Events in Austria

The city hall square is turned into a giant ice rink that hosts the Vienna Ice Dream. Music is played as the public is welcomed to skate along and experience the sights of the beautiful city hall. Beginner and family skaters should aim to attend in the afternoon when the ice is reserved for less experienced skaters.

Every year the Vienna Opera Ball takes place at the Vienna State Opera. This is a very prestigious event attended by over 5000 socialites from all over the world and is the highlight of Vienna’s long ball season. There is a wide range of dances that one can participate in, from the waltz, swing, and foxtrot, there’s even a Opera Ball disco in the basement. This is also a time when many socialites network with stars from opera, theatre, business and politics. Everyone who’s anyone can be found at this event making it difficult to acquire tickets so it’s best to apply as early as possible. If you interested in attending, but can’t afford the steep price of the ticket there is a dress rehearsal on the day before tickets only cost a fraction of the real event.

VIP’s from around the world make appearances for this AIDS fundraiser at Vienna’s City Hall. Tickets for this event usually sell out in minutes for this extravaganza. A prominent figure normally opens the proceedings, for example Sir Elton John is just one of many presenters.

The annual Dolomitenradrundfahrt is a bicycle marathon that takes place in the Austrian town of Lienz. The race itself includes two different courses. The first is a 112 km standard course, while the 2nd is a 187 km marathon, which has an altitude difference of 3000 meters. Many people from all over Europe descend on this tiny town to cheer on the cyclists and to enjoy the many side events, which include outdoor concerts, mountain sprints and parties.

Over three days in June, the Viennese make the islands of the River Donau (also known as the Danube) tremble. Over 2000 participants take to 16 different stages scattered over 19 single islands. The event was started in 1984 and each year it gets bigger. You can also take advantage of some excellent food offered by local chefs at the festival.