Alpine summits, imperial towns, concert halls and lakesides turning into lively stages every once in a while is what Austria is all about! A beautiful country in Europe, Austria is famous as a tourist country not only for its mountain backdrops and lush valleys but for its various festivals. Listed here are some cultural, musical and food events to be a part of on your trip to Austria. Have a look at these interesting Austria festivals before you plan your trip to this European country.
10 Best Austria Festivals
Austria has a variety of festivals from the Christmas market festivities to ski resort festivals and from musical concerts to Austrian regional food fests. Listed below are some of the best Austria festivals to be a part of.
1. Snowbombing Festival
2. Salzburg Festival
3. Castle Grafenegg Music Festival
4. Spring Tale Vienna
5. Danube Island Festival
6. Hill Vibes Reggae Festival
7. The Bregenz Festival
8. Vienna Weihnachtsmarkt
9. Genuss Festival
10. Schrammel Klang Festival
1. Snowbombing Festival
Annually held at the ski resort of Mayrhofen, the Austrian snowboarding festival is a popular Austrian ski resort festival. The festival features spectacular live acts and DJs, but it isn’t just about music and mountains. There is a lot more! A beautiful snowpark, the resort offers a unique setting for the festival which has unlimited activities and fun. There are snow games, cable car raves, chairlift speed dating, and more such exciting activities.
One can also enjoy the Austrian alpine cuisine during the festival. Organic and locally grown ingredients are cooked and served with regional wines and locally brewed beer. Dinners are usually around a bonfire. Other than these activities, Mayrhofen also has wonderful spas, rooftop jacuzzis, and saunas for one to unwind and pamper!
When: 9th -15th April, 2023
Where: Austrian ski resort of Mayrhofen
Must Read: 7 Incredible Tourist Places To Visit For Day Trips In Austria
2. Salzburg Festival
One of the most popular and longest-running Austria summer festivals in , Salzburg Summer Festival would complete 100 years this year. The festival first began in 1920 and today it is famous all around the globe. Completing a century, this year the festival would be greater and if you haven’t booked your tickets already, then you should! Enjoy opera, music, theatre and a lot of other fun activities during this cultural extravaganza!
When: 20th July – 31th August, 2023
Where: Salzburg
Suggested Read: 10 Hostels In Austria To Explore The Best Of The Country’s Mountains And Cities
3. Castle Grafenegg Music Festival
A landmark portraying seven centuries of history through its architecture, Grafenegg Castle is a magnificent place to visit on a trip to Austria. The Castle Grafenegg Music Festival gives one a chance to hear the London Symphony Orchestra while in the lovely setting of this centuries-old castle. The Austria music festivals are a celebration of history through architecture, lovely nature, melodious music performances, and locally gathered food and wine. A favorite festival of classical and jazz lovers, it attracts a number of people with holiday picnic baskets. Enjoy a walk in the gardens here as you enjoy the music from the festival.
When: 22th June – 4th September , 2023
Where: Grafenegg Castle; Schlosstrasse 10, 3485 Grafenegg
Suggested Read: 10 Best Churches In Austria For Adding A Touch Of Bliss To Your EuroTrip!
4. Spring Tale Vienna
Vienna is known to be that city that is paved with culture. This city of music and art holds an International Festival of Dance and Songs which celebrates both traditional and modern dances. The participants in this festival include kids, folklore dance groups, instrumental groups, choirs, and other performers. It is a 3-day festival and the performances are in the evening which leaves the mornings free for the tourists to explore the city.
When: 30th May – 6th June 2023
Where: Vienna
Suggested Read: Two Weeks In Europe: Music Festival, Austrian Beer & Unforgettable Madness With Friends
5. Danube Island Festival
It is almost time for another amazing music festival of Europe, the Danube Island Festival. Known as the “Donauinselfest”, this is one of the largest open-air Austria festivals. There are a couple of open-air stages and tented areas where the performances take place. Multiple genres of music are played like rock, pop, rap, hip hop, folk, and more. Other than music, there are more activities and food stalls present on the island.
This island is an artificial one and also acts as a great recreational park where one can enjoy hiking, swimming, cycling, and more. The idea is to head to the festival, which is free and have fun!
When: 23th June – 25th June 2023
Where: Donauinsel, Austria
Suggested Read: 10 Best Water Parks In Austria For A Soul-Stirring Holiday Experience!
6. Hill Vibes Reggae Festival
A music festival with the lovely mountains as the backdrop! If you are wondering which festival is that, it is the Hill Vibes Reggae Festival. Taking place in July, this is a great music festival that would take place in the market town of Telfs. Other than reggae music, one gets to enjoy the scenic beauty. Have a relaxing time in the beautiful environs or dance through the night to the tunes of reggae at this amazing festival. If you are a movie buff, you might as well join the austrian film festivals which are held annually in Austria.
When: 26th July- 30th July 2023
Where: Telfs, Austria
Suggested Read: 8 Best Hotels In Hallstatt For A Blissful Staycation In Austria!
7. The Bregenz Festival
Do you know what’s special about the Bregenz Festival? This festival is organized at one of the best settings, the world’s largest lake stage. This lovely setting and the stage design are certainly the highlights of the festival other than the awesome concerts that take place during the festival. The festival sees international artists, musicians and travelers from all over the globe to perform and enjoy classical concerts. Be a part of this festival this year and have a great time at Lake Constance.
When: 19nd July – 20st August , 2023
Where: Festspielhaus Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria
Suggested Read: 9 Things To Do In Hallstatt For A Memorable Trip In Austria
8. Vienna Weihnachtsmarkt
If we are talking about Austria festivals, then we cannot leave out Christmas as it is one of the major festivals celebrated in this country. But what is even more exciting, is the festivity of the Christmas market! Weihnachtsmarkt is a Christmas street market which is set up from the mid of November and continues till Christmas. During this period, Vienna’s squares transform into merry spaces where one can find everything festive from food to decorative items.
When: mid-November – 26th December 2023
Where: Vienna
Suggested Read: Austrian Food: 20 Irresistible Dishes You’d Want To Relish
9. Genuss Festival
Genuss Festival is Austria’s largest food festival, the entry to which is free! Could it get any better? This festival is one of the most diverse culinary events which has around 200 exhibitors participating. Regional specialties are up on display and the weekend turns into a food extravaganza. Taking place in the Stadtpark city park, this is a large open-air event with a number of stalls showcasing the best of Austrian cuisine. One can try, eat and enjoy a variety of food here and even get gifts to take back home! If you are a beer lover, make sure to be a part of the austria beer festival as well.
When: May
Where: Stadtpark city park
Suggested Read: 9 Cafes In Vienna That Will Make You Swoon On Your Trip To Austria!
10. Schrammel Klang Festival
This festival first began in 2007 and it would be the 14th edition this year. A famous festival known for Schrammel music, and related genres, this is a fun fest that takes place for 3 days. From a single man orchestra to a full-fledged band and from new to traditional Viennese music, this festival has it all. Along with the music there is dance and Waldviertel cuisine regional to this area. Enjoy all of this with a fine collection of regional wines and have a great time in Austria!
When: 15h July 2023
Where: Herrensee Strandbad, Austria
Further Read: Spend Winter In Hallstatt For A Magical Time In Austria!
Are the alpine mountains calling you already? Make a note of these interesting Austria festivals and be a part of the festivities if you are headed to this European nation around the same dates. Book a trip to Austria with TravelTriangle and have an amazing time exploring the country as well as enjoying these amazing festivals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Austria Festivals
What do Austrians celebrate?
A lot of festivals are celebrated in Austria from religious to musical and from theatre to food. Some of the festivals celebrated here are Easter, midsummer solstice, autumn harvest festival, Salzburg summer, and Christmas.
Do they celebrate Oktoberfest in Austria?
Yes, and Austria has its own version of Oktoberfest called the Wiener-Wiesn Fest or the Viennese Oktoberfest. It is from 29th September - 16th October 2023.
Which is the most important holiday in Austria?
Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Austria and the festivities begin in mid-November with the Christmas markets.
What is Austria famous for?
Austria is known for its architectural beauty, castles, alpine mountains, and exciting music festivals.
How many days are enough for Austria?
One can spend 5 to 8 days in Austria depending on the number of cities they wish to cover. The best places are Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt.
Which is the best time to visit Austria?
The best time to visit Austria is during the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
