Austria
Vienna History & Culture Festivals

Vienna: Annual Festivals, Cultural Events, and Celebrations

1. Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert

  • Date Occurs: January 1
  • The Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert is an annual concert of classical music that takes place in the Viennese Musikverein on the morning of New Year's Day. Known worldwide, the concert is broadcast in over 90 countries.

2. Vienna Carnival

  • Date Occurs: January to February
  • The Vienna Carnival (Wiener Fasching) is a period of revelry and indulgence prior to the start of the Lenten season, filled with balls, parades and comedic theatrical performances.

3. Vienna State Opera Ball

  • Date Occurs: February
  • The Vienna Opera Ball is the social highlight of the Viennese ball season. Known for its tradition and exclusivity, it turns the Vienna State Opera into a grand ballroom where international celebrities mingle with local dignitaries.

4. Vienna Easter Markets

  • Date Occurs: Late March - Early April
  • Vienna’s Easter Markets, including Altwiener Freyung Ostermarkt and Am Hof Ostermarkt, showcase local crafts and culinary delights.

5. Vienna Festival

  • Date Occurs: May to June
  • This festival, known as 'Wiener Festwochen,' provides a high-quality palette of theatre, music, and fine arts from artists worldwide.

6. Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade

  • Date Occurs: June
  • Vienna Pride spans over a week and entails various cultural and political events, culminating in the Rainbow Parade, a demonstration for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

7. Vienna Summer Music Festival

  • Date Occurs: June to September
  • This unique festival features numerous concerts of different styles and eras in the city's Baroque gardens and palaces, under open skies.

8. Vienna's Christmas Markets

  • Date Occurs: Mid-November to December
  • Famous Christmas Markets such as Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz and Weihnachtsmarkt at Belvedere Palace attract locals and tourists for shopping, food, and festive decorations.

9. Vienna New Year's Eve Path

  • Date Occurs: December 31
  • The New Year's Eve Path in the city center is a major highlight of the year, offering entertainment and culinary delights to ring in the New Year.

10. Vienna Ball Season

  • Date Occurs: January to February
  • Vienna Ball season is a major part of Viennese culture, with over 450 balls happening during these two months. Each has a unique blend of live classical music, operetta performances, and traditional Austrian dances.