Ottakringer Vinyl & Music Festival: A Weekend of Music and Community
Each March, the historic Ottakringer Brewery hosts the annual Ottakringer Vinyl & Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of vinyl culture and live performances. This free event invites vinyl enthusiasts and casual music lovers alike to experience Vienna’s dynamic pop music scene against the industrial backdrop of a storied brewery. Perfect for those seeking eclectic sounds, community spirit, and a taste of the city’s creative energy.
The Festival’s Focus
Unlike larger, more commercial events the Ottakringer Vinyl & Music Festival in the 16th district of Ottakring is known for its intimate setting and inclusive and laid-back vibe.,At its core, the festival celebrates vinyl records, from the Sound of Music, to the Beatles, Rolling Stones and hip hop and Indie Music. The festival features over 100 exhibitors, an exciting indie label market, and the Vienna Instrument Salon. Here, visitors can marvel at and try out handcrafted masterpieces from Austrian and international instrument makers – from guitars to drums to handpans. For music lovers, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience instrument making up close. A must-go for anyone who enjoys plucking strings, hitting drums, or tinkling the piano.
On the open-air stage specially constructed for the festival expect live acts such as the Vienna Dancehall Orchestra, Ivery, NNOA, The Makers, Zug nach Wien, Orange Skies, and Matho.
Additional Activities
Beyond the music, the festival includes workshops and panel discussions on topics like DJing, the history of vinyl, and the music industry. Food and drink options are also available, with the Ottakringer Brewery serving its signature beers and food stalls offering a range of snacks and meals, from Vienna sausages to pizza, Tibetan dumplings and churros.
Community and Atmosphere
One of the defining features of the festival is its sense of community. It’s a place where people come together to share their love of music, whether through dancing, browsing records, or simply enjoying the company of others. This communal atmosphere is a key part of what makes the event memorable.
Practical Information
If you’re planning to attend, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Venue: The festival takes place at the Ottakringer Brewery, a historic location with an industrial aesthetic.
Admission: Entry is free, making it accessible to all.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, cash for vendors, and an open mind for discovering new music.
Timing: The festival runs over two days, so plan your visit to make the most of the lineup and activities.
To get to know the surroundings and other go-to of the brewery’s multicultural neighbourhood, ask Claudia and her team to take you on a neighbourhood tour.
If you like beer, why not serve yourself some Austrian beer culture on your own terms. Using a self guided beer tour you will explore 700 years of Austrian brewing heritage in three beer halls, featuring everything from traditional Märzen to modern IPAs.
The experience includes:
A family-run tavern that's been serving locals for three generations, representing a genuine slice of Viennese life
A beloved spot known for its craft selection and brewing humor, where the decor tells as many stories as the beer itself
A location where passionate brewers perform their craft with equipment visible right beside the tables
Since 14 years I connect independent travellers to the pulse of my hometown Wien: by designing bespoke itineraries that allow you to get behind Vienna’s local charm on your own, while covering its key highlights.
Taking you a step further: To apply the insight provided here my local partner guide Claudia and her team take over when you arrive in Wien. From meeting the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzaner horses backstage and crawling through the attic of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to exploring neighbourhoods where locals still play cards in cafés.
Beyond the music, the festival includes workshops and panel discussions on topics like DJing, the history of vinyl, and the music industry. Food and drink options are also available, with the Ottakringer Brewery serving its signature beers and food stalls offering a range of snacks and meals, from Vienna sausages to pizza, Tibetan dumplings and churros.
One of the defining features of the festival is its sense of community. It’s a place where people come together to share their love of music, whether through dancing, browsing records, or simply enjoying the company of others. This communal atmosphere is a key part of what makes the event memorable.
