From the Eurovision song contest to Mozart week via Easter festivals, here are X of the best events taking place across Austria throughout 2026 that you need to get in your diary.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Vienna or already live here and want to immerse yourself in regional traditions, there is an event for everyone next year.
Winter
Vienna Ball season, throughout January and February
Yes, you may still be digesting your Kaiserschmarrn and Glühwein. But we have news for you: it’s time to dance!
That’s right, Vienna’s famous ball season, which began in November, runs until the end of February. The event dates back to the 18th century, and sees people don their finest wear to attend one of 450 balls held in the city.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Vienna’s ball season
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Mozart week, Salzburg, January 22nd-February 1st
Fans of classical music and history should not miss this annual event in Salzburg held to celebrate its most famous local.
The 2026 edition mark both Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 270th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the festival under the anniversary theme “Mozart: Lux Æterna” (eternal light).
The whole city comes alive, with around 70 events scheduled. Expect live orchestras, opera and puppet shows as well as film screenings, talks and interactive experiences for the whole family.
While you’re there, don’t forget to try some of Mozart’s Kugeln (chocolate balls filled with pistachio, marzipan and nougat), a delicacy in the Alpine city.
Skiing, across parts of Austria
While the skiing season is ongoing, you can also visit resorts for a whole range of activities, from open-air concerts to parties and sporting competitions.
READ ALSO: The best ski resorts in Austria for families
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Spring
Easter markets and festivals, throughout Austria
We’ve just passed the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere which means the light will slowly begin to come back. And soon enough, spring will be here.
As the days get longer and weather improves, it’s the perfect time to visit one of Austria’s Easter markets (Ostermärkte).
Held throughout the country, you’ll find colourful decorations – including hand-painted eggs – tasty treats and people gathering together.
People look at a giant Easter egg in Vienna. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER KLEIN (Photo by ALEXANDER KLEIN / AFP)
Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace Easter Market opens from around March 25th to April 19th, 2026, while the Am Hof and Freyung Easter Markets in the city centre also return in late March, offering crafts, Easter decor and local treats.
Elsewhere in Austria, many places host one-day or weekend Ostermärkte tied to spring festivities.
Meanwhile, Salzburg’s Easter Festival (Osterfestspiele), is a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike. Running from March 27th to April 6th, the classical music extravaganza combines opera and orchestral performances.
In 2026, the Berliner Philharmoniker, returns to present two new productions, including Richard Wagner’s tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen.
READ ALSO: Is Easter a good time to visit Austria?
Eurovision Song Contest, Vienna, May
Despite the Eurovision Song Contest contest facing controversy of late – five countries are set to boycott over Israel’s participation – the Austrian capital is set to host the event in May.
The 70th edition of the singing competition, which sees countries battle it out in glam costumes with dramatic stage sets, will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle.
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The Grand Final will be held on Saturday May 16th, with Semi-Finals earlier the same week on May 12th and May 14th.
It comes after Austrian entry JJ’s victory in Basel, Switzerland, in 2025 with his pop anthem Wasted Love. It marked Austria’s third Eurovision win, following Conchita Wurst’s Rise Like a Phoenix in 2014 and Udo Jürgens’ classic Merci, Chérie back in 1966.
A whole week of activities will take place, with the Eurovision Village Opening Ceremony kicking off events at Vienna’s Rathausplatz on May 10th.
Summer
Get into summer, throughout Austria
Austria truly comes alive in the spring-summer months thanks to the warm weather and long nights.
From June to the end of August, cities and Alpine towns host some of Europe’s most well-known music, arts and open-air festivals.
Early in the summer, Vienna Philharmonic’s Summer Night’s Concert attracts thousands of people with its free open-air performance in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. It’s set to take place on June 19th 2026.
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Another seasonal favourite is Salzburg Festival, which runs from late July through to the end of August. Founded in 1920, it remains Austria’s most prestigious cultural event, offering guests opera performances, classical concerts and theatre in historic venues across Salzburg.
Another exciting event in Vienna is the Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest), held from July 3rd-5th in 2026. It is one of Europe’s largest free open-air music festivals, stretching across multiple stages on Vienna’s Danube Island and showcasing international and Austrian pop, rock and electronic acts.
Further west, Vorarlberg’s Poolbar Festival in Feldkirch runs from early July to mid-August 2026, combining concerts, DJ sets and art installations in an industrial-style setting around the former indoor swimming pool.
People sail their floating island along the Old Danube river during a hot summer day in Vienna, Austria, on July 1, 2025. Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP)
Traditional celebrations also play a central role in the summer calendar. In Carinthia, the Villacher Kirchtag takes place from July 26th to August 2nd 2026. Expect music, regional food and a major costume parade through the town centre.
Along the Danube in Lower Austria, the Wachau Summer Solstice (Sonnenwende) celebrations around June 20th see people gather around bonfires to drink wine and watch fireworks.
In Austria, gay pride events also take place annually, with Vienna’s Pride and Rainbow Parade set for June 1st.
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Autumn
This is the best time to embrace a wine or beer in Austria because there are plenty of festivals.
From September 24th to October 11th, head to the Kaiser Wiesn at the Vienna Prater for a sip (or many) of beer. The Wiesn, which is the biggest Oktoberfest-style event in Austria, sees groups of friends come together to enjoy huge beers, regional delicacies and live music.
For those looking to try some of Austria’s delicious wine, try the Retz Wine Harvest Festival (Retzer Weinlesefest), which takes over the main square of the historic wine town of Retz in the Weinviertel region in Lower Austria from September 24th-27th.
Wine tasting in the Alps. Photo: Chris Frenzel/Pixabay
Then there is the very fun Wine Hiking Day in Vienna, which happens every year in late September.
Meanwhile, for cinema lovers, keep an eye out for the Viennale international film fest, which usually takes place in October.