Why do we Viennese love summer? All over the city, cultural stages pop up. The city government supports them, so we enjoy tons of activities for free. Lucky us, aaaand lucky you!

Where you find the fun:

Until June 23rd, the Wir-Sind-Wien festival tour will stop in all 23 of Vienna’s districts. Also, the Queer Performance Festival S_P_I_T will happen at MQ [ June 22-24]. A concert highlight each summer is the millions accommodating Donauinselfest on the island, offering a colorful variety of performances on 11 stages [ June 23-25].

Offering a broad-ranged program in most districts, the Viennese Cultural Summer, with many small stages, invites you to enjoy concerts, dance shows, plays, readings, and comedy. All spots are accessible, and your dogs are welcome, too – with a lead and muzzle [June 30 – August 13].

An area with the flair of a cozy lounge is waiting for you at the Film Festival at Rathausplatz – find the complete list here [July 1 – September 3]. They show concerts on a 300 m² screen, so I also included it in my open-air cinema article. Right after the Kaleidoskop outdoor movie festival, Popfest will bring cool music to the city [July 27-30].

For the following, you’ll have to buy tickets: Before it gets too chilly, you can indulge in some open-air acts at the terrific Waves [Sept 7-9]. The indie music festival hosts (inter)national alternative, electronic, rock, and club acts on several stages at the Gürtel bar area, e.g. at Loft and Café Carina. Last but not least, the Singer-Songwriter Festival Blue Bird (Nov 23-25].