The Best Art Fairs, Festivals and Cultural Events in Vienna

Vienna stands as a vibrant cultural capital where tradition meets contemporary creativity. Throughout the year, the city plays host to an impressive array of art fairs, festivals, and cultural events that highlight its rich artistic landscape. From cutting-edge contemporary art fairs like Vienna Contemporary and Parallel Vienna to world-renowned festivals such as the Wiener Festwochen and Viennale, Vienna offers a dynamic calendar for art lovers and cultural explorers alike. Whether you're passionate about visual arts, literature, or film, this guide introduces you to the very best cultural experiences Vienna has to offer.

Art galleries, exhibitions

Check out our recommendations for the top museums and art galleries in Vienna on this page.

A good place online to check out what's going on in the art world in Austria is the viennacontemporary Magazine. They cover news, interviews, the latest scoop about the region's art scene and weekly round ups about opening exhibitions.

Art fairs, art festivals

Vienna Contemporary (Austria's international art fair)

11 – 14 September, 2025 | Messe Wien Halle D
Web: https://www.viennacontemporary.at/en/

Vienna Contemporary is Austria's premier international art fair, established in 2012. Held annually in Vienna, it showcases contemporary art from Central and Eastern Europe, featuring over 100 galleries and institutions. The fair includes curated exhibitions, artist talks, and special projects, fostering dialogue between artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate its diverse program and the opportunity to discover emerging talents alongside established artists. ​

Parallel Vienna

10th - 14th September, 2025
Web: https://parallelvienna.com

Parallel Vienna is an alternative art fair that transforms unconventional spaces into immersive art exhibitions. Founded in 2014, it aims to break away from traditional fair formats by presenting contemporary art in unique settings such as abandoned buildings and historical sites. The festival features site-specific installations, performances, and collaborations between artists and curators. Attendees enjoy the dynamic atmosphere and the chance to experience art in non-traditional environments.​

Art Vienna (International art fair)

September, 2025
Web: https://en.artvienna.org/

Art Vienna is an international art fair focusing on modern and contemporary art. Held annually in Vienna, it brings together galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world. The fair offers a platform for showcasing paintings, sculptures, and installations, with a special emphasis on Central European art. Visitors appreciate the high-quality artworks and the opportunity to engage with artists and gallerists in a professional yet welcoming setting.​

Art Austria (art fair)

8 - 11 May, 2025 | MuseumsQuartier Vienna
Web: https://www.art-austria.info/

Art Austria is an art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Austria and the surrounding region. Held annually in Vienna, it features a curated selection of galleries and artists, highlighting the rich artistic heritage and innovation of the area. The fair includes exhibitions, artist talks, and networking events, providing a comprehensive overview of the current art scene. Attendees value the focus on regional talent and the opportunity to discover new artistic voices.​

wikam: art and antiques fairs

Wiener Internationale Kunst & Antiquitäten Messen (wikam) is a series of art and antiques fairs held in Vienna.
www.wikam.at

Other interesting cultural events

Wiener Festwochen / Vienna Festival

16 May - 2 June, 2025 | different venues all over Vienna
Web: www.festwochen.at

The Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) is one of Europe's most prestigious cultural festivals, taking place annually in Vienna since 1951. Originally established to symbolize the city's post-war cultural revival, the festival has grown into a dynamic celebration of international theater, music, dance, and visual arts. Held every spring, the Festwochen showcases groundbreaking performances by renowned and emerging artists from around the world. Visitors can enjoy avant-garde theater productions, open-air concerts, interactive installations, and thought-provoking discussions across Vienna’s historic and modern venues. A highlight is the grand opening event at Rathausplatz, free to the public and attended by thousands. Loved for its innovative programming and cosmopolitan spirit, the Wiener Festwochen draws both locals and global art enthusiasts.

ORF Long night of museums / Lange Nacht der Museen

4th October, 2025 | throughout Austria
Web: https://langenacht.orf.at/

The ORF Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums and galleries across Austria open their doors from 6 pm to midnight. Initiated by ORF in 2000, it encourages cultural exploration by offering discounted admission to participating institutions. Special programs, guided tours, and workshops are organized throughout the night. Visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere and the chance to experience a wide range of cultural offerings in one evening. ​

Buch Wien - Book Fair Vienna

12 - 16 November, 2025 | VIECON - Vienna Convention and Congress Center Hall D
Web: https://www.buchwien.at/

Buch Wien is Austria's leading book fair, held annually in Vienna. It brings together publishers, authors, and readers to celebrate literature and promote reading culture. The fair features book presentations, author readings, panel discussions, and workshops, covering a wide range of genres and topics. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to meet authors, discover new books, and participate in literary events in a vibrant setting.​

Notable film festivals in Vienna

Film Festival at City Hall Square (Rathausplatz)

28 June - 31 August, 2025 | Rathasplatz, Wien
Web: https://filmfestival-rathausplatz.at/en/

The Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz is Europe’s largest cultural and culinary festival, held annually from late June to late August. It offers free admission to screenings of music films, operas, and concerts, accompanied by international cuisine from various food stalls. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy the combination of high-quality entertainment and diverse culinary delights in a picturesque outdoor setting. ​

Vienna International Film Festival (Viennale)

16 - 28 October, 2025
Web: https://www.viennale.at/en

The Vienna International Film Festival, known as Viennale, is Austria's most prestigious film festival, established in 1960. Held annually in October, it showcases a diverse selection of international films, including feature films, documentaries, and experimental works. The festival features retrospectives, tributes, and special programs, fostering a rich cultural exchange. Film enthusiasts appreciate the high-quality programming and the opportunity to engage with filmmakers and industry professionals. ​

Vienna Independent Film Festival (VIFF)

15 - 17 September, 2025
Web: https://www.vienna-film-festival.com/

The Vienna Independent Film Festival (VIFF) is an international film festival focusing on independent cinema. Held annually in July, it features screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the world. The festival encourages experimentation and individuality, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. Attendees enjoy the diverse program and the opportunity to discover innovative films that may not be seen in mainstream theaters. ​

Vienna Shorts Festival

27 May - 1 June, 2025
Web: https://www.viennashorts.com/en/

Vienna Shorts is Austria's largest short film festival, held annually in May. Founded in 2004, it showcases a curated selection of international short films, including fiction, documentary, and animation. The festival features competitions, retrospectives, and special programs, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers. Attendees appreciate the diverse and high-quality films, as well as the opportunity to engage with filmmakers and industry professionals in a dynamic setting. ​

dotdotdot - Openair Short Film Festival

27 July - 26 August, 2025
Web: https://dotdotdot.at/

dotdotdot is an open-air short film festival held annually in Vienna. The festival screens a curated selection of short films in outdoor venues, creating a unique cinematic experience under the stars. It features a diverse program of international films, including experimental and avant-garde works. Audiences enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to experience innovative films in a communal setting.

More film festivals in Austria

Web: https://www.austrianfilms.com/

Immerse yourself in culture

Vienna's diverse array of art fairs and cultural festivals reflects its enduring role as a hub of creativity and innovation in Europe. Each event, whether held in a grand hall or an outdoor plaza, contributes to a thriving artistic ecosystem that invites participation and discovery. For travelers, collectors, and locals alike, these gatherings offer unforgettable experiences, meaningful conversations, and deep engagement with the arts. With something for everyone, Vienna continues to inspire and connect through culture—making it a city that truly celebrates the power of artistic expression.