathausplatz Square is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland celebrating the Christmas holidays. This Viennese tradition is hundreds of years old and you can enjoy the wooden stalls and festive decorations that adorn the heart of the city.
December: Kaiserball - The famous opener of Vienna's ball season held at the Imperial Palace. Enjoy Viennese cuisine and traditional dancing with the sounds of the Hofball Orchestra. The event also features singing and dancing from the Volkesopera.
.gif)
.gif)
