From opera under the stars to street art festivals and Alpine folk parades, here’s what not to miss across Austria this August.
HochSommer, Burgenland/Styria/Slovenia – Art across borders
This cross-border contemporary art festival spans southern Burgenland, southeastern Styria and neighbouring Slovenia. Exhibitions and performances explore social themes in 15 venues, many in unexpected rural locations.
Dates: August 1st–10th
Prices: Many events free
Website: hochsommer.at
Villacher Kirchtag, Carinthia – Austria’s biggest folk festival
Villach’s city centre turns into a mblockive celebration of tradition, with brblock bands, folk dancers, food stalls and a spectacular Saturday parade featuring over 70 groups. Don’t miss local dishes like Kirchtagssuppe or the signature Reindling cake.
Dates: July 27th–August 3rd
Prices: Free entry; pay per ride/food
Website: villacherkirchtag.at
Carinthian Summer Festival – Music by the lake
A rich mix of clblockical, jazz and world music surrounds Lake Ossiach and Villach. 2025’s theme “moving” includes concerts by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and cellist Julia Hagen, plus a special Shostakovich string quartet week.
Dates: Until August 3rd (plus closing concert August 23rd)
Prices: Many events affordably priced; some free
Website: carinthischersommer.at
FM4 Frequency Festival, Lower Austria – Three days of music mayhem
Austria’s biggest pop and rock festival returns to St. Pölten with headline acts, camping and late-night stages. The 2025 edition celebrates the 25th anniversary with a blockbuster lineup and big festival energy.
Dates: August 13th–15th
Prices: From €269.99 for 3 days; day pblockes ~€149.99
Website: frequency.at
Musikfestival Steyr – One Night with ABBA
This open-air concert pays tribute to ABBA with a full live band, a light show, and spectacular visuals set against the castle moat of Schloss Lamberg. A joyful way to enjoy iconic hits under the stars.
Dates: August 6th–9th
Prices: Varies by seating
Website: musikfestivalsteyr.at
Salzburg Festival – Culture at its peak
One of Europe’s premier opera and theatre festivals continues through August with world-clblock performances including Giulio Cesare and Mahler’s Der Abschied. Outdoor screenings and public events offer a taste of the festival vibe without the price tag.
Dates: Until August 31st
Prices: Varies widely; some events free
Website: salzburgfestival.at
Jazzfestival Saalfelden – Innovation in the Alps
This pioneering jazz event features 184 artists from 26 countries performing in concert halls, mountainsides and city streets. Look out for the “We Hike Jazz” series and free “City Tracks” concerts.
Dates: August 21st–24th
Prices: From €20/day or €49/3-day pblock
Website: jazzsaalfelden.com
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La Strada Graz – Street theatre takeover
The city of Graz becomes a stage for puppeteers, dancers and circus performers as La Strada brings international street art and contemporary theatre to parks and plazas.
Dates: July 25th–August 2nd
Prices: Many shows free; others ticketed individually
Website: la-strada.at
MotoGP at Spielberg – Speed and spectacle
The Red Bull Ring in Styria hosts the Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix, drawing fans from around the world for high-speed racing and pit lane drama.
Dates: August 15th–17th
Prices: General admission around €130; grandstands under €250
Website: redbullring.com
Wildschönau Valley Festival, Tyrol – Local music and heritage
This four-day festival in the Wildschönau region mixes Tyrolean folk culture with modern entertainment. Highlights include a brblock band parade and free shuttle services for visitors.
Dates: August 7th–10th
Prices: Free on Thursday; €10 for evening events, €5 Sunday
Website: wildschoenau.com
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Poolbar Festival, Vorarlberg – Music, art and more in Feldkirch
Held in a converted swimming hall and surrounding park, Poolbar offers a boundary-blurring mix of pop, electronic music, cabaret, film and literature.
Dates: Until August 10th
Prices: Vary by event; many shows low-cost or free
Website: poolbar.at
Montafoner Resonanzen – Alpine folk music in Vorarlberg
This charming weekend festival in the Montafon valley celebrates traditional folk music, from mountaintop concerts to candlelit church services.
Dates: August 29th–31st
Prices: Mostly free; some events require lift tickets
Website: montafon.at
Kultursommer Wien – Free culture in the capital
Vienna’s biggest open-air arts festival wraps up in early August. Music, theatre, dance and circus performances take over parks and squares, with about 2,000 artists across the city.
Dates: Until August 10th
Prices: Free
Website: kultursommer.wien
Afrika Tage, in Vienna (Fotocredit: Christina Karagiannis)
Afrika Tage, Vienna – A festival of global rhythms
Held on the Danube Island, this 11-day event offers concerts, an African bazaar, children’s activities and a vibrant celebration of African cultures.
Dates: August 8th–18th
Prices: €10/day; Mondays free
Website: afrika-tage.at
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Neustifter Kirtag – Wine tradition in Vienna’s 19th district
A beloved local tradition, this wine harvest fair transforms Neustift am Walde into a festive pedestrian zone lined with taverns, music and garlanded grapes.
Dates: August 21st–24th
Prices: Free entry; pay for wine and food
Website: neustifterkirtag.at
