Vienna Music Festival Guide 2025: Hear Wien

What are the best music festivals in Vienna in 2025? While most international visitors flock to classical festivals Vienna, the city also hosts regular music festivals that cater to a wide range of musical genres and preferences. To help you have our ear on the ground I have pulled together a festival guide for my home city:

1. International Accordion Festival

International Accordion FestivalVienna Music Festival Guide. The International Accordion offers a unique cultural experience, celebrating the accordion in various musical styles, from classical to jazz and folk. Held in venues like the Metropol Theater, it attracts musicians from around the world, making it a melting pot of global accordion traditions. You can enjoy the diverse sounds and learn about the instrument’s versatility through performances, workshops, and interactive sessions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover a lesser-known facet of Vienna’s music scene. Visit Accordion Vienna for schedules and tickets.

  • Date: 27 February, 2025
  • Location: various venues all over the city
  • Tickets: Book Here
  • Programme: See Program Details Here.

 

2. Nova Rock Encore

Nova Rock Encore

Vienna Music Festival Guide. Rock and metal fans should not miss Nova Rock Encore, a more intimate extension of Austria’s renowned Nova Rock event. Held in Wiesen, a scenic location near Vienna, it brings heavy-hitting rock and metal bands to the stage. With camping options available, you can fully immerse yourself in the rock event atmosphere, enjoying not just the music but also the camaraderie of fellow rock enthusiasts. Nova Rock Encore combines the energy of big-name bands with the beauty of an outdoor setting, offering a memorable experience for those who love powerful guitar riffs and intense live performances. The lineup is among the greatest in the nation and has grown to be a significant event on the festival calendar in Austria. Learn more at Nova Rock.

  • Date: 11-14 June, 2025
  • Location: Wiesen, Vienna
  • Tickets: Book Here

 

3. Donauinselfest

Donauinselfest in vienna

Vienna Music Festival Guide. If you are looking for a diverse music experience, Donauinselfest is the perfect choice. As Europe’s largest free outdoor music event, it spans three days and attracts millions of visitors, turning Vienna’s Danube Island into a bustling hub of music, food, and culture. With over a dozen stages scattered across the island, you can get a variety of music genres, including rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic.

The event also offers family-friendly zones with activities for children, making it ideal for your kids. As the sun sets, the stages light up with performances from both local talent and international stars, offering a spectacular backdrop against the Danube River. For more details and updates, visit Donauinselfest.

  • Date: 20-22 June, 2025
  • Location: Danube Island (Donauinsel) - check website for program updates;
  • Admission: free

 

4. Jazzfest Wien

Jazzfest Wien

Vienna Music Festival Guide. For jazz enthusiasts, Jazzfest Wien is a must-attend event, blending iconic jazz sounds with Vienna’s classical touch. It takes place in stunning locations, from the grand Vienna State Opera to intimate jazz clubs like Porgy & Bess. This provides a variety of atmospheres, allowing you to experience jazz in both lavish and laid-back settings. 

Moreover, Jazzfest Wien is known for its lineup of world-class musicians and up-and-coming talent, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy classic jazz standards and innovative improvisations. For those new to jazz, this event also hosts workshops and discussions, offering insight into the genre’s rich history and techniques. Discover more at Jazzfest Wien.

  • Date: 22nd June, 2025
  • Location: Lammgasse 12/8, A - 1080 Vienna

 

5. Popfest Wien

Popfest Wien

Vienna Music Festival Guide. Popfest Wien is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in Austria’s local music scene. Located in Vienna at Karlsplatz, this event showcases Austrian pop and indie artists across multiple stages, including a floating stage in front of the picturesque Karlskirche. Beyond music, Popfest Wien includes workshops, panel discussions, and art installations, providing a comprehensive cultural experience. It’s also an excellent place to try Austrian street food, with food trucks and stalls offering local favourites. Its open-air setting and the festive atmosphere make it a great spot for you to mingle with locals and enjoy Vienna’s summer vibe. Details are available at Popfest Wien.

  • Date: Mid to late July 2025
  • Location:  Karlsplatz, Vienna

 

6. KlangBogen Wien

KlangBogen Wien

Vienna Music Festival Guide. For those who appreciate classical music, KlangBogen Wien is a top pick. This festival celebrates the classics with performances held in historic venues like Theater an der Wien,  which is steeped in operatic history. The festival typically includes symphonies, chamber music, and opera, featuring both Austrian composers and international talents. 

You can enjoy works by composers like Mozart and Beethoven, while joining the local theater crowd in plush seats under sparkling chandeliers.. With performances tailored for both aficionados and newcomers to classical music, KlangBogen Wien allows you to experience Vienna’s classical music heritage off the beaten tourist track. Details at KlangBogen Wien.

  • Date: July - August 2025
  • Location: Theater an der Wien and other historic venues
  • Tickets: Prices vary by performance

 

7. Afrika Tage Wien

Afrika Tage Wien

Vienna Music Festival Guide. Afrika Tage brings the appealing sounds and colours of Africa to Vienna’s Donauinsel. This lively event features African music, dance, and cuisine, along with a bazaar where you can shop for handmade crafts and traditional clothing. Moreover, it includes a lineup of African musicians and dance troupes, offering you a chance to immerse themselves in African culture without leaving Vienna. For those interested in global cultures, Afrika Tage is a must-visit, providing workshops and activities that educate and entertain. 

  • Date: Early July to mid-August 2025
  • Opening hours: 2:00 p.m. to midnight, Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to midnight
  • Location: Donauinsel; Floridsdorfer Brücke; 1210 Vienna

 

8. Waves Vienna

Waves Vienna

Vienna Music Festival Guide. Waves Vienna is an ideal festival for music explorers interested in discovering new sounds from Central and Eastern Europe. Held across various venues in Vienna, it features a curated lineup of indie, rock, and electronic acts. The festival is also a hub for networking, with conferences and workshops where you can meet industry professionals and artists. 

Each venue offers a unique setting, from trendy bars to historic theaters, giving you a chance to experience Vienna’s music scene in diverse environments. As a showcase festival, Waves Vienna emphasizes innovation and up-and-coming talent, making it perfect for those wanting to be ahead of music trends. Check out Waves Vienna for more information.

  • Date: 2nd - 4th October, 2025
  • Location: Various venues in Vienna
  • Tickets: Early bird passes start at €20

 

9. Wien Modern Festival

Wien Modern Festival

Vienna Music Festival Guide. Wien Modern Festival is a month-long event that’s perfect for those who enjoy contemporary and experimental music. Held at prestigious venues like the Konzerthaus and Wiener Musikverein, this festival highlights groundbreaking compositions from renowned and emerging artists. People interested in avant-garde music will appreciate the festival’s bold approach, which includes a variety of performances, installations, and workshops. 

For example, at the 2024 opening event Wiener Konzerthaus cleared out their Great Hall, while 88 musicians scattered right within the audience and performed from there. The festival is also an opportunity to discover how contemporary music is reshaping Vienna’s classical traditions. 

  • Date: 29th October - 30th November, 2025
  • Location: Wiener Konzerthaus, LothringerStrasse 20, 1030 Vienna (Opening concert) and various venues across Vienna
  • Tickets: Prices vary by performance. Book here 

 

10. Johann Strauss Yearly Events

Johann Strauss Yearly Events

Vienna Music Festival Guide. In honour of Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday, Vienna will host a year-long celebration with a series of events dedicated to the Waltz King. This includes operettas like, "A Night in Venice" and “Vienna Blood,” performed at venues such as Volksoper and Schönbrunn Palace. It not only pays homage to Strauss’ legacy but also allows you to experience the romance and charm of Viennese waltzes. With grand venues and period costumes, these events transport you back to 19th-century Vienna, making it a fantastic way to delve into the city’s musical history. For more  music events in the honour of Johann Strauss’s 200th birthday celebration, check out the full list here (new page link). 

  • Date: Throughout 2025
  • Location: various venues all over the city

 

Voice Mania

Vienna music festival Voice ManiaVienna Music Festival Guide. When I hear a great voice sing freely on its own I sometimes get goose bumps. As a matter of fact, Voice Mania shows that I am not the only one getting excited about great vocals. Just as high fog hits November's skies you can hear some fabulous voices from all over the world. For a start, 'Balcanto' singers will belt out arias, yodlers, gospels and electrifying sound rhythms from various balconies in Vienna's city center. Most of the other concerts will take place at Theater am Spittelberg.
Dates: 8th November to 8th December 2024
Locations: opening event from various balconies in the city center; Theater am  Spittelberg, Spittelberggasse 10, 1070 Vienna;
Admission: free (Balcanto); approx EUR 25 per concert ticket; check programme
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