Austria is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year. The country is known for its alpine landscapes and classic music, as well as for its vibrant festivals throughout the year. 

Throughout the year, people of Austria celebrate everything from wine and modern art to ancient winter folklore. Whether you are visiting a bustling city like Vienna or a quiet alpine village, there is a good chance to attend a festival. This guide highlights some of the most beautiful festivals happening throughout the year. 

Snowbombing – Mayrhofen

Snowbombing is one of Austria’s most unique festivals. It happens in the ski town of Mayrhofen each spring, turning the slopes into a playground by day and a vibrant party spot by night. Festivalgoers spend their mornings skiing or snowboarding and their evenings dancing to a packed lineup of DJS and rock bands.

What makes it stand out is the atmosphere. There’s a playful, offbeat energy everywhere: pop-up parties in the woods to shows in igloos and mountaintop chalets. The festival is open to anyone who loves music and the mountains. With the Zillertal Alps in the background, it all feels slightly surreal but completely unforgettable.

When: Early April

For more details, visit the official Snowbombing Festival page.

Wachau Wine Spring – Lower Austria

In May, the Wachau Valley welcomes visitors for a relaxed and scenic wine event. Dozens of wineries open their doors for tastings, cellar tours, and casual walks through vineyards. Towns like Dürnstein, Spitz, and Weißenkirchen are some of the best locations to attend the events.

Wineries pour their new vintage, and many offer small plates or local specialities to pair with tastings. You will mostly meet local producers, and love learning about their winemaking process. It is one of the best ways to explore Austria’s wine culture while enjoying the spring landscape of the Danube valley.

When: Early May

For more details, visit the official Wachau page. 

Donauinselfest – Vienna

Donauinselfest is one of the most prominent events in Vienna. Spread out across Danube Island, this three-day open-air music festival is one of Europe’s largest, and it is free to attend. You witness various performers covering all genres, from Austrian folk groups to international pop acts.

Every year, over 2 million visitors attend the festival, not just from the country but from all over the world. Many small stalls serve food and drinks to the visitors, which are obviously not free. If you plan to visit Austria in June, you should definitely attend this event. 

When: June 20 – 22, 2025

For more details, visit the official Donauinselfest page. 

Salzburg Festival – Salzburg

If classical music is your thing, the Salzburg Festival is one of the most important events of the year. It is held during summer in the city where Mozart was born and includes opera, orchestral concerts, and theatre performances. 

While main tickets can be expensive, the city also hosts public events and open rehearsals. Salzburg’s streets come alive during the festival, and you do not need to go far to hear music or join in. You will witness busy cafés, the old town filled with performers and guests, and the whole city feels more lively than usual.

When: June 6 – 8, 2025

For more details, visit the official Salzburg Festival page. 

Vienna Wine Hiking Day – Vienna

Few capitals offer a countryside experience inside city limits, but Vienna does. Wine Hiking Day invites locals and visitors to walk through vineyard trails just outside the centre. The trails take you through hills, small farms, and scenic views of the Danube and Vienna below.

Along the route, you will find stops where local wine taverns serve small plates and house wines. This is a fun activity where most people walk, chat, and enjoy the views. Trails vary in length, and it is completely okay to do just part of the route.

When: September 2025

For more details, visit the official hiking event page.

Almabtrieb (Cattle Drive Festivals) – Various Locations

Almabtrieb marks the end of summer in the Austrian Alps. When cows return from their high summer pastures, locals celebrate with traditional dress, music, and food. The animals wear bells and flower crowns, and small parades make their way through towns. It is a cheerful, seasonal festival that draws both locals and visitors.

Tirol and Salzburg are two regions where these festivals are especially popular. Most towns add their own flair, whether that means a beer tent, folk dances, or craft markets. The event is free to attend. Just turn up and join in.

When: Mid-September to early October 2025

Steirischer Herbst – Graz

This is Austria’s most forward-looking cultural festival. Held in Graz, Steirischer Herbst focuses on new art, political theatre, installations, and modern performance. It is aimed at curious audiences and often brings challenging or experimental work into public spaces.

Events take place in galleries, parks, and sometimes unusual locations like empty storefronts or warehouses. While not everything is easy to understand, the festival tries to stay open to a broad audience. Even if you only catch part of it, you will likely see something unexpected or hear a perspective you hadn’t considered before.

When: September 18 to October 12, 2025

For more details, visit the official Steirischer Herbst page. 

Ganslzeit – Burgenland and Beyond

In November, roast goose appears on menus across Austria. This is Ganslzeit, a seasonal tradition tied to St. Martin’s Day. In places like Burgenland, where wine and food are central to local culture, restaurants and wineries serve goose with dumplings, red cabbage, and often chestnut stuffing.

It is more of a food season than a formal festival. If you are travelling at this time of year, you should not miss this. Inns, guesthouses, and wineries often advertise Gansl menus in advance. Book ahead if you can, as it can get busy among locals too. 

When: Around November 11, 2025

For more details, visit this website. 

Krampuslauf – Various Alpine Towns

Krampuslauf is one of Austria’s most intense winter traditions. Men dress as Krampus, a fearsome figure from alpine folklore, and parade through towns in early December. The elaborate costumes are usually handmade, featuring masks, horns, and large bells. The procession is noisy, theatrical, and unlike anything else you will likely see.

Towns like Salzburg and Schladming host well-known parades. While it might seem scary at first, the mood is festive, and families often attend together. Some towns combine the Krampuslauf with Christmas markets or concerts, so there is plenty to do beyond the main event. If you are in the Alps at the start of December, it is something you will not forget.

When: Early December 2025

Innsbruck Christmas Market – Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the best cities in Austria to enjoy the Christmas market. The main market stretches through the old town, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and historic buildings. There are wooden huts selling ornaments, gifts, mulled wine, and warm snacks. The Golden Roof and medieval facades make a perfect setting for holiday lights and music.

There are several other markets in different parts of the city: Maria Theresien Street, Market Square, and Hungerburg. The cosy weather, breathtaking landscape and festive energy make the Christmas markets in Innsbruck feel both lively and genuine.

When: Mid-November to December 23, 2025

For more details, visit the official Innsbruck page. 

Austria offers something for every type of traveller: wine weekends, music in historic halls, harvest parades, and cosy winter markets. If your trip overlaps with one of these events, it is worth making room in your itinerary. These festivals add colour and rhythm to Austria’s already rich cultural experience.