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
Vienna 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. 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
- Calendar and Tickets: access anniversary website
3. Wiener Festwochen
Vienna Music Festival Guide. The Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival Weeks) is one of Europe's most important performing arts festivals, bringing together world-class theater, dance, music, and visual arts performances across Vienna each spring. Typically, the Festwochen feature thought-provoking works that address current social and political issues. The 2025 edition carries the theme Republic of Love and continues the festival's tradition of presenting groundbreaking contemporary works alongside innovative interpretations of classical pieces, curated by leading international artistic directors. Prepare to learn about the Strauss Technique, Love and Language in Times of Turmoil, Culture Wars and The Congress of Vienna, to name a few productions.
The festival transforms Vienna into a global cultural hub, attracting renowned artists, directors, and performers from around the world. This creates unique opportunities to experience productions that might not be available elsewhere. Performances take place in spectacular venues throughout Vienna, including historic theaters, contemporary arts spaces, and unexpected public locations.
- Date: 16th May to 22nd June, 2025; grand opening at VIenna City Hall square Rathausplatz on 16th May.
- Location: various in Vienna
- Programme and Tickets: Access Here
4. Donauinselfest
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
5. 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.
NOTE: The festival period planned for 2025 ultimately could not be realized due to scheduling conflicts with essential headline artists and the resulting financial challenges.
- Date: 2026, tbc
- Location: Lammgasse 12/8, A - 1080 Vienna
6. Vienna Classical Music Festival
Vienna Music Festival Guide. Between the 25th July and 16th August 2025 the Viennese Classical Music Festival unfolds across a series of evening performances that blend familiar masterpieces with lesser-known gems.
The festival opens with Italy in Vienna, a program that explores the Italian influence on Viennese classical traditions. The evenings feature works by Mozart and Vivaldi, including Mozart’s Divertimento and Serenata Notturna, alongside Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins and the fiery Sonata in D Minor, La Folia. The program also pays tribute to Paganini with the virtuosic La Campanella.
On July 27, the tone shifts toward the Romantic era with Brahms and Strauss, highlighting Brahms’ String Sextet and a pair of waltzes by Johann Strauss, arranged for string sextet. This performance features an ensemble of string players, including violinist Adam Nowak, violists Marta Potulska and Nikita Gerkusov, and cellists Liliana Kehayova and Rudolf Leopold, alongside Hossen.
Later that week, on July 30 and 31, the theme Inspiration – Vienna offers a tribute to composers inspired by the city’s rich musical environment. Led by Martin Sieghart, the Les Orpheistes Orchestra returns with violinist Mario Hossen and double bassist Dominik Wagner. The program includes Schubert’s Five German Dances, J. Strauss Jr.'s Second Pizzicato Polka, and a standout performance of Bottesini’s Grand Duo.
On August 1 and 2, Sophie Dervaux, principal bassoonist of the Vienna Philharmonic Serenade: Vivaldi and Mozart . Her dual role as conductor and soloist brings a fresh dimension to the program, which includes two of Vivaldi’s bassoon concertos and Mozart’s ever-popular Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. The contrast between Mozart’s intricate Adagio and Fugue in C Minor and the whimsical charm of La Notte by Vivaldi highlights the elegance and versatility of wind instruments in the classical repertoire.
On August 14, the festival takes a more intimate turn with a performance by the Rudolf Leopold Cello Quartet. This concert, simply titled Cello Quartet, features a diverse selection including Mozart’s Adagio and Allegro, excerpts from Così fan tutte and Le nozze di Figaro, Schubert’s Andante in B Minor, and Mercadante’s La Poesia. The program also includes choral transcriptions by Anton Bruckner alongside lighter fare like Strauss’s Annen-Polka.
The festival concludes on August 15 and 16 with Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, a grand orchestral finale. Cellist Annabel Hauk joins the Les Orpheistes Orchestra for Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Major, framed by Richard Strauss’s Sextet from Capriccio and Mozart’s Symphony in A-flat Major, KV 201, offering a thoughtful end to a festival that seamlessly bridges classical traditions with contemporary interpretation.
Date: 25th July to 16th August 2025
Location: Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Tickets: Book Here - Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED.
Free cancellation: Cancel anytime up to 24 hours before the concert for a full refund.
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. Voice Mania
Vienna 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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