The summer has finally arrived in Austria and with it the Vienna Summer of Culture 2024 (or Kultursommer Wien). This year's event promises to be another highlight in Vienna's calendar of events. From 27 June to 11 August, the city will become a stage for over 500 acts from the fields of music, theater, dance, cabaret, literature and contemporary circus. The special feature: All events are free and take place in the open air, spread across nine pop-up stages in different districts.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra will kick things off with two grandiose open-air concerts in the Prater, directly in front of the impressive backdrop of Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel. These opening concerts on June 27 and 28 promise musical fireworks that will delight visitors of all ages.

From classical concerts and exciting performances to interactive workshops and hands-on formats, Vienna Cultural Summer has something for everyone. New to the program are events especially for young people aged 12 and over as well as the "Kultursommer Plus" program, which creates space for creative encounters and collaborative art activities.

The various stage locations - from Favoriten to Währinger Park - ensure that art and culture are brought to the whole city and reach a wide audience. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or enjoy the hustle and bustle from a deckchair, Vienna Cultural Summer 2024 offers you unforgettable experiences in a relaxed, open atmosphere.

Stay tuned for detailed information on the individual events, activities and accommodation options in Vienna to plan your visit to the Vienna Summer of Culture 2024 perfectly.

What to expect

  • When is the Vienna Cultural Summer 2024
  • What is the Vienna Cultural Summer
  • Which stages are there at the Vienna Cultural Summer?
  • Vienna Cultural Summer Program Highlights 2024
  • Activities in Vienna
  • Hotels in Vienna

If you want to experience even more festival summer, then also discover the best music festivals in Germany or all of Europe.

When is the Vienna Cultural Summer 2024?

The Vienna Cultural Summer takes place every year in summer, usually sometime between July and August. This year you can visit the Vienna Cultural Summer from June 27, 2024 to August 11, 2024.

What is the Vienna Cultural Summer?

The Cultural Summer has been celebrating the diversity of Viennese culture every year since 1993. It really is something special: there are concerts, plays, art installations and more all over the city. The atmosphere is simply unique and invites you to discover art in all its facets.

What makes the Vienna Summer of Culture so special is its unique atmosphere and the opportunity to experience art and culture in a wide variety of locations throughout the city. You can enjoy extraordinary performances in historic parks, on lively squares or in cozy courtyards. The Vienna Cultural Summer is also known for its openness to different forms of artistic expression. Here, traditional sounds meet contemporary performance art and classical productions meet experimental projects. The festival is a place of encounter and inspiration for anyone interested in art, music and culture. The festival attracts not only Viennese, but also visitors from all over the world who want to experience the vibrant cultural scene of the Austrian capital.

If you are in Vienna this summer, it is definitely worth paying a visit to the Vienna Cultural Summer. Admission is free. It's a great way to rediscover the city and get to know its vibrant cultural scene.

Which stages are there at the Vienna Cultural Summer 2024?

Wien Prater zum Kultursommer Wien 2024

Vienna Cultural Summer Program 2024

Celebrations in Vienna
The program is very varied and extensive, which is why we have put together the highlights of this year's Vienna Cultural Summer for you:

  1. Opening concerts by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra: On June 27 and 28, 2024, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra invites you to an open-air concert in the Prater on the Kaiserwiese. Under the direction of Dirk Kaftan, they will perform a varied program, accompanied by soprano Annette Dasch, tenor Georg Nigl and singer-songwriter Julian le Play. Pack your picnic basket and enjoy the concert in front of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel.
  2. Pulverfass Block Party: This event will take place on July 4, 2024 in Reithofferpark and offers a neighbourly flair with live music from artists such as Al Pone, Jokah Phillies and Kalp One. Here you can experience the colorful and lively atmosphere of a real block party.
  3. Choir and brass music at the Film Festival on Rathausplatz: On July 20 and 21, 2024, there will be concert evenings with brass music and choral music from the 20th century. Various ensembles, such as the Vienna Film Orchestra and the Vienna Pop Choir, will provide a varied program.
  4. Kultursommer Plus: In addition to the regular concerts and performances, the Kultursommer Plus program offers free workshops and hands-on formats where you can get active and meet new people. The KunstBuffet and Performance & Draw are some of the exciting offers that combine art and community.
  5. Diversity of pop-up stages: The Vienna Summer of Culture 2024 comprises nine stages in different districts of the city. New to the program are stages in Hyblerpark, Wilhelmsdorfer Park and Großfeldsiedlung. Other locations include the Favoriten water tower, Währinger Park and Schrödingerplatz.

For the full program, check out the Vienna Summer of Culture website directly.

Activities in Vienna in Summer

People walking through Vienna
If you are traveling to Vienna this summer for the cultural summer, you should definitely stay a few days longer and discover the city. In summer, you can enjoy exciting activities and experiences in Vienna. From cultural highlights and music festivals to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, here are some of the best activities to make your summer in the Austrian capital unforgettable.

We have put together the best activities for this summer:

  • Schönbrunn Palace after-hours tour with dinner and concert (from €137): Enjoy the best of Schönbrunn with an after-hours palace tour, a fine dinner and a concert at the Schönbrunn Orangery for a perfect mini-trip.
  • Viennese wine tasting in a Roman wine cellar (from €36): Book a wine tasting in a Roman wine cellar in Vienna's old town, where you can sample various Viennese and Austrian wines and learn more about the history of viticulture.
  • Private e-boat rental of a floating island (from €79): Rent a private floating e-boat island on the Old Danube when the weather is nice and enjoy a relaxing time on the water with a wonderful view of the surroundings.
  • Viennese beer tasting (from €30): Discover the art of Viennese beer brewing during a tasting in a hidden delicatessen, where you will learn more about the brewing market and taste selected beers from small manufactories.
  • Coffee House Experience Viennese Melange (from €34): Learn about the differences between normal and Viennese coffee, find out all about Viennese coffee culture and sample typical Viennese coffee specialties and sweets.
  • Day trips from Vienna:
    - Day trip to Salzburg (from 116€): On the way to Mozart's birthplace Salzburg, you will experience the beauty of the Salzkammergut, visit the most important attractions of the old town and some of the filming locations of "Sound of Music", before you can use the afternoon to explore and store.
    - Day trip to the Wachau with a boat trip on the Danube (from €110): On this day trip from Vienna to the Danube Valley in the Wachau, you will visit picturesque towns and vineyards, can make a stop in Krems depending on the season, enjoy a boat trip on the Danube between Dürnstein and Spitz in summer and visit the famous Benedictine abbey of Melk Abbey before the tour ends at the Vienna State Opera.
    - Culinary day trip to Bratislava from Vienna (from €99): Discover Bratislava on a culinary tour where you can sample local food and drink, taste in a wine cellar and microbrewery and learn more about Slovakian food and drink culture.
    - Day trip to Hallstatt (from 129€): Experience the Salzkammergut and visit the World Heritage Site of Hallstatt, where you will take part in a guided tour of the town and a boat trip and learn about the impressive history of the place.

Would you like to give one of these activities as a gift?

Do you know someone who has planned a trip to Vienna and should definitely experience one of these exciting activities? Then how about an activity voucher from Activitygift? You can easily give the gift of freedom to choose from 50,000+ activities worldwide whenever and wherever the recipient wants. You can also personalize the luxury voucher, simply add a photo and a personal message and you've created the perfect gift.

Hotels in Vienna for the Cultural Summer

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna
So that you can enjoy your summer vacation in Vienna to the fullest, we would like to introduce you to our favorite hotels in the Austrian capital:

  1. Rosewood Vienna (★★★★★): This five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Vienna impresses with its elegant blend of classic architecture and modern design. Special highlights include the exclusive Sense Spa and the breathtaking rooftop terrace with views over the city.
  2. Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz (★★★★): The Boutique Hotel Am Stephansplatz is located directly opposite St. Stephen's Cathedral and offers four-star comfort. Particularly noteworthy are the stylishly furnished rooms with impressive views of Vienna's most famous landmark and the friendly, personal service.
  3. Hotel Wandl (★★★★): The Hotel Wandl Vienna, a charming four-star hotel, is centrally located and offers a cozy atmosphere with a classically elegant ambience. Special features are the lovingly designed rooms and the warm hospitality of the team.
  4. Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design (★★★★): This four-star hotel combines modern design with a special love of Austrian wine. Each room is dedicated to a different winemaker, making it a unique experience for wine lovers.
  5. grätzlhotel Karmelitermarkt (★★★): The three-star hotel offers unique and individually designed suites in former business premises around the bustling market. This innovative form of accommodation combines local charm with modern comfort.
  6. limehome Vienna Roßauer Lände (★★★★): The limehome Vienna Roßauer Lände offers comfortable and stylish apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and modern design. This three-star accommodation is particularly suitable for longer stays and offers a home-away-from-home feeling.

With a hotel voucher from Hotelgift you can give your loved ones a great stay in Vienna. Have fun at the Vienna Summer of Culture 2024!